Abyssinian Kittens
Abyssinian History
Abyssinian cats are one of the oldest known breeds worldwide, however the history of this unique animal continues to be a debated issue. The appearance of the Abyssinian is extremely similar to drawings, sculptures and prints from those produced by ancient Egyptians, which suggests this type of cat has been surviving for many years. Their name comes from the country Abyssinia (now known as Ethiopia), but this is not thought to be the country they originated from but rather the country that England imported it's first Abyssinian cats from in 1868. The most familiar theory is that they evolved from the African wildcat like all other common domestic cats however again there is no supporting evidence for this notion and their country of origin remains unknown to this day.
Although recognised in England quite early on, the first Abyssinian cats were not imported to the US until the 1900's and weren't widely recognised until early 1930's. This was when breeding of the cat became extremely popular in America and more Abyssinians were exported from England to begin a larger scale of breeding.
Abyssinian Appearance
Abyssinians are commonly born in red (sorrel), ruddy, blue or fawn and in England silver is also an accepted colour. An Abyssinian's coat is medium in length and their fur is quite fine and smooth but resilient to touch. Aby's are well known for their beautiful ticked coats also known as agouti, the pattern is created by the combination of colours of each strand of hair. The hair closest to the Aby's body is lighter in colour and the tip is always a darker shade.
Aby's are of a medium build and have strong, supple bodies with long, elegant legs. They certainly are a graceful breed of cat and appear slim due to their slightly longer bodies. They have large semi pointed ears that are cupped at the base, eyes are set wide apart and are almond shaped, most commonly in gold or green. The head appears small and rounded making the eyes look large and expressive. Their tails are thick at the base, slimming down towards the end and are quite long with a darker coloured tip.
Abyssinian Character and Temperament
Abyssinian cats are extremely loving and affectionate animals and will very happily sit on their owners lap and snuggle in whilst being stroked. It is common for the owner and cat to build a strong bond with one another unlike that of another cat due to their loyal, gentle character. Abyssinians can become very attached to their owner/family and will yearn for them if they are away. If you are thinking of adding an Abyssinian to your family, it is essential that people are home for majority of the time as they tend to get very lonely if left alone. It is also important they have space to play; a garden would be perfect, as they love to climb, chase imaginary insects and leap in the air.
As well as being loyal, affectionate cats they are also extremely clever with an inquisitive nature who love to play, explore and be active. They will want to be involved in everything you do; they just love the company. Although they will quite happily entertain themselves for hours, Abyssinians are always most content when they are included in what their owner or family are doing. This breed of cat is especially interested when you are eating at the table and will try very hard to get you attention by either playing a silly game or clinging to your trousers! An Abyssinian would be most suited to a family who want an active, playful cat that also loves being a 'lap cat'. Some of the Abyssinian cat's important characteristic levels are shown below:
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Abyssinian Lifespan
9 - 15 years
Average Litter Size
Abyssinian cats tend to have quite small litters; no more than three or four at a time and the kittens are usually born with darker fur that gets lighter as they grow up.
Common Ailments
Aby's are prone to tooth deficiencies, especially tooth decay and gingivitis. Amyloidosis (a kidney disease) is also a problem that affects some Aby's.
Abyssinian Recognition
User Comments
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I love my aby, she is really clever with a distinct personality. She seems good at picking up my moods as well.
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Come on, now that is a cat 2 get!!!!
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My parents have three and don't get me wrong, they are beautiful and everything...but they absolutely HATE each other. 2 females, 1 male. The male is definitely the best behaved and very loveable. The females are quite fiesty.
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you got one cuttie of a kitties
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Our blue aby, Filou, is 13 years old, going on 3 months old. This is the real fun with this breed, they are forever kittens, and does he like to play! He is a one, to the outset two people cat. He just loves me and my husband. Period. Our friends and family just never ever got a look in, no matter how hard they tried. I work from home, and he sleeps in my office, with the regular trip down to the desk to treat me with serious head butting sessions, the phone ringing being the trigger (how can you possibly be interested in this ringing thing when I AM HERE), he is a champion head butter. He sleeps by our bedroom door and is the first to greet us when we get up! We've had endless moggies, siamese, and Somalis (they are even more brilliant too, used to rest round our shoulders, jump up in our arms, but oh, so fragile, we lost 3 lovely boys to disease in the span of 10 years, and the heartache was all too much, so we tried the Aby). When our Filou is gone, bless him, Abys are the only cats for us and we will get another Filou relative. Filou does not like any other cats, will tolerate Barney and Gnasher from next door (male neuters, but cannot stand the sight of females ???, and dogs, postman, and any visitor are a big no-no. I don't need to tell us what he thinks of our 5 year old niece... It's the cat flap every time she utters a word. Last but not least, he is a real looker, and gets us compliments every time from afficionados and most pleasingly,cat hatters alike!
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I've had my abby for 5 years now. She is lively, loving and the best thing in my life. She's great company and totally devoted to me. She's my best mate and knows if I'm feeling a little blue and she's like a dog when I come in from work, if she could wag her tail she would. I would definitely recommend an abby to anyone thinking of getting one as long as you are prepared to give them alot of time, alot of love and alot of space.
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I have two female abby's, sisters, now aged 6 yrs- blue and usual, wish i'd of had kittens from them as they are best breed i've ever had and such characters!!! my family have had siamese, burmese, tonkanese, oriental, main coon, moggies and BSH....these are THE best - lovable, cheeky, very playful, very friendly, love helping you around house!! my two even come with me to spain and paris - they love the car and when they see their air-kennel they get so excited!! this breed really can read your mind!! - gorgeous looking too!!
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I also should mention that they are very good at opening doors with a dramatic entrance if they are excluded !! If they are not in the room you are in and the door is closed (one that they are unable to open of course!) - get ready for a cat that will cry like a baby until they do. Love them to bits though and wouldn't have it any other way.
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This is a very good description of the Abyssinian cat. I rescued to kittens from the SSPCA in Edinburgh and they have turned my life upside down - but in a good way. They follow me around everywhere and have to be either sitting on my lap or shoulder when I am doing anything from ironing to having a bath. Oh yes, cats shouldn't like water but my male - Harry thinks nothing of jumping in a full bath and splashing around in the water !! The only thing is he soaks that water up like a sponge and there is water everywhere unless I catch and dry him first ! Great cats to have if you live on your own - they adore you 24/7 and never ignore you like some other cats do.
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ONE WORD.....CCCCCUUUUUUTTTTTTEEEE!!!!! I am trying to find the perfect pet and i think i made up my mind
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This is a wonderful breed,have had 5 in our time and today lost our last fellow at the grand age of 16years and 10 months with kidney failure. He will be greatly missed in our house. Very vocal and loving, best cats in the world.
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Just lost my Abby after having her for 11 years. We definitely had a strong, loving bond. She was friendly, playful and loving. Best cat in the world! Just be warned: the breed is prone to kidney failure.
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i would love to have one of these kittens! they are very cute and playful! it's the cutest cat i have ever seen in my life! this is got to be a five star!
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I think I just found the cat I'm getting when I move out! Literally the cutest kitty I have ever seen - apart from my own dear little mongrel of course! :D
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I wuld have to agree with Kristen. I think it is adorable, especially with its blue eyes.
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Thank you for the site. Abby's may simply be described as little lionesses of love.
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Abyssinians are paw-some! Get it?! :D
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There is a lot more different breeds than just these ones like scotish fold, rex, american shorthair, and many more!
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now you just can't get any more cute than that!!!
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