Abyssinian Cats

Behavior
The Abyssinian cat breed is intelligent, extremely active, loyal and very affectionate.

Colors and Patterns:
Abyssinian cats are mostly red, brown and ivory shades.

Abyssinians are very elegant, medium-sized cats, proud-looking with strong, agile bodies and long, slender legs. Their eyes are large and almond-shaped. They have round, wedge-shaped heads with ears that are set far apart and come to a peak. Their paws are small and oval. Their tails are rather long, broad and then thinning to a point.

For people who are looking for a taste of the wild kingdom and want an active, independent, and loving pet the Abyssinian cat may be just right. This ancient breed is a mischievous and spirited shorthair cat. They have radiant colorful coats, and can provide years of pleasure to any family. It is not a mystery as to why people who have once had this breed often will not choose anything else as a pet. Hence, this breed, which was one of the most admired breeds of cats during the 20th century, is continuing in popularity.

"The Child of the Gods", this is what the Abyssinian cat is known as. Legend has that it this cat has descended from the scared cats worshiped in Ancient Egypt.

Some believe that the "Aby" or Abyssinian cat breed originated on the coast of the Indian Ocean. The most common assumption, however, is that British soldiers discovered these stately cats in North Africa in the 1860's during the Abyssinian War. It is thought that they were brought back to England at this time.

According to most records, Zula was the first Abyssinian to reach England. Zula (named for the place where British troops landed in Abyssinian) was given to a British soldier's wife. Zula and cousins were bred with other cats that had similar markings. Ta Da! the Abyssinian breed came about. The breed was officially recognized in 1882.

Introduced into the United States in the early 1900's, Abyssinians are now one of the most popular of all breeds of cat. They are often one of the most expensive cats probably due to their small size and litters are mostly males. Maybe the price is justified...what other cat do you know that can claim their birthright lineage descent from the Egyptian goddess of cats?

The lifespan of the Aby is about 9 - 15 years.

The coat is rather easy to care for. All you need to do is brush the coat periodically and then use polish with a moist chamois leather to bring out the shine.

They are intelligent and curious. One of it's traits is being cautious. It is very loyal, and becomes extremely attached to it's family. (in fact, it will pout if separated from their company).

The male will normally abide other cats well, however the female may be a little bristly as it desires to be the only cat in the family. Both the male and female form zealous attachments to dogs.

It's best that Abyssinian cats live in a home where it's owners are home most of the time. The worst thing you can do to an Aby is deprive it of your company. Also, it hates being confined, so give it plenty of room.

Abyssinian cats are not a great talkers, but will still let you know precisely what they desire. It's a good climber, and loves high places and especially trees. It's playful and inquisitive, but also wise enough not to dash into situations foolishly. After a sporting time it will be most content to sit on your lap to being petted, stroked and given the attention it deserves.