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Your Online Guide To the Abyssinian Cat Breed, including Abyssinian Cat Breeders, Abyssinian Kittens For Sale, Abyssinian Pictures and More! |
![]() Abyssinian Cat Breed Facts:Origin:
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The origins of the Abyssinian cat have long been the subject of great controversy and debate. Resembling the sculptures and paintings of cats found in ancient Egyptian artifacts, some speculate that the modern Abyssinian is either the same breed or a direct descendant of the felines that the ancient Egyptians prized and worshipped. Modern-day Abyssinian owners are usually quick to tell you that the Abyssinian possesses that regal bearing that such a position might require. In all the world, there is no other quite like this ruddy-coated mystery cat.
Abyssinian Cat and Kitten Central is pleased to offer this insightful Abyssinian Cat Facts and Information article to assist you in learning about the Abyssinian cat breed and deciding if a Abyssinian cat or kitten is the right choice for your family. Enjoy!
No one is truly sure where it was, exactly, that this mysterious cat
first originated. Strongly resembling the cats depicted in the
artwork and hieroglyphs of the ancient Egyptian people, it is often
thought that the Abyssinian is the very same animal or, at the very
least, a direct descendant of the ancient Egyptian felines.
Even the modern-day Abyssinian still retains the appearance of a
feline known as “felis lybica,” which was the wild African ancestor
of all modern domestic cats.
Others argue that the Abyssinian came into existence when imported
cats were crossed into the bloodlines of various brown and silver
tabby cats, who were then interbred with the English “Bunny” ticked
cats. Reportedly, however, the breed earned its name simply
because the first cats of this variety ever shown, were supposedly
imported from the country of Abyssinia (now Ethiopia). The January
27, 1872 issue of “Harper’s Weekly” reported on the 1871 Crystal
Palace cat show in which 3rd place honors were awarded to the
Abyssinian cat, who had supposedly been “captured in the late
Abyssinian War.”
Even the British book, “Cats, Their Points, and Characteristics,” by
Gordon Stables (published in 1874), made mention of the Abyssinian
cat, showing a colored lithograph of one of these unique animals and
listed it as having been “brought from Abyssinia at the conclusion
of the war…” With the ending of the war being May of 1868, it
suggests that the Abyssinian made his way into England at this time,
though there are still further arguments.
Perhaps the
most convincing proof of origin would be the results of recent studies performed
by geneticists, who suggest that the origin of the Abyssinian might be along the
coast of the Indian Ocean and into sections of Southeast Asia. Coinciding
with these claims is that the earliest identifiable Abyssinian cat, to date, is
a taxidermy specimen on display at the Leiden Zoological Museum in Holland.
Purchased between 1834 to 1836, this reddish-colored cat was labeled simply as
“Patrie, domestica India.” While the Abyssinian, as we know it today, may
have been cultivated and refined in England, some say that it may have been
purchased in Calcutta, a major port in the Indian Ocean, and then brought into
England along with other trade goods. This was how many breeds of dogs
were introduced into Europe, so the idea is not unheard of.
The first Abyssinian cats were imported to America, from England,
and made their way to the new world during the early 1900s. It wasn’t
until the late 1930s, however, that quality breeding stock would make the trip
overseas and help to form the modern-day Abyssinian breed foundation. Any
Abyssinian lover will be sure to tell you, though, that it was well worth the
wait.
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The Abyssinian is generally a rather
low-maintenance breed of cat. For the most part, a gentle
hand rubbing is generally about all your feline friend will ever
need, although some do enjoy being stroked with a soft bristled
brush or grooming cloth. This will help to remove some of
the dead hair and dander from your cat’s coat, as well as
distributing the natural oils of his skin along his coat, but it
is still more for his enjoyment than anything else.
Consider his weekly brushing as quality together time that can
be spent while you relax together in the recliner and watch a
little television.
Some breeders recommend giving your Abyssinian a bath during the
shedding season. This can be done using any quality cat
shampoo and warm, but not hot, water. Paying attention not
to get soap or water into your cat’s ears or eyes, he should be
soaped up, thoroughly rinsed, and then given a gentle toweling
off. After that, your Abyssinian can be left to drip-dry,
but keep the “drowned rat” comments and snickering to a minimum,
so as not to hurt his feelings or insult his pride.
Bathing your Abyssinian should be started at a young age and, to
protect yourself and your kitty, should always follow a nail
clipping.
