Abyssinian cat – the lapis lazuli beast of the horizon

One of the most fascinating and enigmatic breeds of cats is the Abyssinian, which is frequently referred to as a "living piece of the wild." This cat appears to have emerged from an old legend with its muscular, sleek body and colorful coat. Because of its ticked fur, which resembles a glistening gemstone, it is known as the "lapis lazuli beast of the horizon."

Abyssinians are energetic, gregarious, and inquisitive individuals who love to explore. They never stop moving; they jump, climb, and chase after anything that piques their curiosity. These cats are incredibly affectionate and form strong bonds with their owners despite their independent nature. They also enjoy being involved in activities.

Having an Abyssinian in your home signifies accepting a wonderful friend who infuses your house with charm and adventure. They are a breed unlike any other due to their remarkable appearance and exuberant nature, which perfectly combines sophistication and wild charm.

History of origin

The now-extinct Abyssinia, which is situated in northern Africa, is the nation of origin of the Abyssinian breed. It is thought that approximately 2,000 years ago, wild African cats were domesticated, leading to the creation of the breed. Ancient frescoes in the pharaohs’ tombs depict animals that resemble the Abyssinian breed.

It is unknown how exactly the breed came to be. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these exotic pets first made an appearance in Europe. At exhibitions in England, the first Abyssinians were observed, and they continued to have tassels on their ears and a striped appearance. These characteristics of Egyptian cats’ appearance gradually vanished as the breed developed.

The Abyssinian cat is known by its English name, Abyssinian. It has several standards for various classifications – for example, according to FiFe and WCF, Abyssinians are assigned category III (shorthaired).

Characteristics of the Abyssinian breed

From the time the Abyssinian breed first appeared in Europe more than a century has passed. Over this period, the breed underwent a gradual transformation, evolving in appearance with every generation. Modern cats differ greatly from the ancient Egyptian "settlers." The following are the primary attributes that characterize the present standards for Ethiopians.

Standard

• Head: wedge-shaped, with smooth, rounded outlines.
• Body: medium size, with developed muscles, long legs and tail, the body is quite powerful.
• Weight: an adult varies from 4 to 7 kg.
• Ears: large with rounded tips, the fur on which is noticeably darker.
• Eyes: almond-shaped, large, expressive, the edge of the eyelids is dark, forming a kind of "eyeliner". The color of the eyes can be green or yellow, taking on different shades.
• Wool: short, thin, fits tightly to the body and has a pronounced shine. However, the main feature of the Abyssinian"s fur is its unique color, achieved by the phenomenon of ticking. The concept of "ticking" means that each hair in the fur has stripes (usually 2-3) of different colors, due to which the entire fur on the animal"s body gets beautiful smooth iridescence.
• Average age: With good care, Abyssinians can live on average up to 15-20 years.

Four color variations of this breed are officially recognized by the World Cat Owners Association (CFA):

• wild (ruddy) – black ticking on a red-brown base;
• red (red) – brown ticking on an apricot base;
• blue (blue) – gray-blue tints on apricot-colored fur;
• beige (fawn) – beige-pink streaks on ivory color.

It is typical for kittens produced from the crossing of individuals with different colors to inherit the genetically dominant color variant rather than mixed colors.

Health

Genetic predisposition to certain diseases affects Abyssins, just like it does all thoroughbred animals. These illnesses consist of:

This breed’s genetic diseases are easily diagnosed through genetic testing, preventing the emergence of offspring with unfavorable health issues. Other illnesses, like those affecting the mouth and digestive system, can be cured with cautious treatment and routine veterinary visits.

There is presently a vaccine available to prevent feline leukemia; following vaccination, the pet is shielded from the fatal illness.

Therefore, with proper care for the pet, all of the health issues affecting Abyssinians can be easily resolved or avoided.

Character

Animals with lots of energy, Abyssinian cats are lively. They are very determined, but they also maintain a human perspective and value consideration and care. They do, however, continue to be independent and pick up the house rules gradually.

Abyssinians are intelligent enough, to learn to use a litter box, eat at a certain time and point their claws in a specially designated place, but they need a separate corner in the house where they will drag toys and exist, being left to themselves. These animals enjoy exploring new locations, going on adventures, and playing with other animals. Although they can live with other medium- and large-sized pets, their natural predilection is to hunt rodents.

Be cautious when leaving an Abyssinian cat with a child because this mischievous animal does not tolerate familiarity. If the child can understand, let them know that you cannot handle your pet roughly and take away its food and toys. It is preferable to avoid leaving your pet alone with the baby if this is not possible.

Although they are not the most timid or finicky breed, abyssinian cats can growl and hiss in an unsettling or unfamiliar setting. Despite this, they are generally easy to handle.

Possible problems

Since Abyssinian cats are generally easy to handle, owning one is not directly contraindicated. It is advised to get two cats at once, or a cat and a dog, if the owner disappears for an extended period of time at work because these breeds of cats get very bored without their owners.

Furthermore, because Abyssinians genuinely enjoy playing and moving things, it is best to look more closely at more "lazy" pets if a prospective owner is unable to give the cat a lot of attention and keep it occupied with active games.

