Abyssinian Cat

Abyssinian Cat

The foundation cats are said to have been brought to Great Britain in the 1860s by soldiers returning from Abyssinia, and the popularity of the new breed grew rapidly. However, during the two world wars, the breed was almost lost due to a lack of adequate food, and in the1960s it was threatened by widespread feline leukemia. It has recovered from those hard times and is again a popular breed, especially in the States.

Abyssinians are intelligent, inquisitive animals and will learn tricks quickly. They do, however, cherish their freedom and will become quite restless if totally confined indoors. They are excellent climbers and, as with any display of their abilities, expect to be praised for it. Even indoors they are happiest when. Involved in some activity. Above all breeds, the Abyssinians need to play with their owners as part of their daily routine. If play is neglected they will become sullen and isolate themselves, even to the extent of abandoning their home.

They can require some time to become attached toothier owners but will respond to gentle and soft-spoken attention. They also show a tendency to attach themselves to one member of the family in particular.

There are three varieties in America: Ruddy, brown coat ticked with bands of darker brown; Red, red-brown coat ticked with light brown; and Blue, blue-grey ticked with a deeper blue. In Britain, Chocolate, Lilac, Fawn, Silver, Sorrel/Silver, and Blue/Silver are also known. Each variety shows a coat that is a gentle blend of shading; this is because each hair is lighter at the root and darker at the tip.

The body is long and slender with long, slender legs, small, egg-shaped paws, and a long, tapered tail. The head is rounded with a medium nose; it has large, almond-shaped eyes that are slanted and large ears that are pointed at the tips. Common standard faults are stocky body, spots, and markings on the body, and white on the neck.

Meat, in any form, is the favored food of the Abyssinians. It will overeat meat whenever it gets the chance. Vitamin supplements are recommended, particularly while the cat is growing. The coat should be brushed and rubbed with a gloved hand every day.

Pregnant females need special attention because they remain quite active throughout their pregnancy and falls are common. Kittens – three or four in the typical litter – begin life with dark markings that they lose after a few months.

see more: Tonkinese Cats