Abyssinian
This elegant looking cat has a slender, sleek body with distinctive tufted ear tips. They are medium-sized with short, silky coats. Abys are considered to be one of the most loyal breeds and revel in spending time in your company. With their round heads and pint-sized paws, Abys are equally elegant and cute!
Other Names
Abys, Bunny cat
Country of Origin
Abyssinia
Colour
Ruddy, sorrel, blue or fawn. No so common are tortoiseshell, red, cream, chocolate and lilac. There are also Silver Abyssinians.
Cost
Size
Medium
Health
Prone to a few hereditary diseases including: Progressive Retinal Atrophy, kidney disease, neurological storage disease, stress-related disorders.
Life Span
11-14 years
Intelligence
Abys are quick and eager to learn.
Suitability (Children)
Low
Feeding
Abys do not require a special supplements and can be fed a typical cat diet.
Feeding Cost
Hair Shed
Little
Ailments
Prone to a few hereditary diseases including: Progressive Retinal Atrophy, kidney disease, neurological storage disease, stress-related disorders.
Grooming Requirements
Once a week
As one of the oldest known breeds, the Abyssinian is believed to have originated in Egypt where artworks have been alleged to resemble the breed. Their name derives from Abyssinia, now known as Ethiopa. Abys are reminiscent of the African Felis lybica cat of which all domestic cats are descendants of. The breed was believed to have reached British shores after the Abyssinian War of 1868. As there are no written sources concerning the Abyssinian origin of this breed, British sources claim they are a result of crossbreeding silver and brown tabbies with a native ticked cat called the British “Bunny”. There is also evidence of Indian and South East Asian Roots, with a taxidermal exhibit purchased around 1834-1836 in the Leiden Zoological Museum of Holland labelled to be from domestic India. They are now recognised as intelligent cats who like to be companions and show cats but are not necessarily lap cats.
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