Abyssinian Cats: Breed History, Personality, Size And Weight, Lifespan, Breed Versus Mixed Breed
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order |
|
| Family | Felidae |
| Genus | Felis |
| Scientific Name | Felidae |
Abyssinian Locations
Breed History
The origin of the Abyssinian cat breed is unclear. It was once thought that Abyssinians came from Abyssinia (now Ethiopia), but the breed actually got its name from the Abyssinian War. Some cats from that time were brought to Europe by colonialists. These cats were shown in cat shows in the 1800s and were called “Abyssinians.” However, there is no evidence that those imported cats were true early Abyssinians. Recent genetic tests indicate that the Abyssinian breed likely started in parts of Southeast Asia and along the coast of the Indian Ocean. The earliest known Abyssinian is a taxidermy specimen bought between 1834 and 1836 by a museum supplier. It was labeled “Patrie, domestica India” and is still displayed at the Leiden Zoological Museum in the Netherlands.
Personality
If there is one common complaint about an Abyssinian’s personality, it is that they may be almost too smart. They love to learn and do so by observing closely. This means they aren’t shy about being involved in whatever you’re doing. They are also adept at finding ways to get into places you might prefer they stay out of. These curious cats want to know what is on the other side of any barrier. Many people are surprised to find that Abyssinians are very affectionate yet don’t like being lap cats. They prefer to curl up next to you instead of on top of you. In this position, they are happy to let you pet them and scratch their ears, but they aren’t the type to be held or carried. Abyssinians are open to having companions, whether human or another cat. They are very social and can become bored and destructive if left alone too long. They purr loudly but don’t use their voices very often. If they do speak, it is usually because they have something important to discuss with you.
Size And Weight
The Abyssinian is a medium to small size breed. Although they are medium in overall size, their slender build and thin legs make them lean towards the smaller end of that scale when it comes to weight. Abys typically stand between 8 and 10 inches tall and measure from 12 to 16 inches in length. They usually weigh a slim 8 to 12 pounds.
Lifespan
Their curious nature and love of heights can shorten their lifespan due to accidents. However, if they avoid early misadventures, Abyssinians often live between 13 and 15 years. With proper care, reaching their 20s is not unusual. Due to the investment needed to acquire one, Aby owners usually pay close attention to their cat’s health and respond quickly to veterinary needs. As a result, Abyssinians are less likely to develop conditions that lead to early euthanasia. Their longevity is also supported by their body type and active lifestyle. On the downside, the relatively small genetic pool of the breed has resulted in some hereditary issues that are more common in Abyssinians than in the general cat population.
Breed Versus Mixed Breed
To be a true Abyssinian, breeders require that a cat must be one of four recognized colors.
- Ruddy – The first recognized coat color for an Abyssinian is ruddy, a mix of reddish-brown with small black tips. This blend of colors along individual strands of fur is one of the breed’s distinctive features. Black is most visible on the tail and lower legs. A fully red nose is also required.
- Cinnamon – This color is more reddish than brownish and has an orange-brown shade underneath. All Abyssinians must have the darkest markings on the tips of their fur. The Cinnamon has a chocolate brown tail tip and feet, along with a dark pink nose.
- Fawn– The lighter Fawn Abyssinian resembles a light Siamese coat, with rose-beige as the main color and light brown tips. Light cocoa brown on the tail and feet match with a salmon-colored nose.
- Blue – The Blue Abyssinian is not a blue cat but has a warm beige coat similar to the Fawn, tipped with bluish-gray highlights instead of brown. The tail and lower legs also need dark tips, and the nose should be reddish pink.
Even slight variations in these color patterns can disqualify a cat from being a purebred Abyssinian. For example, black hair on a red Aby will disqualify it. Except for minor patches on the face, any white spots will disqualify a cat. A dark band around the neck will also disqualify it. No recognized crossbreed Abyssinians exist.
However, there is a separate category called Silver Abyssinians, which includes the colors black silver, blue silver, fawn silver, and sorrel silver.