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The Abyssinian, or Aby, is generally a very robust and healthy breed of cat. Like many purebreds, however, they are still prone to a few genetic problems. Some of the health concerns of the Abyssinian cat include:
Patellar luxation
Retinal atrophy
Renal amyloidosis
Additionally, many Abyssinian cats tend to be susceptible to gingivitis and there are some who suffer from sensitive stomachs, who require special diets to reduce vomiting.
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The Abyssinian is very much a “people cat,” and
delights in being close to people and observing everything that
they do. This is not to say that they are a lap cat,
however - quite the contrary, the Abyssinian wants to be a part
of everything that their owners do and is sure that, by winding
around your legs and poking his head in wherever he can, that he
is most definitely helping you get the task done. How ever
could you have managed without an Abyssinian to point out the
important things and make note of the little flaws.
Playful well into their adult years, the Abyssinian cat can
often be viewed as a bit of a mischievous prankster and
troublemaker. He is the cat that believes there are no
such words as “can’t” and “don’t.” Sure to find a way up
to the highest perches within your home, as well as squeezing
his way into the tiniest of crawl spaces, he is on constant
patrol, parade, and ever at play. Be sure to put your
breakables away when an Abyssinian is on the prowl.
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All cats shed to some degree, and the Abyssinian cat is no exception. A saavy cat owner can keep shedding to a minimum with regular brushing, an activity that cats love, and which will help you bond with your Abyssinian.
Abyssinians are not among the cat breeds considered to be less of a problem for allergy sufferers. However, a cat owner can keep cat dander and excess hair at bay with a regular grooming routine. Brushing daily is a great way to keep shedding to a minimum, and giving kitty a rub-down with a damp towel will help remove saliva and dander from the coat. If you allergies are not too severe, an Abyssinian cat has a personality and temperament that more than make up for making your eyes run a bit! :-)
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A picture is worth a thousand words, and our growing gallery of Abyssinian cat pictures and kitten photos is well worth a peek! We showcase photos of Abyssinian cats and kittens from reputable Abyssinian breeders who are members of Cats and Kittens Central, as well as images sent to us by our visitors. Feel free to purr-uze our Abyssinian pictures gallery by clicking here!
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The Abyssinian cat is a very unique individual -
lithely built with a very hard and muscular body, he is known
not only for his distinctive ticked coat, but also for his regal
bearing and consistent body type. A medium-sized cat, they
are firmly built without appearing coarse or cobby, yet do not
possess the fragile look of the oriental breeds. For many,
he is the perfect mixture of the different body types, resulting
in a perfectly proportioned and balanced feline.
The
Abyssinian coat possesses a beautiful sheen and is silky and
soft in texture. Of medium length, it is long enough to
carry the required 2-3 bands of ticking that make up the
Abyssinian’s unique color, without delving into the realms of
the long-haired cats. The breed is recognized in four
stunning shades: the ruddy, the red, the blue, and the fawn.
All varieties are expected to possess proper ticking and
richness in color, and the Abyssinian may have eyes of either a
brilliant emerald green or rich molten gold.
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The Abyssinian is a very regal and intelligent cat who enjoys a very active cat. If you are looking for a contented lap cat, the Aby may not be the breed for you but, if you want a cat who will follow you around the house and involve himself in everything you do, these wonderful cats do make incredible pets. Additionally, the Abyssinian does get along with other animals though, be forewarned, he will probably attempt to get them involved in mischief (and then finger them for the crime if at all possible). Abyssinian cats generally do well with children as well, making them a very good, if somewhat busy, all-round family cats.
Ready to add an exquisite Abyssinian cat or kitten to your family? Visit our Abyssinian Cat Breeders Showcase where you can find contact information for responsible Abyssinian catteries and view photos, detailed information and litter announcements for Abyssinian kittens for sale. Click here!
Ready to add an exquisite Abyssinian cat or kitten to your family? Visit our Abyssinian Cat Breeders Showcase where you can find contact information for responsible Abyssinian catteries and view photos, detailed information and litter announcements for Burmese kittens for sale. Click here!
