Abyssinian Cat
Cat Facts
General Description
The Abyssinian cat is described as a medium sized, slender, long-limbed, fine-boned cat with a muscular, athletic body and long tail that tapers to the tip. They have athletic, well muscled long and slim legs and oval-shaped paws. In the standing position it looks as though they are standing on tip toe. The Abyssinian is a 'handsome' cat that has the grace and elegance of a Panther. They are regal-looking cats and as with most cats, the male is larger than the female.
The Abyssinian's head shape is described as a modified wedge and a distinguishing feature on the Aby is the 'M' fur marking on the forehead. These gorgeous cats have large, almond-shaped eyes and the eye color can be green, hazel or copper. Their large ears are alert, arched slightly forward (as though they are listening to every word) and the tips of the ears are slightly pointed and the base of the ear is cupped and broad.
Abyssinian Cat Colors
The Abyssinian cat breed has a short, shiny and lustrous coat. The fur is described as ticked which implies that the hair shaft has alternating dark and light stripes or bands. Its coat resembles that of the original African Wild cats. We will cover all the recognized colors accepted worldwide, but generally speaking there are 4 main colors: Ruddy Abyssinian This color is also called 'Usual' or 'Tawny' and refers to a Golden Brown (ruddy brown; burnt sienna) ground color and ticked with Black or Dark Brown. (Some people call it the red Abyssinian)
Sorrel Abyssinian This color is also referred to as a Rich Red (cinnamon or red copper) ground color with Chocolate-Brown ticking.
Blue Abyssinian The ground color is a Warm Beige color, ticked with shades of a Deeper Blue-Gray (slate-blue).
Fawn Abyssinian A Rose-Beige (light brown) ground color, ticked with a Deeper Fawn-color (i.e. light brown; cocoa brown)
Other recognized colors: Chocolate - Copper-Brown ground color; ticked Dark Chocolate Lilac - Dove-Gray ground color; ticked Deeper Gray Red - Apricot-Orange colored ground color; ticked Red Cream - Cream ground color; ticked Deeper Cream Silver - Silvery ground color, ticked Sorrel, Blue or Fawn
Abyssinian cats are not born with ticking, ticking usually appears once the Abyssinian kitten is around 6 weeks old. To ensure that your cat complies with the cat breed standards pertinent to your country, contact one the all breeds of cat governing bodies, associations, councils or federations in your region.
Abyssinian Cat Personality
Abyssinian kitties are active, curious, strongly independent, extrovert, friendly and confident. They are always busy and on the move. Abys enjoy playing with their cat toys and keep themselves amused for hours. Despite their liveliness, Abyssinians can be loving, gentle and affectionate cats. They are very sociable and dislike being left alone. They are devoted to their owners even to the point of being possessive. They prefer being in a household of adults and older children.
They are natural athletes, or should I say gymnasts and enjoy climbing their cat trees and of course every cupboard and shelf - very little is out of their reach! They are one of a few cats that love to participate in family activities and love the game of fetch - even if it means that you're doing the fetching. They train their owners very well!! This breed can be lead trained, which allows you to exercise your active friend as they do dislike being confined. The ideal setting for your Abyssinian is an enclosed yard where they can explore, hunt and exercise. Give them the space they desire. The Abyssinian - a mixture of wild beauty, intelligence, playfulness and loyalty - what more could you want!
Abyssinian Cat Breed Information
Are they Child Friendly? Yes, they are child friendly, but would do better with older children. Are they Animal Friendly? Yes, they do get along with other pets, but the athletic Abyssinian would probably prefer the company of dogs. What home would suit them best? These cats would not do well in an apartment where they are confined. They need an enclosed garden and space to exercise, hunt and explore. They are escape artists so you need to ensure that your garden is escape proof. It is preferable to have an enclosure (or cut run) that is covered on all 4 sides, including the roof. If your cat has direct access from your home to a large enclosure of this type it would be possible to allow access to the 'outdoors' Cat Grooming The good news is that Abyssinians are low maintenance cat breeds as they have a short coat and minimal undercoat. Whilst your Aby will do its own grooming, a weekly brush or comb will help to maintain a healthy coat. A rub with a chamois leather cloth or a silk scarf will give their ticked coat a beautiful shine. Cat Health The Abyssinian cat is a robust, healthy breed, but some pure breed lines may have hereditary health issues that could include: - Renal amyloidosis (which is a deposit of fibrils in the kidneys)
- Retinal atrophy (which causes impaired vision)
- Hypothyroidism, (under secretion of the thyroid hormone)
- Gingivitis (gum disease)
- Patellar luxation (a condition where the knee caps slip)
- Lysosomal accumulation neuropathy (neurological disease)
- Pyruvate kinase (which results in anemia)
It is always advisable to invest in health cat insurance for your pet and always purchase your Abyssinian cat or kitten from a reputable cat breeder. Cat Food The Aby does not require a special diet, but always buy the best cat food you can afford. For indepth information of cat food visit our cat nutrition pages. You do need to provide your kitty with fresh water daily. Milk should be given as an occasional treat only - many cats are lactose intolerant! How Much do Abyssinians Weigh? Obviously weights differ between male and female cats - males are heavier than the females. A healthy weight for these cats is between 4 - 7.5 kg (8.8 - 16.5 lbs) How long will my cat live? Once again this is difficult to determine as there are so many factors that can determine their life span. On average a healthy Abyssinian cat will live to between 9 -15 + years. Take a look at our chapter on 'how long do cats live' for ways on how to extend your cat's life.
* Before purchasing a cat, always do thorough research into the bloodlines and genetics of your cat and always buy from reputable cat breeders.
Related Pages: Abyssinian Kittens for Sale - cat breeders from around the world Abyssinian Pictures - a gallery of Abyssinian cat photos
Pictures of Abyssinian Cats Courtesy of: © Indigofish | Dreamstime.com - Ruddy Abyssinian © Theresa Fouche - Ruddy Abyssinian Kitten "Angelicat': Owner: Heila Brophy, Breeder: Gill Burman © Krissilundgren | Dreamstime.com - Sorrel Abyssinian © Theresa Fouche - Blue Abyssinian Kitten - Chantelle Heydenrych of Chenzira Cattery © Theresa Fouche - Fawn Abyssinian - Gill Burman of Sherada Cattery; Sp Pr Sherada Lu's Pink Floyd © Krissilundgren | Dreamstime.com - Silver Abyssinian
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