Cat Fact Files

Quick Profile Overview

Origin
Abyssinian breed is believed to have its ancestors in famous Egyptian kitten Zula that was brought to England by a British soldier Captain Barret Leonard from Alexandria Egypt while returning after Abyssinian war.

Body type
This famous short haired cat has a muscular body, with the legs being extremely slender in comparison. Other noticeable characteristics include broad head with beautiful almond shaped eyes in beautiful shades of hazel, gold, green and copper. The paws are oval in shape and small and it has a long tail.

Coat
These special breed of tabby cats have bouncy, dense silken coat which is usually ticked, that is the coat contains hair of a base color which is matted with hairs of darker shades.

Colors
Ruddy is one of the most common colors seen in Abyssinian breed with sorrel or yellowish brown being the next most common coat shade. The other prominent colors seen in Abyssinian kittens include blue and cream while the rare shade of tortoiseshell, chocolate, red and lilac.

Size
This domesticated cat is usually of medium height

Average life span
If properly looked after the Abyssinian breeds can well see their twenties.

Details
Popularly known as the people’s cat, Abyssinian breed is considered to be extremely warm and intelligent. Known for their beautifully ticked coat marked by the presence of different colored bands they have a short coat which is extremely silky to touch. With high energy levels this Egypt originated beauty can be a wonderful companion to kids.

History
Zula was one of the two Egyptian cats that were brought to Britain by Captain Barrett Leonard but was the sole survivor. There are no evident records about any Abyssinian kittens given birth by Zula, still the Abyssinian cats that were displayed in crystal hall in 1871 strengthens this claim as Zula was brought to Britain in 1861.

Studies reveal that the cats first became human housemates in Egyptian land more than 130,000 years before. There are also supporting evidence to show that the cats were worshiped in the temples created specially for them and their export was finally forbidden. The modern day Abyssinian kittens are mainly imported from US and Holland.

Appearance
Though the appearance of Abyssinian breed varies across the globe, the beautiful cats are characterized by lovely expressive eyes, firm chin and wedged shaped ears set in a beautifully rounded face. They are known for their bouncy, shiny distinctively tickled coat where the light base color of the undercoat is filled with a mixture of dark shaded hairs. The paw pads and back of hind legs are always of darker shade. One noticeable characteristic of Abyssinian breed is the appearance of M shaped patch on their foreheads.

Traits, personality and behavior
Abyssinian cats’ personalities can be defined as playful, intelligent and one who live their lives on their own terms. These highly energetic cats are always ready to explore the world and will not be contented being just the lap cats.

Physical development
Born with darker shades the coat of the Abyssinian kittens lightens as they age.

Looking after
Abyssinian breed is attention seeker and requires regular affection and activity. They easily get along with other house pets but they do need their space. Occasional baths and regular brushing is required to maintain the beauty of their lovely coat.