At Kattekop, we love all breeds of cats. However there are some cats that just stand out amongst the others, and that is what we are going to discuss with one of our favorite breeds, the Abyssinian. In this blog we will cover the history, appearance, personality, care requirements, and health concerns to help give you an idea if the Abyssinian is the right cat for you.
History
Once there was much speculation on their origin, with many attributing their looks to the cats depicted in ancient Egyptian paintings. Their name lends one to assume they originated in Abyssinia (modern day Ethiopia), but thanks to genetic testing and research they have found that the breed most likely originated in the coastal areas of the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. They are likely thought to have been established early on in England by soldiers returning from these areas with their new pet cats in tow. The first Abyssinian to be put in a cat show was in 1871 at The Crystal Palace in England. Shortly thereafter Abyssinians began to be imported to the United States from England, and became one of the founding breeds registered in The Cat Fanciers Association in 1906. By the 1930’s breeding programs had been established in the United States and the Abyssinian was here to stay. The longstanding rich history of the breed and continued popularity to this day speaks volumes to their place in our hearts.
Appearance
The Abyssinian is a medium sized cat with an athletic and lean frame, usually weighing between 8-12 lbs. They have large ears that frame out a wedge shaped face with either green or gold colored eyes. They have long slender legs, and a coat that is short and thick, their main colorations being ruddy, red, blue and fawn. The coat of the Abyssinian is ticked with bands and gives them the not so domestic, wild cat look. While some have claimed that their coat is hypoallergenic, this is simply not true. This is probably perpetuated in part due to their minimal shedding compared with other cats.
Personality
Aside from the beautiful appearance that draws you in, it is the personality of these cats that really makes them shine and sets them apart. Inquisitive, energetic, playful, affectionate, and always on the move is the Abyssinian in a nut shell. The Abyssinian is an extremely active problem solving cat that is constantly interacting with their environment, their toys, their people, and any other pets in the house. They are very social and will follow their owner around throughout the day much like a dog, and really enjoy being around people and other pets. They thrive on attention and interaction, and can become bored and destructive if not provided with plenty of outlets for their curiosity and enthusiasm. The Abyssinian is not overly vocal, but will talk in more of a chirp than the characteristic cat meow.
Care Requirements
The Abyssinian requires plenty of space to explore, often taking advantage of any vertical space available. Cat trees, bookshelves, cabinets, countertops, and dressers are all favorite spaces for this athletic cat and they will make use of them all. While it is preferred to have the space of a house, it is also possible to keep an Abyssinian in an apartment provided you enrich their environment with plenty of ways to get their energy out. Cat wheels for instance can be a great way for them to run their energy out without requiring a large home. There is also quite a bit of cat furniture that can be mounted to walls and windows to provide another outlet for all of their energy.
With all of that said it is very important to set aside time daily to play with an Abyssinian, they need the mental stimulation and interaction much like a dog. In fact many owners liken their Abyssinian to being very much like a dog in their nature, even down to preferring to play with the family dog over other cats. They do however display an above average intelligence over the family dog, often learning how to open cabinets, turn on faucets, and turn on/off light switches.
Health
The average lifespan for an Abyssinian is between 9-15 years with some living much longer. Overall the Abyssinian is a healthy cat, their active lifestyle keeps obesity at bay, but even then they are predisposed to some genetic illness.
Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency. Unfortunately Abyssinians are genetically predisposed to a deficiency of the enzyme Pyruvate Kinase which can lead to anemia and can be life threatening.
Patellar Luxation. This is where the parts of the knee joint move to one side of the leg. Abyssinians are more prone to this than other cats due to their active lifestyle. This can occur at any age range.
Renal Amyloidosis. This is a specific type of protein that can build up in the organs. Abyssinians are more prone to this than other cats. This can be detected through blood and urine tests at the vet.
Gingivitis. Gingivitis is common in many breeds of cat, generally due to poor oral hygiene. If left untreated it can lead to periodontal disease and tooth decay. This can be prevented by brushing the teeth weekly and rinsing the mouth.
Overview
Overall The Abyssinian cat is a wonderful pet and companion. Their intelligence, curious nature, and social proclivities can lead to a very rewarding long lasting relationship. Take stock of your lifestyle, if you are active, energetic and always curious this just might be the match for you!