BREED - ABYSSINIAN

Although his exact origins have not yet been determined, the Abyssinian is one of the oldest breeds. Is he native to Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) the origin of his name? Yet, because he resembles the sacred cat of Ancient Egypt, the legend that he comes from the banks of the River Nile still persists to this day. However, the existence of ticked coat cats found in India and Asia would suggest Asian origins. A first Abyssinian – a cat with a ticked coat similar to that of the hare - would have been brought from Ethiopia to Great Britain in 1868 by Marshal Sir Robert Napier.

With his typical feline beauty, the Abyssinian could compare to a miniature puma; he is above all effervescent and vivacious as well as smooth tempered and active showing lively interest in all surroundings. Even if he is a good companion and appreciates human company, do not expect him to stay on your lap for a long time for he is a high energy cat constantly in motion. Outgoing, elegant and dynamic, he loves playing and finding new ways to get your attention.

With a modified wedged head and ears slightly larger than other cats, the Abyssinian has a remarkable physique. His very expressive and brilliant almond shaped eyes are of gold, green and amber color. Medium in size, the Abyssinian is a very elegant cat and has a short and thick coat displaying 5-6 colored bands known as ticking. Each hair has alternating light and dark colored bands with a darker tip similar to that of the hare. The recognized coat colors are: Ruddy with black tipping, Sorrel with red tipping, Blue with blue tipping and Fawn with cream tipping. The greater the number of colored bands the deeper the color.

>> Click here for the breed standard.