The Abyssinian is a beautiful, exotic and mysterious-looking cat. It is considered to be the oldest known domestic breed, first brought to Britain by soldiers returning from Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) in 1868.
History: True origins The Abyssinian Cats are a subject of controversy. Nevertheless, one theory is that these cats resembled the paintings on the ancient tomb walls in Egypt. The Abyssinian name originates from the country to the southeast of Egypt which today is known as Ethiopia. The Abyssinian Cats retains the appearance of the African wildcat felis lybica. Another theory suggests that the cats were brought to North America from England in the late 1800s early 1900s. The Abyssinian Cats who were particularly used for the breeding programs in America were brought from England in the late 1930s.
Appearance: Abyssinians are well-proportioned cats, with a medium-sized body. Their head is somewhat wedged but not in an extreme way. Their legs are slender with oval paws. The head is a moderate wedge shape with wide set tufted ears and a definite chin. It has large almond-shaped green or gold eyes with a fine dark line around them. The Abyssinian has a distinctly ticked, tawny coat. Its coat may have two or three dark bands of ticking and be medium in length. The coat is generally a warm golden colour, but “Abys” can also be fawn, blue, cinnamon and red. There is also a Silver Abyssinian variant whose coat shows shades of white, cream and grey.
Size: 8-10 lb.
Temperament: Abyssinians are very playful, friendly, active and curious cats. They are extremely loyal, and will become very attached to its family; in fact they will pine if deprived of their company. They are highly intelligent, and probably the most independent of any domestic breed. Abyssinian hates being deprived of human company, and it is important that it lives in a household where people are usually at home. It also hates being confined, and needs plenty of space. It enjoys hunting, climbing, and will appreciate a garden full of trees and high places, it also loves freedom. Abyssinians have a distinctive, bell-like voice.
Health: Although most Abyssinians are healthy cats there are some hereditary diseases which were indicated in the breed. Progressive retinal atrophy has been reported, and may be detected from a few months of age in some cases. Cats with symptoms of PRA should not normally be used for breeding. There have been also registered neurological storage disease breed and renal amyloidosis.
Life expectancy: 9-15 years
Grooming: The coat of Abyssinians is relatively easy to care for. Brush and comb through the coat occasionally and then polish with a damp chamois leather to bring out the shine. When moulting, use a rubber grooming mitt to remove the dead hairs from the coat.

Kitten price: $500.00 - $800.00