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Abyssinian breed guide
The Cat Fanciers' Association counts the Abyssinian among the oldest cat breeds and among the most intelligent and sums it up as busy, active and agenda-driven.
The ticked shorthair coat comes in ruddy, cinnamon, blue and fawn.
Temperament
Friendly and affectionate, the Abyssinian may settle in a lap for a moment but its activity level keeps it from staying there. It is an excellent choice for families with children, who can engage it with toys and hunting games.
It does not like long stretches alone, so a pair suits quieter homes.
Personality
Problem-solving and curiosity drive the breed: it leaves no inch of its surroundings unexplored. It likes high places, so offer perches to survey from.
Not particularly talkative, it gets its wishes across with little noise. Well-socialized Abyssinians may even enjoy outings on a harness.
Care
Grooming is minimal: combing or brushing a few times a month controls shedding. A gentle rub with a chamois cloth on a dry coat smooths it and adds sheen.
Baths are not needed unless the cat is being shown.
Health
Genetic testing lets breeders remove carriers of an inherited disease that once caused anemia. Some breeders also teach tooth brushing to prevent dental problems such as gingivitis.
History
The name points to Ethiopia, once called Abyssinia, only because the first Abyssinians shown in England were imports from there. Genetic research puts the breed's origin on the coasts of the Indian Ocean and in Southeast Asia, not in ancient Egypt.
A cat named Zula was the first Abyssinian at a show, at the Crystal Palace in 1871. CFA registered the breed in 1906 as one of its original breeds.