Known for its distinctive fur and its country-wide popularity,
the Abyssinian cat has become a happy addition to many homes, and seems
to be poised to arrive at many more.
Origins
While rumors of the Abyssinian commonly trace back to Ethiopia, this
cat's origins remain unclear. Genetic and DNA testing have traced this
popular breed to the Indian Ocean or even Egypt, although its name
originates from Ethiopia. Although its origins remain uncertain, the
breed was developed over time in Egypt, where it is believed the British
colonists purchased the distinct animal from traders. Wild versions of
the Abyssinian cat still roam the northern parts of Africa, and this
breed is said to date back potentially thousands of years.
Features and Characteristics
The Abyssinian cat is most notable for its coat. This distinctive
coat can be traced back to a single mutant gene known as the "ta". To
the touch, the hair is dense and extremely silky. Appearance, however,
is what set this cat's fur apart from the others. Each hair on their
bodies has multicolored bands surrounding it that compliment and
accentuate the single base color. There are many different color
variations within the Abyssinian community, and Abyssinian kittens
usually begin darker at birth before growing into their lighter, final
color as they mature.
The Abyssinian is also known for its large
and prominent ears, which always seem to be on high alert. The rest of
the head is wide and shaped like a wedge. The Abyssinian's tail is
longer than most other cat breeds as well, and it tapers to a very
narrow point at the end. Abyssinian cats are also surprisingly strong
and nimble which takes some owners by surprise since their bone
structure appears incredibly fine and dainty. They also commonly have
"frown lines" appearing above the bridge of the nose and the eyes which
most notably forms a very distinctive "m" shape.
Behavior and Temperament
You couldn't ask for a more intelligent and interactive breed.
Abyssinian cats are well-known for their curiosity and their playful
spirit, and they're very apt to learn quickly and easily. These cats are
not known for serious snuggle time - they're more often than not up and
about, constantly exploring their surroundings with a curiosity that is
usually breed-wide. Many Abyssinians are even known to play fetch when
given the opportunity.
These cats spend so much time interacting
and exploring their environment that they often don't receive the
affection and attention from their human companions that they need. They
can slip into depression when the interaction with humans is limited
and they need a lot of positive reinforcement and encouragement to
remain happy and stable inside their surroundings.
Health Concerns
Because Abyssinian cats are short-haired cats, they require very
little in terms of grooming so they are easily cared for. While they may
occasionally require a bath, it is not the norm. Brushing
semi-regularly may be advisable, and a regular brushing can accentuate
their unusual coats even further. Their teeth, however, need to receive
special care and it is highly suggested by veterinarians that they are
brushed more regularly than they are bathed. Although rare, Renal
Amyloidosis has also been found in certain Abyssinian cats, so having
their health (especially their kidney functions) checked regularly is
also advisable.
The Abyssinian cat is the perfectly suited cat to
practically any environment. By maintaining external stimulation and
engaging these intelligent and beautiful cats, you can guarantee a world
of entertainment for your cat and for your family.