ABYSSINIAN: PLAYFUL NATURAL ATHLETES

The almost translucent "ticked" coat pattern of this breed, is due to a sngle gene that gives each hair a number of dark bands, evenly dispersed against a lighter background.  The striking appearance of the Abyssinian cat is increased as well by the often caracal-like-tufts of the ears (Bruce Fogle, DVM,Catalog).

Abyssinians are vocal and active cats, demanding the attention of their people, and climbing whatever is available, curtains, people, trees and fences.  These athletic cats become very attached to their caretakers, and make their presence known.  Simlar to some dog breeds, the Abyssinian genetic makeup sometimes leads to retinal atrophy, a condition of blindness.

APPEARANCE

Abyssinians are produced in a number of ticked tabby colors, including ruddy, red, blue, fawn, chocolate, sex-linked red, lilac, cream, chocolate tortie, cinnamon torie, blue tortie, lilac tortie, fawn tortie.  The cat's silver tabby ticked pattern also comes in all standard ticked tabby colors.  The coat is close-lying, fine, but not soft.

The Abyssinian head has a face that is a wedge, and a slight nose break is seen in profile.  Its eyes are rounded, almond-shaped, and green, hazel, or amber.  It ears are large and cupped withtufted tips, and its nose and chin align vertically.  The cat has a body that is medium sized and muscular.  The legs are slender, elegant, and moderately long, and the tail is the same length as the body, gently tapering (Bruce Fogle, DVM, Catalog).

BREED HISTORY

The Abyssinian obtains its name from Abyssinia, now Ethiopia.  Within the dry, sun-scorched habitat of North Africa, the cat's ticking pattern serves as the perfect camouflage.  After the Abyssinian War in 1868, the founding cats were brought from there to Britain.  Due to the presence of some very similar ancient Egyptian feline images, it is believed the "ticked" pattern mutation occurred thousands of years ago.  The breed was accepted in 1882, but almost extinct in Britain by the early 20th century.  By the 1930s, it was established in the United States and France, and today it is most popular in North America.  Breed standards vary internationally, with European Abys having a more foreign shape and wider range of colors (Bruce Fogle, DVM, Catalog).

PERSONALITY AND CARE

Abyssinian cats require very little grooming.  While they are sometimes quiet, they are very gregarious and active animals.