The Abyssinian is a breed of domestic short-haired cat with a distinctive “ticked” tabby coat, in which individual hairs are banded with different colors. They are also known simply as Abys.
The source of the name is not because Ethiopia, formerly Abyssinia, is thought to be the original home of these cats, but because the first “Abyssinians” exhibited in shows in England were reported to have been imported to England from there.
Its true origin — according to genetic studies — is likely to have been the coast of the Indian Ocean in parts of Southeast Asia, and its introduction to Abyssinia (and others) was through colonialists and merchants stopping through Calcutta.
Although regarded as comparatively obscure in the past as a breed compared to others, the Abyssinian ranked in 2016 among the top five most popular breeds by The Cat Fancier Association and The International Cat Association
Stats
Facts
Abyssinian cat can reach 2 feet in length.
Abyssinian cat can be 6 to 10 pounds of weight.
The Abyssinian cat as it is known today was bred in Great Britain
Abyssinian cats were brought to Europe at the end of 19th century.
First Abyssinian cat arrived from Ethiopia or “”Abyssinia.
Ancient Egyptians believed that Abyssinian cats were related to Gods.
Abyssinian cat is playful, curious and highly intelligent.
Abyssinian cat can jump 6 feet up in the air.
Abyssinian cat gives birth to 6 kittens on average.
Kittens are dark-colored at birth.
Abyssinian cat lives from 9 to 15 years on average.
Abyssinians are popular thanks in large part to their unusual intelligence.
Abyssinians are extroverted and playful.
Abyssinians are known as the “”Clowns of the Cat Kingdom””.
Abyssinians can be prone to gingivitis.
