Origin
Ethiopia
Lifespan
9–15 years
Weight
3–5 kg
Group
Shorthair
Personality
Colors & Patterns
Ruddy (Usual) · Sorrel (Red) · Blue · Fawn
Abyssinian
About This Breed
The Abyssinian is a breed of domestic short-haired cat with a distinctive ticked tabby coat. Each hair is banded with different colours. The breed is named after Ethiopia (formerly Abyssinia), and is one of the oldest known breeds. They are highly active, curious, and love to play. Abyssinians are often called 'clowns of the cat kingdom' because of their playful, kitten-like behaviour that persists throughout adulthood.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Abyssinian
Origin
| Origin | Ethiopia |
| Group | Shorthair |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 3–5 kg |
| Lifespan | 9–15 years |
| Colors & Patterns | Ruddy (Usual) · Sorrel (Red) · Blue · Fawn |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Active · Playful · Curious · Independent · Intelligent |
Usually active. Make time for play, exercise, and activities that keep it interested.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Usually needs relatively little coat care. Brush as needed for its coat and shedding.
Usually sheds relatively little. Low shedding does not mean an animal cannot cause allergies.
Living together
Often adjusts to changes fairly well, though a gradual introduction still helps.
Often gets along with children, but an adult should still supervise their time together.
Often gets along with other pets. Introduce them gradually rather than assuming they will be friends.
Health and lifespan
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
Offer places to climb, hide, scratch, and rest. Try different toys to see what your cat enjoys.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
About the Breed
Sociable and super-inquisitive, the Abyssinian is not only one of the oldest of all cat breeds, but one of the most intelligent. Once thought to be descended from the hunting cats shown in ancient Egyptian tomb paintings, this elegant, colorful cat is extremely active and playful. If not provided with a sufficient supply of acceptable toys, the Abyssinian is fully capable of devising its own. Friendly and extremely affectionate, the Aby is a loving companion who may settle in your lap for a moment but given its high activity level, it’s unlikely to stay there for long.
Breed History
Since Ethiopia was formerly called Abyssinia, you might assume the Aby’s name reflects African origins. Not at all! The name only indicates that the first Abys who were exhibited at shows in England happened to be imports from Ethiopia. Despite its resemblance to cats in ancient Egyptian art, genetic research has established that the breed originated in the coastal areas of the Indian Ocean and in Southeast Asia, and was likely brought back to England by returning soldiers. The first Abyssinian to be seen at a cat show was “Zula,” who was at the Crystal Palace show in England in 1871. Abys were brought to the United States in the early 1900s and were one of the original breeds registered by CFA in 1906.
Character & Temperament
Indomitable problem-solvers and intensely curious about everything, the Aby leaves no inch of its environment unexplored and is constantly on the move—unless asleep! Because of this high activity level, the average Aby may not be a long-term lap snuggler, but that does not mean that they won’t seek out attention and affection. If it is not provided, they may reach out with a gentle paw to request it. Abys love their owners, their toys (which can be anything) and all food. The Aby’s activity level makes it an excellent choice for families with children, who will enjoy engaging it with toys and hunting games. Well-socialized Abys are comfortable with changing environments and may even enjoy going out in public on a harness. They are fond of high places and should be offered perches from which to survey their domains. They do not like to be left alone for long, so quieter homes may want to acquire two instead of one. Not particularly talkative, Abys excel at communicating their desires to their owners without the accompaniment of much noise.
Physical Appearance
The Abyssinian is a colorful cat. The dense, resilient coat glows with color, due to the bands of ticking that mark each individual hair and create the breed’s characteristic “wild” look. Physically, this is a medium-sized short haired cat with a beautifully arched neck and a lithe yet muscular feel. Abys look like they are standing on tip-toe. The large, cupped ears, facial markings, and expressive, almond-shaped eyes add the finishing touches. Most popular in ruddy, a burnished red-brown, the Aby can also be found in three other colors: cinnamon, blue and fawn.
Grooming
Abys require very little in terms of grooming, but should be combed or brushed a few times per month to control shedding. A gentle rub with a chamois cloth on a dry coat will smooth it down and add a beautiful sheen. Baths are generally not needed unless the cat is being shown; in this case, consult your breeder for bathing procedure and product recommendations.
Life at home
Thanks to innovations in genetic testing, Abyssinian breeders are now able to easily remove carriers of an inherited disease that once caused anemia from their gene pool. Some are also instructing kitten buyers on how to brush their cat’s teeth to prevent dental issues such as gingivitis. With this commitment to protecting their cat’s health, today’s breeders are assuring a bright future for their breed.
Breed Overview
Abyssinian cats, also known as Abys, have a striking resemblance to the cats depicted in ancient Egyptian murals. They have almond-shaped eyes, perky ears, and a slender build. Some people believe Abyssinians are the direct descendants of these revered ancient cats, while others suggest they originated in what is now Ethiopia and journeyed alongside British soldiers to England, according to the Abyssinian Cat Club. All Abyssinian cats have an agouti coat, which means each strand of hair flaunts multiple colors: a dark band, a light band, and a dark tip.
Care Guide
Abys are medium-size kitties who stand 8–10 inches tall and weigh 8–12 pounds. They’re loyal, intelligent, and energetic. While they require plenty of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, they’re also relatively easy to care for and don't require a lot of grooming. This makes Abyssinians a good choice for first-time pet parents.