Cat
Pronunciation:
ae -bəˈsɪniən
Breed Description:
The Abyssinian breed of cat is the short-haired cat. The Abyssinian is a medium to large cat, regal in appearance. Males are proportionately larger than females. The Abyssinian breed of cat shows firm muscle tone. The coat of the Abyssinian has an iridescent quality reflecting warmth of color giving the impression of a colorful cat. Coat pattern is genetically a form of agouti ticking with even dark colored ticking contrasted with lighter bands of color. The evenness of the ticking and the lighter colored bands give a translucent effect. Although rarely seen today some Abyssinians may exhibit ear tufts, "thumb print" markings on the back of the ears or darker colored hocks.
Temperament:
The Abyssinians breed of cat is an extrovert; willful and intelligent. Abbysinians are usually not "lap cats". These cats absolutley love exploring and playing as they would in their natural habitat. Abyssinians are not often shown due to shyness towards strangers and a timid nature.
The Abyssinians breed of cats generally get along well with other cats. The Abyssinian do need their space and the females can sometimes be irritable around other cats. Abyssinians are known to be formidable hunters.
Health Problems:
The Abyssinians breed of cat is of sound health and vigor, physically well balanced, and amenable to handling.
Living Conditions:
Apartments with windows are great, they do love to exercise so space is great but they as well love to relax. Abyssinians need a great deal of contact with owners and family in order to stay happy and can get depressed without daily activity and attention.
Exercise:
The Abyssinians breed of cat is a very active, playful, and inquisitive breed.
Grooming:
The Abyssinians breed of cat have coats that are fine, resilient to the touch, and have a lustrous sheen. Their medium short hair enjoys brushing two times per week.
Origin:
There are many stories about the Abyssinians origins, of those the most popular revolve around Egypt due to the cats similarity to those in Egyptian sculpture and paintings, but the actual origins are uncertain. The name 'Abyssinian' refers to Ethiopia. Many genetic researchers have suggested the breed originated near the coast of the Indian Ocean. It was quite common for colonists to have purchased animals from wild animal traders. The Abyssinian was developed in the United Kingdom.
The Abyssinian has an interesting tale associated to this fascinating breed, the tale states that the Abyssinian originated from the female Egyptian kitten named Zula. The tale continues, Zula was brought from a port in Alexandria and brought to England by a British soldier. Currently the tale has no solid link between Zula and the kitten first listed in 1882 as an Abyssinian. 