Abyssinian

Ethiopia was once called Abyssinia, but the name doesn't mean the breed is African. It just reflects that the first Abys shown in England were imports from Ethiopia ^[1]. Despite their resemblance to cats in ancient Egyptian art, genetic research places their origin in coastal areas of the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia; returning soldiers probably brought them to England ^[1]. The first Abyssinian at a cat show was "Zula", at the Crystal Palace in 1871 ^[1]. Abys reached the US in the early 1900s and were among CFA's original breeds in 1906 ^[1]. They were also one of FIFe's founding breeds in 1949 ^[2].

• Coat: short, dense and resilient, glowing with colour from the ticking on each hair ^[1].
• Body: medium-sized, with a beautifully arched neck and a lithe, muscular feel; Abys look as if they're on tiptoe ^[1].
• Head: a slightly rounded modified wedge, large cupped ears, expressive almond eyes and facial markings ^[1].
• Colours: most often ruddy (a burnished red-brown), plus cinnamon, blue and fawn ^[1].

Abys are indomitable problem-solvers, curious about everything, and leave no corner unexplored ^[1]. They're always on the move unless asleep, and without enough toys they'll invent their own ^[1]. They're not long-term lap cats, but they still seek attention, sometimes asking with a gentle paw ^[1]. Their energy makes them a great match for families with children who enjoy toys and hunting games ^[1]. They love high places, dislike being left alone for long, and communicate clearly without much noise ^[1].

• Coat: comb or brush a few times a month to control shedding; a chamois cloth adds sheen; baths usually aren't needed ^[1].
• Activity: toys, hunting games and high perches or cat trees ^[1]. Well-socialised Abys may enjoy outings on a harness ^[1].
• Company: quieter homes may want two ^[1].

• Inherited anaemia: an inherited disease that once caused anaemia occurred in the breed; breeders now use genetic testing to remove carriers ^[1].
• Dental care: some breeders teach buyers to brush their cat's teeth to prevent gingivitis ^[1].
• Lifespan: median 10.0 years in a UK study, but from only 11 Abyssinians, so not conclusive ^[3].

Ask the breeder about the parents' test results, and talk to your vet about any specific concern.

Don't confuse with…

• Somali: the longhaired Abyssinian, with a full ruff and bushy tail ^[5].
• Singapura: also ticked, but one of the smallest pedigreed cats ^[6].

• The first Abyssinian at a cat show was "Zula", in 1871 ^[1].
• The breed is named after Ethiopia (Abyssinia) but doesn't come from there ^[1].
• Abys were there from day one at both CFA (1906) and FIFe (1949) ^[1][2].