Photos of colors

Care

When it comes to maintenance, abyssinians are generally not a difficult breed to raise, but there are a few subtleties that an owner should be aware of.

Wool

Abyssinian cat coat maintenance is incredibly easy. Because Abyssinians don’t actually have an undercoat, their coats tend to shed a little bit, but other than that, they are extremely clean and don’t require special care. Because of their short, smooth coat, they don’t need to be combed frequently. It is sufficient to use a metal brush with frequent teeth to comb the cat once every one to two weeks. You can smooth the Abyssinian’s coat before exhibitions by running a piece of natural suede over it; this will make the coat even smoother and more glossy.

An Abyssinian cat can be bathed as often as necessary (if the animal becomes unclean) or once every few months. This breed of cats does not scratch or flee when they come into contact with water. Use a cat shampoo designed specifically for short, silky fur.

Nutrition

Although there is no specific diet for Abyssinian cats, it is advised to feed them a blend of dry and humid feed made especially for this breed. Because this breed of pet is prone to gingivitis and digestive disorders, it is especially important to heed this recommendation. Our article contains a rating of the top wet foods.

Ear care

Because they are prone to infection, Abyssinian cats need to have their ears properly cared for. The pet’s ears should be cleaned with a cotton pad soaked in warm, boiled water once every two weeks. The pet’s teeth also require special care; a veterinarian examination of the cat’s oral cavity should be scheduled on a regular basis (every three to four months).

Walking the pet

It is crucial that Abyssinians move around a lot and discover new things to investigate on their own. Such a cat will feel confined in a small apartment because there won’t be enough room for her to play.

The ideal home for an Abyssinian cat is a large country estate with a large yard where the cat can go for regular walks while wearing a harness. Allowing the pet to go on independent walks is not advised because this breed’s curiosity can lead it far from home.

Breed card

Characteristics of the cat		Notes
General information	It comes in different colors. Kittens are quite easy to acquire	Small litters
Character	Playful cats, quite wayward and inquisitive, love the company of people
Appearance	Quite exotic appearance, especially if the cats have tassels on their ears
Behavior at home	They become attached to the house and the owner, love active games and climbing	Usually gets along well with dogs, but you shouldn"t trust her with small rodents and birds

How to choose a kitten

A kitten of the Abyssinian breed can cost anywhere between 10,000 and 50,000 rubles, depending on its pedigree and color. Depending on the class, famous breeders’ kittens can fetch as much as 80,000 rubles for sale.

Kittens in the pet class have outward flaws that make them unfit for breeding.

Cats in this breed class are permitted to breed but are not permitted to show.

Kittens in the show class have an attractive appearance and are eligible to participate in exhibitions.

Top show class kittens are the priciest. Their immaculate appearance and submissive nature set them apart. They are the ones who decide the breed’s destiny and are sought after for mating.

A kitten should ideally be purchased when it is 12 weeks or older. By now, the kitten is old enough to be safely taken home after being weaned from its mother and receiving all the required medical care.

Selecting kittens from reputable breeders or catteries is preferable. At three months, the kitten ought to have received two vaccinations. The pedigree should be listed on the cat’s passport. Take note of the number of inbred matings in your kitten’s pedigree (ideally no more than 4) and whether it is intended for breeding (such kittens are significantly more expensive).

Breeding Abyssinians

Russia offers ideal breeding conditions for cats from Ethiopia. This breed is bred in many catteries in the capital and surrounding areas. Since Abyssinian cats reproduce easily and are highly well-liked, finding a mate for mating is not difficult.

Super-Aby, ASIN, Amberberry are Moscow.

Gold vein, ABYSPHERE, St. Petersburg.

Useful video

An in-depth explanation of the traits and breed of Abyssinians:

Characteristic	Description
Origin	The Abyssinian cat is believed to have origins in ancient Egypt, known for its resemblance to statues of cats found in tombs.
Appearance	This breed has a sleek, muscular body with a short, ticked coat that shimmers in shades of gold, resembling the beauty of lapis lazuli stone.
Temperament	Abyssinians are active, curious, and affectionate, often seeking out attention and companionship from their owners.
Maintenance	They require minimal grooming due to their short coat, but regular playtime is important to keep them mentally stimulated.

Particularly notable are the Abyssinian cat’s graceful demeanor and lively nature. Many cat lovers adore this breed because of its sleek coat and expressive eyes. The inquisitive and lively disposition of this feline lends charm to any home.

The Abyssinian makes a lively and interactive companion. It is an intelligent and vivacious cat that enjoys stimulation and interaction with its surroundings. This cat actively engages in its owner’s daily activities rather than just observing them.

All things considered, the Abyssinian is a special, active friend rather than just a pet. This cat provides a wealth of companionship and loyalty, making it an excellent choice for those looking for either. They will always add excitement and affection to your home because of their dynamic nature.

The Abyssinian cat is a breed full of energy, curiosity, and grace; it is often referred to as the "lapis lazuli beast of the horizon" because of its striking, shimmering coat. Known for their playful and active nature, these cats are both affectionate and independent, making them a perfect companion for those who appreciate a lively, intelligent pet. The sleek body and expressive eyes of the Abyssinian contribute to their distinct appearance, which makes them an incredibly alluring feline.

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