These cats are sometimes referred to as the Clowns of the Cat Kingdom because they can be so playful and entertaining.
The Abyssinian cat is a short-haired domestic cat originating from Ethiopia. (Previously known as Abyssinia) These cats have a ticked tabby coat of hair banded with different colors. This type of coat can give them the look of a wild cat. They have large ears, almond-shaped eyes, and a wedge-shaped head.
Abyssinian cats, also known as Abys, have individual hairs that are striped in alternating bands of darker or lighter colors. This is known as agouti hairs. Usually, the lighter shades are on the inside of the coat with the darker ends of the hairs on the outside.
They also have slender legs, fine boned-bodies, and long tails. Their eyes vary in colors that can be green, gold, hazel, or copper in color. Their fur can come in ruddy, red, blue, fawn, or cinnamon.
These cats are very active and love to climb objects and sharpen their claws on things. Make sure you have something for them to climb on to satisfy their urges.
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Are Abyssinian Cats Friendly?
Yes, they’re one of the more friendly domestic cat breeds that absolutely adore their human parents. They will rub against you and maybe even jump into your arms when you’ve been away for long. They’re good pets to own as they’ll involve themselves in your life as much as possible.
Although they are very friendly with people they know, they’ll be shy around strangers as most cats are at first.
Abyssinians enjoy playing with people and other pets which makes them great for the whole family. These are inquisitive cats that are always interested in what’s happening around the house, especially when it comes to specifically what you’re doing.
Their meow is short and soft to the point where people refer to it as a “chirp”.
If you’re at work or school all day, these cats will get lonely. So pay extra attention to them after you get back.
Are Abyssinian Cats Expensive?
They are more expensive than the average domestic cat. An Aby kitten can cost anywhere from $500 dollars and upwards. If you buy from a very reputable breeder you might pay over $1000.
Are Abyssinian Cats Rare?
No, they’re not rare. They are actually one of the top 5 most popular cat breeds in the world.
Are Abyssinian Cats Aggressive?
No, they’re not aggressive in general. They’re more commonly known as lovable and affectionate cats. They are very energetic and playful though and can get a bit rough with those sharp claws.
What Is A Healthy Diet For An Abyssinian?
Just like any other cat, the Aby cat is a carnivore by nature. This means they need food that is high in protein. If you feed your cat 100% cat pellets, you need to make sure that they of good quality and consist of mostly protein.
Cheap cat foods contain too much grain to cut on costs. Feeding your cat some real meat a few times a week will be highly beneficial to its health. Just make sure they don’t get hold of any bones whatsoever.
Bones can easily get stuck into a cat’s throat and result in death.
Feeding your cat wet food is extremely advantageous for its hydration levels, especially because most cats sometimes forget to drink some water throughout the day. With that said, dry cat food is also important to keep your cat’s teeth strong and clean.
To sum it up, make sure your cat gets plenty of protein. Feed a combination of dry and wet foods to maintain healthy teeth and to keep your cat hydrated. Also, provide them with the occasional cooked piece of deboned meat, from within a bowl, otherwise they likely to scratch or bite you.
Abyssinian Cat Size And Weight
These cats are medium-sized with a length of around 15-inches. They average 9-inches in height and can weigh up to 12lb.
Are Abyssinian Cats Lap Cats?
Some Abyssinians can turn out to be lap cats while others might just want their own space. In our opinion, they are slightly less likely to enjoy your lap than some other domestic cats. It also depends on how you interact with your cat.
One thing is certain though, Aby cats will usually be nearby enjoying your company even if they’re not firmly positioned on your lap.
If you’re a very hands-on type of pet lover who’s able to spend most of your time with your cat, they will be more likely to enjoy the comfort of your lap. If you don’t interact as closely with your cat and let it roam the neighborhood as it pleases, they’re less likely to enjoy your lap.
Do they like to be picked up?
Once again, it depends from cat to cat, but in general, Aby cats don’t like to be handled too much and therefore don’t like to be picked up. Although you might have the exception to the rule.
How Smart Are Abyssinian Cats?
Abyssinians are extremely intelligent. They can even learn to play fetch like a dog would if you have a toy to throw for them.
If you own one of these cats, you might notice how they soon catch on to what you’re doing at different times. They’ll quickly start learning your routine with regards to when you’re supposed to wake up, feed them, leave for work, and when you’re about to arrive at home.
Do Abyssinian Cats Shed?
They do shed, not nearly as much as long-haired cats, but still enough for you to notice little hairs floating around the house. They have short, thick coats of hair and it will benefit them highly if you comb them at least 2 to 3 times a month. (Especially in the summer)
Can Abyssinian Cats Be Black?
They can certainly appear to have black coats but these cats are always multicolored with lighter fur on the inside and darker fur on the outside of the coat. You may see an Aby cat that looks completely black if it has dark brown fur tipped with black coloring.
Can Abyssinian Cats Be Left Alone?
Aby cats love to interact with people as much as possible, so leaving them alone will most likely cause them some emotional stress. They’ll do better if they have another furry friend to play with while you’re away.
Do Abyssinian Cats Like Water?
Most of them don’t mind water, especially once they get used to it. Bathing your Aby can be a lot easier than bathing other domestic breeds that are terrified of water. If you start bathing your kitten at a young age, they won’t mind the water as much when they’re older.
How Long Do Abyssinian Cats Live?
The Abyssinian has a lifespan of 15 years on average. Their lives can be reduced to half of that if they suffer from periodontal disease or luxating patella.
Possible Health Issues In Abyssinian Cats
Here, we’ll briefly cover health issues that an Aby cat may experience. It’s important to note that these health issues are not especially specific to the Aby cat breed, many of these diseases are common in most cat breeds.
Dental disease
Gum disease can also occur which causes inflammation deep inside the supporting structures of the cat’s teeth. This is usually caused by a build-up of bacteria and minerals along the gum line that turns into a brown scale called tartar. Tartar can lead to a condition called gingivitis. Further down the line, this can lead to liver and kidney damage.
Feline Asthma
This is a condition that’s been observed in Aby cats that causes problems in the lower respiratory tract. The lower airways and lungs can be inflamed due to allergies and irritants and the cat will show symptoms such as wheezing and coughing.
If your cat displays any of these symptoms you should have a veterinarian check them over.
Gastrointestinal tract disorders
This can be caused by infections or obstructions in the bowl. The infection or obstruction can be caused by the cat eating something foreign like a piece of string.
Kidney disease
These cats may suffer from kidney disease caused by infections, toxins, tumors, and blockages. Kidney disease can turn into a chronic case when the kidney function gradually deteriorates over time.
Did You Know?
- The Abyssinian featured for the first time in a cat show during 1871 where it was awarded third place.
- The Aby cat is one of the top 5 most popular cat breeds in the world today.
- It’s believed that British soldiers deployed to North Africa in the 19th century returned home with Abyssinian kittens bought from African locals.
- The distinctive M-shaped marking of the tabby cat can often be seen on an Aby cat’s forehead.
- Bunny cat is another name some people use to refer to these cats.
Pam is a self-confessed cat lover and has experience of working with cats and owning cats for as long as she can remember. This website is where she gets to share her knowledge and interact with other cat lovers.