April Cat Breed Of The Month: Abyssinians

Learn More About Abyssinians
Abyssinians are one of the most popular cat breeds. In fact, they are actually in the top 5! This breed is one that has always caught my eye with their sleek faces and bodies. Their reddish color is also quite unique and stunning up close. So, where did this breed come from and how what kind of pets are they? Let’s find out about this beautiful domestic shorthair breed!

Where Did Abyssinians Come From? 
In the mid 1800s, British soldiers returned from Africa with cats from the Abyssinia region, now known as Ethiopia. They are one of the oldest breeds of cats. Some even believe them to be the mummified cats found in the tombs of Egyptian mummies. 

The breed was officially recognized at a cat show in the UK. Genetic testing shows that the breed most likely originated in part of Asia or India. With their striking similarities to my favorite  cats (siamese!), this doesn’t surprise me at all!

What Do Abyssinians Look Like?
What has always caught my eye about Abys are their traditional ruddy or reddish brown coloring. Their coats are accented with black marks, similar to some tabbies. They even have the classic M on the forehead. 

Possibly abyssinian colors include cinnamon/red, blue, a peachy color, white with black ticking and even a tortoiseshell color. Their short to medium coats are low-shed and super easy to keep clean. 

You can use a chamois to wipe them down, the very same one you’d use on a car. Their eyes can range from green and gold to an exotic copper color. 

Abyssinians have similar body shapes and size to siames – small to medium frames with long bodies. Their long legs and tails are combined with a wedge-shaped face and large ears. Unlike the siamese, Abyssinians have a sweet little chirp for a meow and not a loud howl that jolts you out of bed.

What is Abyssinian Behavior Like?
For people who say they love dog-like cats, then the Abyssinian is the perfect breed. Active, friendly and curious, these cats are on the go and love to roam and wander. 

They may not be the best lap cat as they prefer to be near you but not on you. They are very social cats and love to have companions, so they’re great for multiple cat homes. If you only plan on having one cat, make sure your Abyssinian still receives daily interaction and stimulation. If you travel or are not home a lot, this breed may not be the best choice. 

Also, they are prone to some health issues and this should be discussed with your veterinarian beforehand. You should always consider breed health as it could be a lifelong issue and higher cost over the cat's lifetime. 

If you think the Abyssinian is the breed for you, check into local breeders and expect to pay $500 and upward. 

These sleek, lovely cats will provide years of fun activity and playtime. You’ll be sure to make a lot of sweet memories with your Abyssinian!