Abyssinian Cats & Kittens Breed Information Pictures and Video

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The very chirpy and lively Abyssinian cat is the ideal companion for people who can actively take care of their cats and have time to play with them. This breed of cats is highly interactive and demands attention. “Abys,” as they are usually called by their avid admirers, have an intelligent and highly curious nature that makes them all the more lovable.

Origin of Abyssinian Cats

Although the real origin of the Abissinian is not known, there are many stories that suggest that it orginiated from Egypt. Others claim that it came from Abyssinia and hence, the name. Genetic researchers have come up with the theory that this breed of cats has its origins near the coast of Indian Ocean. According to another story, it is believed that a soldier brought a cat named Zulu (or Zula) to Britain which initiated the development of this unusual and beautiful cat breed.

This breed gained popularity very quickly and was endangered twice by the two world wars and feline leukemia virus. But the cat remained with even more demand than before.

Abyssininans are recognised by CFA, ACFA, FIFe and TICA.

Physical Attributes of Abyssinian Cats

Abyssinians are of an average built and long, muscular bodies with the males and females both weighing around 8 to 12 lbs. They have a short to medium coat that comes in a variety of colors ranging from ruddy to red, blue to fawn and cinnamon. The coat tends to look darker along the spine line. Its speciality is the ticking pattern on the coat that makes it unique. Otherwise, the hair tend to be lighter in color (reddish-brown) at the root and darker at the end (almost black) which are the original colors of an abyssinian cat known as “usual” in UK and Ruddy everywhere else.

It has a wedge-shaped face with a slight dip in the head and big, almond-shaped eyes that can vary in color from gold, green, hazel and copper. The tail is long and broad at the base which narrows to a point. Big ears with tufts of hair in them make the abyssinian look all the more active and attentive. It has a distinctive feature of the M-shaped marking or the “frown lines” above its eyes. They have markings on the corner of their eyes as well which are mostly called “mascara lines.” Abyssinians will always have black paws and hind legs from the back.

The recently created blue breed of the Abyssinians has fast gained popularity with the people. It has beige as the base color while the ticking, or the ends of the hair are blue. Likewise the fawn abyssinians have light cream as the base color with ticking in a darker shade of cream. Another color, sorrel, is much admired by people. It has a cinnamon-colored base with chocolate brown ticking, paw pads and the back of hind legs.

Silver Abyssinians have been around for decades but still have not found eligibility among the Cat Fancier’s Association. They have a silvery-white base with a variety of blue, black dark cream and cinnamon colored ticking. They are difficult to breed because often there are unwanted tan patches in the coat.

There are also other unique colors such as tortoise-shell, red and lilac in which the Abyssinians are bred in small numbers in Holland and UK. Kittens born to Abyssinians have a darker colored coat which lightens with time.

Somali Cat – A Long Haired Version of Abyssinian Cats

Now here is a small variation. The longer haired version of Abyssinian cat is called Somali and is recognized as a separate breed. The Somali cat originated because of the relaxed breeding program in earlier days and hence some long hair kittens were produced. However, they soon became very popular with the feline lovers and hence Somali Cat breed was formed.

The semi-longhair gene is now rigorously excluded from the Abyssinian gene pool by a strict registration policy. Although they have gone their separate ways the Somalis and Abyssinians still share their origins, temperament, type and coat pattern.

Personality of Abyssinian Cats

Abyssinians are a very inquisitive and energetic lot. They cannot be counted among lap cats because of their over-enthusiastic nature. They demand attention and if not given can become depressed so it is very important that they have company in the form of other pets if humans are not available. They have a very playful nature and are comfortable around other cats except for females who get irritable at times. They can play with toys for hours in one stretch but eventually they will turn to their owner to play with them. They are sensible and intelligent and enjoy looking around and exploring the surroundings, especially heights. However, they might be shy around strangers.

The Abyssinians can live for upto 13 years. They have a fairly low tendency to shed and do not need a lot of grooming. Brushing the coat once a week will suffice.

Price of Abyssinian Cats and Kittens

Depending on the type of Cat and Kittens, the price of Somali cat can vary from $300 to 500 (if its a show class and a pure breed). However, if it is a show martial, do expect the price to go uptill $1000. I know its too high but then show martial are 0ne of the best of its class and hence don’t underestimate our feline beauties The Final price is always the one which your local breeder will charge you so check with them now that you have an idea of the price range.