The playful Abyssinian cat—aptly nicknamed the “Aby-silly-an”—is a hugely popular breed. What can we learn about this regal and fascinating feline? Here’s the lowdown on this gorgeous breeds.
1. The Abyssinian is the “Energizer Bunny” of felines
One thing’s for sure—the Abyssinian is not a lethargic lap cat. These highly active felines are always on the move. Their combined athleticism and curiosity result in a breed that is constantly jumping, climbing, and exploring.
It’s not unusual to find an Aby observing family life from the height of a refrigerator or swatting at imaginary critters in the hallway. Abyssinians seek windowsills to birdwatch, and they love to keep you company by perching on your desk.
2. They have a “ticked coat”
The Abyssinian’s signature cougar-like appearance is thanks in part to its ticked coat.
What’s a ticked coat? It’s a coat with individual strands that alternate bands of colour. Each strand is lighter at the base and becomes gradually darker at the tips. This gives the Abyssinian its exotic, wildcat look.
The Aby comes in a variety of colours including a reddish-cinnamon, chocolate, blue, lilac, and fawn. Their lithe, slender bodies, long tails, and large, alert ears give them a regal appearance.
Kittens are born with darker fur, which lightens gradually as they mature. People interested in adopting an Abyssinian will be pleased to hear that their coat is low-maintenance. Once a week brushing should suffice to keep this kitty looking its best.
3. The Abyssinian has a mysterious history
The Abyssinian is thought to be one of the oldest domestic cat breeds, but we can’t know for certain the time and place of their exact origins.
Among the numerous romantic tales woven around this breed’s history is the belief that they originated in Ethiopia (formerly called Abyssinia). Others point to the cat’s similarities to ancient paintings and sculptures as evidence that the Aby descended from the line revered by Egyptian pharaohs.
According to PetMD, the first documented Abyssininian was called Zula, who appeared in Dr. William Gordon Stables’ 1876 book, “Cats: Their Points and Characteristics, With Curiosities of Cat Life, and a Chapter on Feline Ailments.” After the Abyssinian war of 1868, Zula joined a British soldier on his return home
The most likely story is based on recent genetic studies, which suggest the Aby’s ancestors lived along the coast of the Indian Ocean and parts of Southeast Asia.
4. The Abyssinian appeared in early cat shows
As documented in the January 27, 1872 issue of Harper’s Weekly, the graceful Abyssinian took third place in the December 1871 Crystal Palace show.
5. They are incredibly loyal cats
Although they have an independent streak, Abys are an extroverted breed who love to interact with people. They have a dog-like attachment to their owners and prefer to be an involved member of the family.
Any Abssynian owner can attest to this breed’s persistence—if they want attention, they’ll continue to pester you until they get it!
This trait also explains why the Aby typically prefers to be the only cat in a household. They get along with other animals, but they like to commandeer their human’s attention.
Unfortunately, this high-spirited cat can become depressed if he doesn’t receive enough human attention. It’s a good idea to provide your Abyssinian with interactive toys and puzzle feeders to keep his mind engaged and out of trouble. If, every so often, you can’t be around to give your cat the attention they deserve you can find a wonderful local cat sitter on Rover.com who’ll be more than happy to give them lots of attention and cuddles in while you’re away!
6. These cats have longevity
The Abyssinian cat can live a long time—many live up to 15 years and even older.
While generally healthy, this breed is still prone to certain health problems including:
- Gingivitis
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency (which leads to anaemia)
- Patellar luxation (a hereditary dislocation of the kneecaps)
- Progressive retinal atrophy (a degenerative eye disease)
7. The Abyssinian is one smart cat
This breed is highly intelligent. They can be successfully clicker-trained to perform tricks, and they can even walk on a lead. Owners of Abyssinians have even been able to train them to run in agility courses.
8. They’re the “clowns of the cat kingdom”
The Abyssinian can be a major jokester, who’ll try to impress you with his acrobatic antics. They can be found perching on your shoulder, leaping to great heights, and scaling your tallest bookshelves.
Endlessly curious, the Abyssinian will seek things to explore and has a penchant for getting into things.
Interested in adding an Aby to your family? You better have a sense of humour.
The allure of the Abyssinian cat can’t be denied. There’s something about his inquisitive eyes and wildcat appearance that sets this cat apart. We love this breed’s playful nature and we’ve got to say—life with an Abyssinian is anything but boring.
