Mary Allen
The adventurous Abyssinian is no sleepy sofa lion. She needs action! However, if you give her enough exercise, you will gain a loving and intelligent feline friend for life. Find out everything about the Abyssinian cat breed here.
Abyssinian cats are among the most popular pedigree cats among cat lovers. Here you will find the most important information about the Abyssinians.
Origin of the Abyssinians
The first Abyssinian cat was brought to Great Britain when the colonial troops left Abyssinia (today in the East African states of Ethiopia and Eritrea). Matings with British domestic and pedigree cats were carried out to avoid inbreeding. As early as 1871, an Abyssinian cat was exhibited at the famous Crystal Palace exhibition in London. It was precisely at this time, at the end of the 19th century, that a new hobby had been discovered in England. They devoted themselves to cat breeding and such an interestingly patterned specimen as the Abyssinian was of course a special object of desire.
The Appearance Of The Abyssinians
The Abyssinian is a medium-sized, muscular and lean cat that appears lithe. She is often referred to as the “mini puma”. The head is wedge-shaped and of medium length with soft, graceful contours and a gently rounded forehead. Abyssinian ears are large and broad at the base, with the tips slightly rounded. Their legs are long and sinewy and rest on small oval paws.
Coat And Colors Of The Abyssinians
The Abyssinian’s fur is short and fine. What is special about Abyssinian cats is that each individual hair is banded several times. This gives the impression of an almost unmarked cat. Two or three bands of color on each dark-tipped hair are preferred (ticked tabby). Only the typical eye framing and an “M” on the forehead still clearly indicate the existing tabby markings.
Today Abyssinians are bred in the following colors: Wild colors (also called “Ruddy”), Sorrel and their dilutions Blue and Fawn. These colors also come in combination with silver, which significantly changes the color impression. Abyssinians are also bred in chocolate, lilac, and cream. However, these colors are not recognized in all clubs.
The Abyssinian eye color is pure, clear, and intense amber, green or yellow. In addition, the eyes of the Abyssinians are outlined in the color of the ticking.
The Temperament Of The Abyssinians
The Abyssinian is a spirited cat breed. She is curious, playful, and intelligent. In addition, the Abyssinian is a lightning-fast hunter when given the opportunity. Always curious and playful, she is not suitable as a single cat for working people. You should definitely treat her to at least one very temperamental fellow cat if you cannot gear your whole life to the needs of such a whirlwind.
Keeping And Caring For The Abyssinians
An Abyssinian cat needs adequate living space and plenty of activity. As a single cat, it is only suitable to a limited extent. Many Abyssinians like to fetch and are persistent, and these clever short-haired cats are also a step ahead when it comes to intelligence toys. Of course, a perfect Abyssinian area also takes into account the climbing needs of the little athletes. If the Abyssinians have chosen you as their favorite person, you have a new shadow. The Abyssinian cat wants to be present everywhere because there could be something exciting to discover.
Due to its nature, the Abyssinian is not a breed of cat that is so easily kept on the side. She is a clingy family member who makes demands on you when it comes to employment. A household with children who have learned how to handle cats suits the playful Abyssinian just fine and she doesn’t mind a cat-friendly dog either. The main thing is that something is going on and she doesn’t have to be alone.
When it comes to grooming the Abyssinians, the owner really has it easy. The short, fine coat has a little undercoat and dead hair is removed if brushed regularly with a rubber curry comb or by hand.