Abyssinians are highly intelligent and intensely inquisitive.
They love to
investigate and will leave no nook or cranny unexplored. They’re sometimes referred
to as “Aby-grabbys” because they tend to take things that grab their interest. The
playful Aby loves to jump and climb. Keep a variety of toys on hand to keep her
occupied, including puzzle toys that challenge her intelligence.
Temperament
Seemingly always in motion, she’ll slow down occasionally to curl up next to you on
the couch or in bed. Although independent, she does best with another Aby companion
to match her high activity levels while you’re away. Abyssinians love attention
from you and respectful children and get along well with cat-friendly dogs, as well
as other pets, like large parrots and ferrets.
Characteristics
The Abyssinian has a wedge-shaped, yet rounded head with broad ears and almond-
shaped eyes in shades of gold or green. Her body is muscular and athletic, but
slim, and supported by fine-boned legs.
Lifespan
9 to 15 years
Colors
Abyssinians have what is known as a “ticked” coat, which alternates light and dark
bands of color on each hair shaft. The warmth glow of their coat resembles wild
cats like cougars. The coat comes in four primary colors: ruddy brown, red, blue
and fawn. Some associations permit additional colors, however.
Shedding
Weekly grooming is sufficient to maintain your Aby’s coat, but you may need more
frequent brushing and bathing during shedding seasons to remove the loose hair
faster.
Health
Although responsible breeders do their best to test for and eliminate genetic
health problems, cats may still develop certain diseases or conditions. Abyssinians
may have a higher risk for the following:
Early periodontal disease
Hyperesthesia syndrome
Patellar luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy
Pyruvate kinase deficiency
Renal amyloidosis
Choosing the Best Food for Abyssinian Cats
Feeding your Aby a high-protein cat food such as Purina Pro Plan True Nature Adult
Grain Free Natural Salmon & Egg Recipe will support her activity levels so she has
plenty of energy to play throughout the day.
To explore other products for your Abyssinian, see our Product Selector.
Choosing the Best Food for Abyssinian Kittens
Your Abyssinian kitten needs a complete and balanced kitten food like Purina Pro
Plan True Nature Kitten Grain Free Natural Chicken & Egg Recipe to support her
development and growth during her first year of life.
History
An Abyssinian was first exhibited in 1871 at the Crystal Palace cat show. She took
third place. There are no records of her origin, but her owner said she had been
imported from Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) during the war. Although this story gives
the breed its name, genetic tests have suggested Abys originated from the coastal
regions of Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean, brought to Europe by British and
Dutch traders.
They were first imported to the U.S. in 1900, but a breeding program wasn’t
implemented until the 1930s when more Abyssinians were imported from Britain. Only
a dozen or so of the cats survived the decimation of World War II in Europe, but
thanks to their import to the U.S., the breed bounced back and has steadily grown
in popularity.
Facts
Some call Abys “Cats from the Blue Nile”, believing they’re the sacred cat of
Egyptian Pharaohs.
Others believe the breed was created in Britain by crossing silver and brown
tabbies with “ticked” coats.
The Somali is a longhaired Abyssinian.
