The Alluring Abyssinian Cat

Get ready to meet the Abyssinian cat. The Abyssinian is a medium-sized cat with a long, nicely muscled body, and a ticked tabby coat giving it a wild cat look. This is an active cat that loves to jump and play. With their unique appearance and outgoing personalities, these cats have captured the hearts of many cat lovers around the world. So, let’s discover why they make such wonderful companions. 

History of the Abyssinian Cat Breed

The Abyssinian is one of the oldest breeds. But there are still questions concerning its actual origin.  Abyssinian cats resemble the paintings and sculptures of ancient Egyptian cats which portray an elegant feline with a muscular body, beautiful arched neck, large ears and almond shaped eyes. Abys today still retain some of  the jungle look of the African wildcat that is the ancestor of all our domestic cats.

The modern breed traces its foundation to a cat named Zula that a British army officer brought back to England after serving in an expedition to Abyssinia (now Ethiopia.) Genetic studies suggest that the actual origin of the Abyssinian cat is South East Asia. So likely the army officer who brought Zulu back from Africa had served in India or Ceylon and brought her to Abyssinia before returning with her to Britain. In the 1871 Crystal Palace Show, an Abyssinian cat took 3rd best. 

Related Post: History of Cat Shows

The Abyssinian cat breeding programs in America started in the 1930s with quality cats imported from Britain. Like most major breeds, the American programs kept the breed going during the World War. 

All the major cat fancy associations recognize the Abyssinian cat for titles. It is one of the most popular cats. In 2023, the Aby was the 7th most popular breed in CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association.)

The Abyssinian Breed Standard

The Abyssinian is a supermodel cat. Abys have a foreign body type. They are long, slender, sleek and graceful with dramatic markings and beautiful coloring. They are of medium build, and athletic. Abyssinians are intelligent and curious, they show interest in all the activities going on in their surroundings. An Aby should be physically with all elements of the cat in proportion. 

Head

The Abyssinian cat has a modified wedge shaped head with rounded contours. Their muzzle is not pointy or square. The chin is neither receding or protruding. Their brow, cheek and profile all show a gentle contour.  

Your Aby’s eyes should be green or gold; large, almond shaped, richly colored, and expressive. She looks like she is wearing eye makeup with a dark eye liner and a highlighter.

The most defining feature of an Abyssinian head is the ears. The ears are large, alert, moderately pointed and tipped. Her ears are widely set and arch forward, giving her an alert appearance. These cats don’t want to miss out on anything.

Dark lines extending from eyes and brows, cheekbone shading, dots and shading on whisker pads are all desirable enhancements to your Abyssinian cat’s appearance.

Body

These kitties are medium and balanced throughout. They should feel solid but not coarse. Proportion and general balance are more desirable than just size. Males weigh in at 8-10 pounds and females at 6-7 pounds. Their legs are slim and finely boned with small, oval, and compact paws. They give the impression of standing on tiptoe. The back arches slightly as if they are to spring forward into the action. The tail is thick and tapering, and as long as the body.

Coat and Color

The most distinguishing feature of an Abyssinian cat is definitely her coat. It has a soft, silky, and fine texture and is dense and resilient to the touch with a lustrous sheen. Abyssinians have a ticked tabby coat, with bands of color on each hair shaft. They should have a deeper shade, but the intensity of ticking is what counts. 

CFA accepts Abyssinians in ruddy, blue, fawn, and cinnamon. TICA (the International Cat Association) also includes chocolate and lilac. They should be unmarked on undersides, chest, legs and have a tail without rings. The tip of the tail should be the darker color. TICA also recognizes a silver division of Abyssinians that includes black-silver, cinnamon-silver, chocolate-silver, blue-silver, fawn-silver, and lilac-silver. In the silver varieties, the undercoat color is to be icy white, with ticking appropriate to the particular color, giving an overall sparkling silver effect.

Traits and Personality of the Abyssinian Cat

Abyssinian cats are curious, sensible, and loyal. They are full of fun and want to be involved in everything you do. This is one of, if not the most, intelligent breed of cat. They love to interact with their people and will be persistent in trying to get your attention. Abys are talkative cats, but are not loud.

These cats require a lot of mental stimulation and enrichment. A bored Abyssinian can create a lot of trouble. They shine in trick training. 

They are very athletic and love to climb, jump, run, leap, and explore. Abyssinians like to be up high and will climb to the highest point in your house.They do well in feline agility.

One of the cat fancy’s “dog in a catsuit” breeds, most Abys stay kitten-like throughout much of their life.

Health and Lifespan of the Abyssinian Cat

Abyssinian cats are genetically prone to some health issues. Potential problems to keep in mind when considering adopting this cat breed include:

• Abyssinians can develop anemia due to an enzyme deficiency (Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency) 
• Renal amyloidosis deposits protein in the kidneys which can lead to organ failure.
• The Abyssinian cat breed can suffer from progressive retinal atrophy, a genetic eye disorder can lead to blindness over time
• They can be prone to patellar luxation (knee dislocation)

It is possible to do DNA testing for pyruvate kinase deficiency and progressive retinal atrophy. Your breeder should be able to tell you whether or not your cat has the potential to be affected by these conditions.

How Long Do Abys Live?

Abyssinian cats average lifespan is 9-15 years old. With good care, they have been known to live into their late teens or early 20’s.

Care and Maintenance of Abyssinian Cats

The Abyssinian is a “wash and wear” cat. They have an easy-to-maintain, short coat. A weekly check over and polish with a bristle brush will suffice to eliminate dead hair. 

Bathe as needed, ideally starting when your Aby is a kitten. After bathing, pat down with a towel and leave the coat to “drip-dry” on its own. A pet cat may not need regular bathing at all while a show cat will get weekly baths.

The same nail trimming, ear cleaning and tooth brushing routines that work for other cats will be perfect for your Abyssinian too.

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Are Abys High Maintenance?

While an active cat, the Abyssinian is a relatively easy cat to have in your home. Abys love their people and other animals. They talk to you in a soft, quiet voice. They will play with their own toys but also enjoy interactive play. The Abyssinian is loving and affectionate, and loves to spend time with her people.

This intelligent, athletic breed should have some high perches and cat trees available to them so they can jump and climb. Food puzzles, trick training, and leash walks can provide needed enrichment.

Can Abyssinians Be Left Alone?

Abyssinians are social cats and like to have some company. This company can be provided by having another cat or pet around when human companions are not at home. This breed will not thrive if left alone for long periods of time.

Do Abyssinian Cats Make Good Pets?

Abyssinian cats would be a good pet for a family that is often at home. They are better suited to living with older children rather than toddlers. Abys live happily with other cats or even a dog. They make the perfect family cat. 

Do Abyssinian Cats Like To Be Held?

They like to be with you and involved in what you are doing but they prefer being active over roosting in a lap. They do not really like being picked up, held, or restrained. 

How Much Does an Abyssinian Kitten Cost?

An Abyssinian cat will cost you between $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the quality of the breeder, the litter, and the kitten’s potential. A well-structured show cat will cost you more than a pet quality cat. Be sure you work with a reputable, preservation breeder. Online scams unfortunately abound in the pedigreed cat world. 

Related Post: Want to learn about more cat breeds? Visit our Breed Profile Page

Summary

The Abyssinian cat is a unique breed with a striking appearance and a lively and affectionate personality. These cats make great companions for any household looking for an intelligent, personable, playful, but low-maintenance cat. They are perfect for both first-time cat owners and experienced feline lovers.