Cat Breeds

Abyssinian

Lifespan: 9-15 Years

Origin: Abyssinia

Weight: (Female) 4-7.5kg, (Male) 4-7.5kg

Height: (Female) 20-25cm, (Male) 20-25cm

Hypoallergenic: ✅

Brachycephalic: ❌

TEMPERAMENT
Intelligent, active, eager, inquisitive, attention-seeker, curious, gentle, playful, responsive, well-mannered, confident, affectionate, loyal, sensible, adaptable, loving, quiet, demanding

COAT COLOURS
Ruby, red, fawn, blue, sorrel silver, blue silver, fawn silver, lilac (diluted), chocolate, tortoiseshell, cream, black silver, ruddy, cinnamon, usual, tawny

LITTER SIZE (roughly)
3-5 Kittens

HEALTH PROBLEMS
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Periodontal Disease, Renal Amyloidosis (Kidney Failure), Patellar Luxation, Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD), Hyperesthesia Syndrome, Gingivitis

NICKNAMES
Abys, Bunny Cat, Aby-Grabby, Abyssinian Cat, Ticked Cat, Rabbit Cat, Hare Cat, British Tick Cat,

HISTORY
- One of the oldest known cat breeds in the world.
- Mrs Captain Barrett-Leonard, wife of an English army officer, brought the original specimen from Abyssinia back to Britain in 1868.
- Other members of the army also brought back some of these cats to start breeding.
- The breed was recognised in 1882, and was introduced at the Chrystal Palace in 1883
- First Abyssinian cats arrived in North America were most likely exported in the early 1900's.
- The early Abyssinians were bred with British Shorthairs, and later with oriental breeds.
- Long-furred Abyssinian kittens were found in multiply litters in the 1970's, and they were later separated into a different breed, the Somali.

RECOGNITION
TICA (International Cat Association)

GROOMING & APPEARANCE
- Rarely sheds.
- Short, silky, dense and resilient.
- Medium-length tail, broad at the base and tapered with kinks.
- Legs are slender, elegant and long.
- Unique ticks of of two or more dark bands.
- Eyes can be gold, green or hazel
- Little grooming is needed. Brush or comb fur regularly.
- Large ears on a broad head, with large, almond-shaped eyes.
- Long, muscular body.