Abyssinian Cats - breed profile
Abyssinians may be one of the oldest breeds of cat ... so much so that their true beginnings are lost to history. As fitting such an ancient breed, they resemble the wild African cat assumed to be the ancestor of domestic cats, and also have the same physical characteristics of ancient Egyptian portrayals of cats with their lithe, muscular bodies, large pointed ears, smooth coats, and exotic almond-shaped eyes.
Abyssinian cats should be muscular, of medium size, with slender legs, oval feet, and a long tapering tail. Ear tufts are desirable, and the eyes may be amber, hazel, or green but should be deeply hued. The short coat must have the Aby ticking, which again makes them resemble wild cats. There are, of course, much more detailed breed standards available as this is just a generalization.
As pets, Abyssinians are outstanding. Highly intelligent cats, they are also very people-oriented, though not in a sit-in-your-lap-all-day kind of way. Instead, Abys have ample curiosity to go along with their intelligence, and prefer to be around people but actively exploring and getting involved with their surroundings. Carolyn Osier of the Abyssinian Breeders International describes Abys as, "a cat that likes to be with people, a cat that wants to know what you are doing - then wants to help."The short coat makes cat care simple where Abyssinians are concerned. Brushing regularly will keep the coat clean and free from mats and remove any loose hairs. Attention to the teeth is also recommended, to keep them healthy. If you are purchasing a purebred Abyssinian kitten, ask the breeder about the occurrence of PRA (progressive retinal atrophy) in any cats related to the breeding stock.
Abyssinians are intriguing pets and, once you have been owned by one, you will probably never want to be without one. Along with a few of the other breeds we have profiled, Abys are outstanding in their devotion to their owners -- almost more doglike than catlike in that characteristic. For this reason, we believe that Abys combine the best traits of pet dogs and pet cats in one elegant package.
