Abyssinian cats and male cats
Abyssinian cat The Abyssinian is a stunning creature, delighting the eye with its elegance. Long, strong, muscular paws. Large, rounded ears. Almond-shaped eyes, seemingly outlined with eyeliner. And of course, the coat—short, close-lying, and a very unusual ticked pattern. Each strand is divided into three color sections, lighter at the base and darker at the tips, creating a rich, lustrous effect. This is the Abyssinian cat.
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History of the breed
It is believed that the Abyssinian cat's ancestors were wild African cats that once inhabited the forests of Abyssinia (Ethiopia). But this is only one theory. According to another, Abyssinians have Asian roots. Still others believe that this exquisite cat came to us from Egypt, where it was an object of worship. None of these theories has yet been confirmed, but perhaps time will fill in the current historical gaps.
The first breed standard was established in 1889, and since then much has changed, including colors.
Appearance and standards
Abyssinians are elegant, medium-sized cats with distinctive markings. Tall, strong, and muscular, they are well-balanced physically and emotionally.
Head and muzzle
The head is shaped like a modified wedge with smooth lines. The forehead is well-filled and broad. The stop to the nose is distinct but without a crown. The muzzle is rounded, with a broad chin. The ears are large, open, set wide apart, and very wide at the base. The eyes are large, expressive, and almond-shaped. They must be outlined with a dark rim, surrounded by a lighter color.
Body, paws, tail
The body is flexible and medium in length. Muscles are well defined. The legs are proportional and compact. The tail is fairly thick at the base and long.
Wool
Abyssinians have a shiny, fine coat with virtually no undercoat. It feels dense and springy to the touch and lies close to the body. The coat is zonal: two or three rings of color alternate with a lighter tone.
Colors
There are four officially recognized colors for the breed:
- Wild (usual) – black ticking on a reddish-brown background;
- Blue (blue) – grey-blue ticking on an apricot background;
- Faun (fawn) – beige-pink ticking on a rich ivory background;
- Sorrel (sorrel) – cinnamon-colored ticking on a bright apricot background;
There are two more options: lilac and chocolate, but these shades are not recognized by all clubs.
Character
Abyssinian cats have a balanced character and a keen intelligence. These cats are sociable, affectionate, and inquisitive, with a lively, active, and emotional nature. Some members of the breed can be overly independent or vindictive, but these qualities are usually the result of a lack of attention and improper training.
Abyssinian cats are absolutely not suitable for busy or inactive people, as well as those who love peace and quiet.
The Abyssinian cat is very energetic. She's so busy during the day that she barely even gets a decent night's sleep. She needs everything: constantly patrolling her territory, playing with her personal belongings, toys, and other things not intended for that purpose, keeping an eye on her owners' activities and everything going on outside the windows. All of this must be done constantly, so sleep is out of the question. During all of these activities, the Abyssinian cat is forced to display maximum intelligence and resourcefulness. Many owners are amazed at her resourcefulness.
Abyssinian cats are often called "cat clowns" because of their love of play and antics. And with this breed, you're guaranteed to be a clown. Abyssinians also absolutely adore being outdoors. They're capable of escaping or insistently demanding to be let out. Therefore, it's a good idea to train your cat to walk on a leash from puppyhood. Abyssinians are easy to learn, allowing owners to make minor behavioral adjustments or even toilet training.
It's safe to say that you won't get bored with an Abyssinian cat; they're not meant to be used as interior decoration. They're an active companion and a participant in all sorts of fun and mischief.
Maintenance and care
This breed is unmatched in terms of playfulness. Cats instantly engage in play, and it's one of their favorite activities. So, if you don't want your little one chasing you all day long or finding her own entertainment (which isn't the best idea), build your Abik a play structure and buy plenty of cat toys.
Abyssinian cats are easy to groom. It's recommended to brush them once a week with a special brush. They generally enjoy bathing, and if not enthusiastically, they do so patiently. The key is to associate the experience with something pleasant, such as affection from their owners and a treat at the end, perhaps even a game of catch-the-drip.
It's best not to trim your cat's claws, as this deprives an energetic cat of their primary support and safety during jumps or runs. However, scratching posts are essential, otherwise the sofa will replace them.
Cohabitation with other animals
It's difficult to predict an Abyssinian's behavior in this regard. They often get along well with other cats and dogs. They'll immediately show others who's boss, and if the neighbor doesn't covet their occupied territory, life will be peaceful. Birds and small rodents are more difficult to deal with; for the playful Abyssinian, they often become prey, and soon become desired prey.
Reviews of the breed
After analyzing a couple dozen reviews, we can draw fairly objective conclusions about this Abyssinian breed, and it's worth noting that they're not for everyone. Most reviews are quite positive, but there are some aspects that may be unacceptable for many families.
A comprehensive and helpful review of the breed from an Abyssinian owner:
And one more opinion from the owner:
Let's highlight the main qualities that are most often mentioned by Abyssinian cat owners:
- Cats are hyperactive and inquisitive, they need to be involved in all family activities and often follow their owner around with their tail:
- They are not "tame" and do not like to sit in your arms for long periods of time.
- Their restless nature and love of games and heights make them real hooligans. Especially at a young age, they cause considerable damage to the apartment (tearing curtains, breaking glass, damaging houseplants, uprooting and breaking flowerpots, tearing up furniture, etc.);
- When playing, they can bite or scratch painfully;
- There are usually no problems with litter training and bathing.
- Very picky about food;
Feeding Features
Abyssinians are very picky eaters, but they need to get all the essential nutrients, so breeders often recommend choosing a good super-premium or holistic dry food.
It's also important to remember that this breed is highly active, so the nutritional value of the food should reflect this. Almost every line offers special food for active indoor cats. It's recommended to feed a piece of raw, frozen meat (rabbit, turkey, or beef) once or twice a week.
If your pet is spayed or neutered, you can choose an appropriate diet, but due to the animal's high energy, low-calorie diets are usually not necessary.
Health
Abyssinian cats have weaknesses in their gums, kidneys, and eyes. They are prone to gingivitis (gum inflammation) and tartar buildup. A genetic predisposition to a disease called renal amylodiosis, which can eventually lead to kidney failure, has been noted. Other hereditary problems include PK-dependent anemia and retinal atrophy.
Abyssinians are a precocious breed, reaching sexual maturity as early as 4-5 months, which is neither uncommon nor abnormal. Their average lifespan is 13-14 years.
Choosing an Abyssinian kitten and its price
Kittens from nursery With a good pedigree, prices start at 15,000 rubles. If you buy a puppy without papers or pet-classed (meaning they're not intended for show or breeding for some reason), the price drops by half, ranging from 8,000 to 10,000 rubles. Puppies born to hobbyists (without papers) sometimes sell for 1,000 to 5,000 rubles, but these are often mixed-breeds.
Photos of Abyssinian cats and kittens of different colors:
Video review of the Abyssinian cat breed:
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