ALLEMAND
ESPAGNOL
FRANÇAIS
ITALIEN
NÉERLANDAIS
PORTUGAISAbyssinian
Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of cat abyssinian!
Here, you will find all the useful information about abyssinian. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.
Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.
Overall description of the breed
The Abyssinian cat is one of the oldest cat breeds we know, but like many cats, its exact origins are not extremely precise. We may consider that this very popular breed has its origins in Asia, although some specialists attribute Egyptian ancestry dating back to the time of the Pharaohs.
The Abyssinian cat or Bunny Cat made its appearance in Europe at the end of the 19th century thanks to Field Marshal Sir Robert Napier, more precisely in the United Kingdom, at a cat show at London's Crystal Palace in 1871. Shortly afterwards, in 1886, it was recognised as a breed in its own right in England and was exported across the Atlantic in the early 19th century, where it met with great success. Today, the Abyssinian breed is one of the best-known and most widespread cat breeds in the world.
Nicknamed the Rabbit Cat because of its large ears, the Abyssinian is a true athlete, energetic, playful and tireless. They are powerful, muscular and slender cats of medium size, with beautifully defined lines and an elegant appearance.
Lively but discreet, they are literally bursting with vigour and agility, while remaining silent and secretive. Their head is well proportioned to their body and triangular in shape. A distinctive sign of the breed, its ears are much larger than other cats of its size, pointed and folded discreetly forward. The tail is of good length, thick at the base, tapering gently towards the tip. The coat is short, close and slightly satiny, making it very pleasant to the touch.
The coat comes in 28 different shades, including Ruddy, Chocolate and Sorrel (chestnut red), Blue, Lilac and Fawn, but must be ticked to qualify as a purebred Abyssinian.
As far as character is concerned, Abyssinians have a very active, cheerful and sporting temperament, and are always on the move. Easy-going and dynamic, they make excellent everyday companions, appreciating affectionate petting and cuddles, and purring easily when they come into contact with people close to them.
Rather wary of strangers, they need a little time to adjust before they feel confident and reveal their mischievous character and playful side. Unlike many feline breeds, the Abyssinian is attracted to water and is a good swimmer if the opportunity arises. They are easy to understand thanks to their friendly, pleasant-sounding meows. Close to members of their household, they find it hard to be left alone, so you'll need to plan ahead if you're going to be away for long periods.
Its gentle character makes it a devoted cat, and it likes its independence, although its tender temperament means it will greatly appreciate the company of its whole family on a daily basis.
As an adult, the Abyssinian cat will measure around 30 cm (12 inches) at the withers and weigh 4 to 6 kg (9 to 13 lbs).
Awareness of acquiring an animal
Each animal is a sensitive being, deserving love, attention and care.
When you choose to adopt an animal, you take on the responsibility of ensuring its health and well-being throughout its life.
To learn more about animal welfare, we invite you to consult our FAQ by clicking the button below:
Origins
The Abyssinian is an ancient cat breed, with mysterious origins that trace back to ancient Egypt. Some believe these cats are descendants of the felines revered by the ancient Egyptians, while others theorize they were introduced to Europe by Ethiopian traders, hence their name. Their elegant appearance and distinctive features have captivated cat lovers around the world for centuries.
History
The story of the Abyssinian is captivating and full of mysteries. It is said that they were first discovered in Abyssinia, now Ethiopia, hence their name. Depictions of a cat resembling the Abyssinian have been found in ancient Egyptian artifacts, suggesting an even more ancient origin. Their popularity spread to Europe in the 19th century, where they were selectively bred to preserve their distinctive features.
Standard
The standard for the Abyssinian is defined by a slender and muscular silhouette, a wedge-shaped head with large pointed ears, and expressive almond-shaped eyes. Their short, dense coat is marked with agouti bands, creating a wild and exotic appearance. The most common coat colors are sorrel, blue, fawn, and hare.
Physical characteristics
The Abyssinian is a medium to large sized cat, agile and graceful. Their limbs are proportionate, giving them a sleek and athletic appearance. Their short, silky coat requires minimal grooming, and their tapered tail is often marked with dark bands.
Character
The Abyssinian is known for its keen intelligence and playful personality. They are affectionate companions who love being the center of attention. They are curious and exploratory, always ready to engage in games and activities with their family.
Life expectancy
The Abyssinian has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, although some individuals live up to 20 years with proper care and good health.
Exercise and activity needs
The Abyssinian is an energetic cat that requires daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy interactive toys, play sessions with their family, and even walks on a leash.
Recommended diet
A balanced diet, consisting of quality cat food, is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of the Abyssinian. Regular meals and controlled portions help prevent obesity, a particular concern in this active breed.
Training and obedience
The Abyssinian is intelligent and responsive to training, making it a cooperative student for education and discipline. Early socialization and positive reinforcement techniques are recommended to promote well-balanced behavior.
Behavior with children
The Abyssinian is generally friendly and playful with children, making it an ideal companion for families. Their patient nature and love of play make them excellent companions for active children.
Compatibility with Other Animals
The Abyssinian is often sociable with other pets, including dogs and other cats, especially if they have been introduced in an appropriate and gradual manner.
Grooming needs
The Abyssinian has a short coat and requires little maintenance. A weekly brushing is usually enough to remove dead hair and keep their coat in good condition.
Health
The Abyssinian is generally a robust breed, but they can be predisposed to certain conditions, including kidney and dental diseases. Regular visits to the vet and a proper diet can help prevent these health issues.
Average price
The average price of a quality Abyssinian kitten with a pedigree can vary from a few hundred to a few thousand euros, depending on the lineage, quality, and reputation of the breeder.
Expenses
In addition to the initial purchase price, Abyssinian owners should budget for ongoing costs for food, veterinary care, accessories, and other essential needs.
Name ideas
Names inspired by their Egyptian heritage, like Nefertiti or Ramesses, or names that reflect their beauty and personality, like Luna or Simba, are well suited to the Abyssinian.
Legislation and regulation
The Abyssinian is generally not subject to specific laws or regulations regarding ownership or classification in most regions, as they are considered domestic pets.
Official recognition
The Abyssinian is recognized by most major international feline associations, such as the International Feline Federation (FIFé) and The International Cat Association (TICA), which establish breed standards and organize cat shows.
Pedigrees
Serious breeders register their Abyssinians with recognized feline organizations to guarantee the purity of the lineage and the traceability of the pedigrees.
Destination and usage
The Abyssinian is primarily raised as a pet, appreciated for its playful personality and exotic appearance. Their active nature also makes them suited to activities such as feline agility.
Prohibitions
No specific ban generally applies to the possession or breeding of Abyssinians, although it is always recommended to comply with local laws and regulations regarding pets.
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