The Abyssinian is one of the oldest cat breeds. Abyssinians did not necessarily originate in Ethiopia, which was once called Abyssinia, as their name implies. The exact origins of the breed remain mysterious. Some speculate that the cats date back to the Egyptian pharaohs, a theory that is based on the images of similar cats that are depicted on tomb walls. Others have contemplated that the Abyssinian's roots came from the African wildcat. This is partially true because the African wildcat is the ancestor of all domesticated breeds of cats. The Abyssinian got its name from the British soldiers who returned home from the Abyssinian War of 1868 with a cat named Zula in tow. Initial efforts to develop the breed in Britain were wiped out during World War II. Only 12 of the cats survived the war, and these cats played the pivotal role to revive the breed and develop into today's Abyssinian. In 1935, the first Abyssinian was bred in the United States.
The Abyssinian is one of the oldest cat breeds, and has a medium-sized body with large pointed ears. They have dense, silky coats. Abyssinian cats look very much like wild cats. Their lithe, muscular bodies exhibit graceful and effortless movement. The smooth, silky coat is ruddy, blue, fawn or cinnamon in color, and the hairs are banded with darker shades for an overall ticked appearance. The Abyssinian has an angled face with almond-shaped eyes of green or gold. An Abyssinian weighs between 9 and 16 pounds.
Personality
The Abyssinian is a very active cat that has high energy levels. It is very playful, extroverted and sometimes silly. This cat breed loves to climb and explore its home. Its coat is unique and ticked, giving it the look of a wildcat. Abyssinian cats like being the only cat at home, but they do get along with dogs. While the Abyssinian is sociable, it is not content to be a calm lap cat. These cats are playful bundles of energy, performing acrobatic feats and entertaining antics throughout the day. The Abyssinian is extremely agile. It is able to scale the tallest bookcase in your home in one smooth leap. This spirited breed is inquisitive and intelligent, and it will insist on participating in every household activity. Abyssinians are vocal and will not be shy about demanding to be the center of attention. They crave the companionship of their human family members as much as possible, but they are also capable of finding their own amusements and mischief when they are left home alone. If you seek a feline friend that will amuse you daily with silly antics, shadow your every activity and perpetually seek out new ways to entertain, your life will never be dull when you share it with an Abyssinian. According to the Cat Fanciers Association's breed registry, Abyssinians remain among the top five most popular cat breeds in America.
Breed Characteristics
| Origin: | Egypt, ancient |
| Life Span: | 13 - 14 Years |
| Nicknames: | Abyssinia, Aby |
Abyssinian Build Information
The Abyssinian is one of the oldest cat breeds, and has a medium-sized body with large pointed ears. They have dense, silky coats. Abyssinian cats look very much like wild cats. Their lithe, muscular bodies exhibit graceful and effortless movement. The smooth, silky coat is ruddy, blue, fawn or cinnamon in color, and the hairs are banded with darker shades for an overall ticked appearance. The Abyssinian has an angled face with almond-shaped eyes of green or gold. An Abyssinian weighs between 9 and 16 pounds.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
The Abyssinian is a very active cat that has high energy levels. It is very playful, extroverted and sometimes silly. This cat breed loves to climb and explore its home. Its coat is unique and ticked, giving it the look of a wildcat. Abyssinian cats like being the only cat at home, but they do get along with dogs. While the Abyssinian is sociable, it is not content to be a calm lap cat. These cats are playful bundles of energy, performing acrobatic feats and entertaining antics throughout the day. The Abyssinian is extremely agile. It is able to scale the tallest bookcase in your home in one smooth leap. This spirited breed is inquisitive and intelligent, and it will insist on participating in every household activity. Abyssinians are vocal and will not be shy about demanding to be the center of attention. They crave the companionship of their human family members as much as possible, but they are also capable of finding their own amusements and mischief when they are left home alone. If you seek a feline friend that will amuse you daily with silly antics, shadow your every activity and perpetually seek out new ways to entertain, your life will never be dull when you share it with an Abyssinian. According to the Cat Fanciers Association's breed registry, Abyssinians remain among the top five most popular cat breeds in America.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
Abyssinians require little grooming. Occasional use of a grooming mitt will remove dead hairs and maintain the coat's glossy sheen. Brushing the cat's teeth three times a week will maintain optimal oral health and overall well-being.
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
Abyssinian Common Health Conditions
The Abyssinian lives an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. One genetic health condition to be aware of in this breed is pyruvate kinase deficiency, which leads to anemia. Renal amyloidosis is another genetic condition that has been observed in Abyssinians, leading to kidney failure.
Abyssinian Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
Get a Free Pet Insurance Quote
Breed Talents and Facts
The Abyssinian's origin remains mysterious, but the breed's development took place in Britain. The Abyssinian is also known as the Aby. The Abyssinian is an active, confident, curious and intelligent cat that demands attention and loves to play and participate in all household activities. An Abyssinian weighs between 9 and 16 pounds. The Abyssinian requires minimal grooming. The average lifespan for an Abyssinian is 12 to 14 years.