Fascinating Facts About the Amazing Abyssinian Cat Breed

Abyssinian cats, sometimes called Abys for short, are known for their distinct regal physical traits. Out of all domesticated cat breeds, these felines are perhaps the most similar in looks to their distant wildcat ancestors. It’s important to consider personality, care, and lifestyle before bringing one of these kitties into your life. Not sure if the amazing Abyssinian is right for you? Cat in a Flat is here to tell you all about the Abyssinian cat ‘s origins and what you need know about caring for one.

Where does the Abyssinian cat come from?

Where does the Abyssinian cat come from? Although this breed’s name may hint at origins in Egypt, they actually didn’t come from that region at all! As one of the oldest known cat breeds, it’s difficult to pinpoint the Abyssinian’s exact origins. However, geneticists believe that they most likely came from Southeast Asia and the coasts of the Indian Ocean. 

The first of this feline breed, a cat named Zulu, was brought to the UK from Egypt in the nineteenth century, hence they were dubbed Abyssinian. And, since their sleek, regal appearances also happen to resemble cats depicted in ancient Egyptian art, the name seems particularly apt!  

What do Abyssinian cats look like?

What do Abyssinian cats look like? This breed has a distinctive appearance and will certainly make you feel like your tiny house tiger just wondered in from the jungle! These felines are athletic looking with lean, long bodies. They have a muscular build, a wedge-shaped head, large almond-shaped eyes, and pointed ears. 

These are some other Abyssinian cat characteristics: 

• Lifespan: 9 – 15 years
• Size: Medium-sized
• Weight: 2.7 – 4.5 kg / 6 – 10 lbs
• Coat: Short and fine ticked tabby-like coat
• Colours: Warm brown, blue, cinnamon, and fawn or cream

How to care for an Abyssinian cat

Feeding

Every feline, regardless of breed or type, will have their unique nutritional needs. If your feline has diabetes, food allergies, or is overweight, you will need to manage their diet accordingly. One thing to note is that all cats are carnivores which means that they can’t survive on a vegan diet. Your feline will need a combination of fish and meat based high-quality wet and dry foods. 

The good news is, Abyssinians cats are high energy, which means that as long as you feed them a balanced daily diet, your kitty should be happy and healthy. Keep in mind that kittens consume food more frequently than adult cats, as they are burning more energy throughout the day. If you’re not sure how much to feed Mr Whiskers, consult your vet. They’ll be happy to help you get your fur friend on a healthy, balanced diet. 

Grooming

Abyssinians are a relatively low-maintenance feline when it comes to coat grooming. Their short, dense coat doesn’t require the frequent brushing longer-haired felines do. It also means that your Abyssinian will shed very little! But Mr Whiskers will still benefit from (and enjoy) the occasional brushing, so don’t opt out on this completely. Brushing your furry friend a few times a week will keep their coat healthy, is a wonderful bonding activity, and a great way to improve their quality of life in just a few minutes! 

Make sure you don’t neglect other essential cat care with your Abyssinian, especially when it comes to their dental health. Because this breed is prone to periodontal disease, you should aim to brush your cat’s teethdaily. If they’re not comfortable with brushing, try incorporating dental treats into their daily routine instead. 

Personality

This breed tends to be very active and aren’t the type to spend a lot of time relaxing on your lap. These curious and adventurous kitties will enjoy following you around the home and poking their noses into everything! Abyssinians thrive with lots of playtime throughout the day and will do best with owners who are home most of the time. 

Teaching your Abyssinian tricks is a great way to engage with them too. Their social, playful, and intelligent natures make them excellent candidates for clicker, harness and leash training. Using training and enrichment games to make your Abyssinian ‘work’ for food or treats is also a great way to keep them healthy mentally and physically. 

Enrichment

Because they are so high-energy, Mr Whiskers will love having access to the outdoors. However, unless you have an enclosed cat-friendly garden or catio, it’s not recommended to allow your Abyssinian to roam unsupervised. Their curious nature makes your feline more likely to get into trouble, and their striking appearance puts them at risk for catnapping. 

If you don’t have an enclosed outdoor space, don’t worry. There are many ways to make your indoor space cat-friendly for your Abyssinian. Keep in mind that these kitties need lots of space to run and play, so they may not do well in small apartments or crowded spaces. 

These felines love being up high and knocking things off shelves. If you can, install cat-only shelves for your Abyssinian to climb and perch. Place plenty of scratching trees around your home too—bonus points for putting them in windows where your kitty has a view! Make sure Mr Whiskers has a lot of toys for self-play, and switch these out periodically so your feline doesn’t get bored. 

If you spend many hours outside the home every day, you will need to find ways to keep your high-energy fur friend entertained while you’re gone. Getting them a friend to play with and hiring a cat sitter to drop in during the day to keep them company are two great solutions. A trustworthy sitter can help curb potential boredom by playing and engaging with your feline. 

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Should I get an Abyssinian cat?

Should I get an Abyssinian cat? Bringing a new fur friend into your life is a big decision, and one you shouldn’t take lightly. Before you do, it’s important to consider whether your lifestyle and personality matches with any potential new cat. If you’re someone who is home a lot and wants an active and intelligent fur friend, an Abyssinian might be purrfect for you. But if you don’t have the time and energy to devote to this type of feline, you may need to consider a different breed.

If it’s an option for you, look into adopting first. There are so many wonderful cats waiting for their furever home, and adoption charities take great care in matching kitties with the right people. If you do decide to purchase an Abyssinian, do your research beforehand to make sure your Abyssinian comes from a reputable breeder and not a kitten farm.