Cat of the Week: Abyssinian


The Abyssinian cat is a short-haired breed with a sleek, muscular body. It has a “ticked” coat, and almond shaped eyes. They have an affectionate personality and mysterious origin. Read this post for more info!

Origin:

A cat named Zula was brought back from Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) in 1868. She was the first cat called an Abyssinian. These cats didn’t come to America until the early 20th century. The first one came to Boston in 1909. Although, their exact origin is unknown. Some people think they came from the coast of the Indian Ocean in Southeast Asia.

Description:

Ruddy Aby

Abyssinian cats have long lean bodies with a “ticked” coat. Its fur looks like it’s banded and it can be colored ruddy, red, blue, and fawn. They have a wedged shape head and large ears. Their large ears are the reason they’re sometimes called “bunny cat”. An Aby’s lifespan is 9-15 years. Their height can be up 7.9-9.8 in, and a male Abyssinian can weigh up to 3-5 kg!

Diet:

Like all cats, Abyssinian cats are carnivores. They need good, fresh meat, and a proper mix of carbs and fats. The best way to go is feeding them a mix of raw and dry food. Also, make sure your cat is also getting hydrated because of the fact cats don’t drink enough water. You can feed them raw food sometimes, but not all the time. Aby’s can get dental problems if they only eat wet food. You can research online to find the best kind of cat food for your Abyssinian.

Personality:

Abyssinian cats are very energetic, curious, and social. Although they aren’t lap cats, they still love to spend time with their owners. They have a good sense of humor and enjoy being the center of attention. They’re fast learners and can be walked on a leash. These little furballs are so athletic, they’ll do anything but sit in one place or sleep!

Health Problems:

Abyssinian cats are playful and fun, but they can also suffer from diseases like:

  • Gingivitis
  • Pyruvate Kinase Anemia (which makes the cat anemic)
  • Patellar luxation (dislocation of kneecaps)
  • Retinal atrophy (Eye Regeneration disease)

Make sure your cat takes daily checkups because cats are good at hiding their diseases.

There you have it! Information on the Abyssinian cat! If you want, you can look at other sources for information about this cat breed, and maybe adopt one too!