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If you feel that the Abyssinian is the cat breed for you, there are many ways to go about the adoption of your Abyssinian cat or kitten. The source of your new feline depends on your personal preference, and the availability of Abyssinian kittens in your area. Whether you choose to adopt a brand new Abyssinian kitten from a responsible Abyssinian breeder, or check with local Abyssinian rescue organizations and animal shelters to see if they have any purebred Abyssinians or mixed breed cats of Abyssinian type looking for a loving, forever home, you really can't go wrong in opening your home and heart to one of these fabulous furry friends. Below are resources to help you located the cat of your dreams.
Responsible Abyssinian cat breeders offer healthy, home-raised Abyssinian kittens for sale to approved buyers. If you have your heart set on a purebred Abyssinian kitten, a responsible breeder is usually the best source. Reputable Abyssinian catteries focus on producing kittens that are healthy and free from common cat diseases and hereditary (congenital) health problems that can affect the Abyssinian cat breed. In addition, responsible Abyssinian breeders try their best to produce kittens that are as beautiful to behold as they are affectionate and sound in personality and temperament.
Abyssinian cat prices vary according the breeder, and the kitten you are considering. Usually pet quality Abyssinian kittens cost between $500 and $1000 to purchase, while show quality Abyssinian kittens can be considerably more expensive. Keep in mind that the price involved in purchasing a kitten from a reputable breeder generally includes health screening, vaccinations, de-worming, early socialization (so the kitten grows up to be of sound temperament and affectionate nature), ongoing advice and support - and - most importantly - a reasonable health guarantee.
Abyssinian Cats and Kittens Central is proud to showcase a number of reputable Abyssinian cat breeders on our Abyssinian cat breeders directory. To view information, contact details and photos of available Abyssinian kittens for sale, please click here to view our Abyssinian cattery list.
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Abyssinian cat rescue organizations specialize in placing purebred Abyssinian cats and kittens, as well as mixed Abyssinian cats and kittens with loving owners. Abyssinian cats and kittens can end up in shelters and rescues for a variety of reasons, and there are many purrfectly nice Abyssinian or Abyssinian mix cats and kittens waiting to be adopted into loving homes.
Abyssinian Cats and Kittens Central is pleased to provide a directory of Abyssinian cat rescues to help you locate one near you. To view information, contact details and photos of available Abyssinian cats and kittens, please click here to view our Abyssinian cat rescue guide.
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Abyssinian Cat Kitten Prices
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Abyssinian Cat Clubs -
Abyssinian Cat Kitten Names
Advertise Your Abyssinian
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Abyssinian cat breed clubs can be an excellent resource for learning more about the Abyssinian cat breed, finding a reputable Abyssinian cat breeder, locating Abyssinian rescues, viewing Abyssinian pictures and more. You'll often find a schedule for cat shows, in case you want to attend a show near you, and meet Abyssinian breeders and their cats in person.
Abyssinian Cats and Kittens Central is pleased to provide a directory of Abyssinian cat clubs to help you locate one near you. Please click here to view our Abyssinian cat clubs guide.
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Abyssinian Cat Kitten Prices
Abyssinian Rescue -
Abyssinian Cat Clubs -
Abyssinian Cat Kitten Names
Advertise Your Abyssinian
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1000 Cat Names
Click to order online from Amazon.com
Finding a suitable name for your new Abyssinian cat or kitten can be a daunting task and not something to be taken lightly. Your Abyssinian will be saddled with the name you give it for many years to come, so it's a good idea to give plenty of thought and consideration to the name you choose.
If you would like some unique Abyssinian cat kitten names suggestions to help you get started, our Cat Names guide is an excellent resource. Click here to view our Abyssinian cat names guide.
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Abyssinian Cat Kitten Names
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This
Is the Abyssinian Cat by Kate Faler
Guide
to Owning an Abyssinian Cat by Judah Track
Abyssinian
Cats: Everything About Acquisition, Care, Nutrition, Behavior,
Health Care, and Breeding (Barron's Compete Pet Owner's Manuals)
by J. Anne Helgren
The
Cat Behavior Answer Book: Practical Insights & Proven Solutions for
Your Feline Questions by Arden Moore
Abyssinian
Cat (Pet Love) by Virginia N. Tidwell
Abyssinian
Cat (Popular Cat Library) by Judah Track
The
Healing Touch for Cats: The Proven Massage Program for Cats, Revised
Edition by Michael W. Fox
Ghost
Cats: Human Encounters with Feline Spirits by
Dusty Rainbolt
Bengal
Cats (Complete Pet Owner's Manual) by Dan Rice
DVM
Understanding
Cat Behavior by Roger Tabor