Abyssinian Cat | Breed Information, Personality, and Care Guide
Abyssinian cat is among the oldest breeds of cats and is most easily recognizable by its beautiful fur and very playful nature. The Abyssinian’s sleek, muscular body and unique “ticked” fur coat make this breed a cat that has been referred to as stately and foreign. This breeds of cats are playful and inquisitive, thus will be suitable for anyone who wants to fully involve themselves with their pet. In this article, we’ll cover the history of the Abyssinian cat breed, as well as its physical attributes and needs as a pet.
History of Abyssinian Cat
The history of the Abyssinian cat is somewhat unknown and Clouded with some enigma. Its origins are not exactly known, but what is generally understood that this breed is one of the first domestic cats in the world. There are theories that Abyssinians were taken from Ethiopia, formerly known as Abyssinia, and their coat pattern looks like that of the African wild cat. Another theory is a more ancient Egyptians developed the breed, as some of these cats look similar to the paintings found in Egypt.
Wherever they originated from, Abyssinians have become a favorite breed in the Western world in the late 19th century and are today amongst the most popular breeds in the entire world. Due to their looks and behavior preferring, they are different from other domestic cats.
Classification of Abyssinian Cat
The Abyssinian is recognized as a short haired, medium sized cat with close lying sleek muscles. They have an athletic incorporated body type and a beautiful sleek face which helps them to be elegant. The most outstanding characteristic of the Abyssinian is the so-called ‘ticking’ associated with its coat. Every hair is Twizzled about various colours and they blaze through different colours in a way that gives the cat a luminescence feel when he/she walks.
Their large luminous almond-shaped eyes and large pointy ears are also part of this somewhat wild exotic look. Abyssinians are well known for their high activity, nimbleness and curiosity, so they are good climbers and explorers. They require socialization and also enjoy participating in whatever quest their human devoted owners are pursuing.
By Purpose
For many years the Abyssinian cat was bred solely for the purpose of being a pet. Despite the fact that Abyssinians possess wild appearance they are domestic cats that can participate in family activities. Because of their playful and friendly nature they have been taken as pets and are often referred to as cat-like ‘dogs’ because of their obedience and ease of training. Abyssinians are also known for being intelligent, like solving puzzles, a trick, or playing with an owner.
By Size
Abyssinians are believed to be a medium cat breed and often weight ranges from 6 to 10 lbs. Boys are sometimes slightly bigger than girls. However, they are not so bulky and are fairly shaped, having traits of muscularity and sportive physiology. Abyssinians are very active and like to exercise leaping, climbing and scampering over the furniture. They are small in size and therefore can extend their exploration capacity and ability to maneuver in confined spaces in the house.
Most Popular Abyssinian Cat
One of the reasons for this breed’s popularity is their coat, which is different from Abyssinian cats. They have a smooth coat and can be of different color however they are mainly ruddy, red, blue or fawn in color. These colors are all examples of the ticked pattern that endows the Abyssinian with its characteristic sheen. Of all the varieties of the Abyssinian, the ruddy Abyssinian is the most familiar; it has a reddish-brown undercoat with darker striping.
The most popular color is the ruddy one, but other colors are also valued by the fans, and each color looks different. Abyssinians are loved for general tidiness and activity, and the beautiful look of their eyes impresses even those who consider themselves experts in the field of feline breeding.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Abyssinian Cat
Activity Level: Abyssinians are active and have a lot of playful tendencies and should be mentally and physically engaged. Finally, they do not like being left alone for a long time or if their owner cannot devote as much time to the cat or other pets. Nevertheless, the Abyssinian is suitable for active families or those people who like to play with their pets.
Socialization: Abyssinians are sociable cats and they need interaction and as much attention as they can get. They like all eyes on them and are often said to have a strong affection towards the people they live with. If you want a cat that will be active and play with you then an Abyssinian cat is perfect.
Grooming Needs: Abyssinians are cats with short hair that doesn’t require much attention, however it still needs to be groomed. This way, weekly brushing will aid at removing loose hair and reduce cases of matted hair during the shedding seasons. Abyssinians are also known as being quite clean, and will groom themselves extensively.
Health: Abyssinians like most other cat breeds are relatively healthy with some of the genetic diseases being progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and gingivitis. Abyssinian needs to be taken for a vet check-up often; should be fed well on a balanced diet, and should have proper oral hygiene.
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For Sale
For information on Abyssinian cats for sale, Petfinder is a good place for finding listings. This site assists in linking the potential owners to the breeders and the shelters that have Abyssinians for sale or adoption. There are many cats for adoption – both kittens and adult cats – and you should always check on the health of the cat you are going to take home. To learn more about the Abyssinian cats and the shelters that offer them, go to Petfinder.
Tips for Responsible Abyssinian Ownership
Regular Playtime: Abyssinians are very active and they enjoy playing. See that your Abyssinian has interactive toys, climbing trees and can have a workout to enable them explore. This breed is quite an active breed and will happily engage in games such as-fetch, puzzle challenge toys and even agility exercises.
Health Monitoring: Make sure to monitor your Abyssinian’s health especially their eyes and their teeth. Annual checkups should not be dismissed because an early sign of a disease such as PRA or gingivitis may be evident and may lead to other complications.
Social Engagement: Abyssinians love interaction, therefore be sure that you can set time to spend with them frequently. This breed likes to be engaged and played with therefore do not leave them lonely for long.
Environmental Enrichment: As for the character of Abyssinians, they are curious and intelligent and are, therefore, likely to run around. Make sure your house is secure for them to prowl around and maybe consider purchasing cat furniture such as trees or shelves or even an enclosed yard where they can view wildlife.
Fun Facts About Abyssinian Cats
Abyssinians are said to resemble what is referred to as mini leopards due to their wild looks and activity level.
The breed is one of the first domestic cats to be bred and is believed to be derived from the cats depicted in the hieroglyphs of ancient Egypt.
Abyssinians are usually intelligent and these cats can easily be trained to perform tricks or obey commands. Most Abyssinians are fond of games which are not common to other breeds including the game of fetch.
These cats are extremely active and should be kept busy, otherwise, they will create havoc or cause damages.
FAQs About Abyssinian Cats
Conclusion
The Abyssinian cat is a very stunning cat breed that needs to be kept busy and stimulated. Abyssinian is a beautiful breed with a ticked coat, intelligent and playful; however, it requires someone who will be willing to deal with its high energy levels. If you are an active person, a family with children or just want to have a friendly and curious cat the Abyssinian breed is just for you. If this wonderful breed is given the right care, attention and stimulation, they will provide lots of happiness and fun to your household.