The almost translucent coat pattern of this breed is due to a single gene, first noted in the Abyssyinian. This gene gives each hair several dark bands, evenly dispersed on a lighter background, resulting in a striking "ticked" coat pattern. Abyssinians' ears sometimes have caracal-like tufts, which add to their striking appearance. Although almost silent, Abyssinians are active cats; they become attached to their owners, and demand attention and play. They are natural athletes, climbing and investigating anything available: curtains, people, or, if allowed out, fences and trees. They can suffer inherited forms or retinal atrophy, a blindness more common in dogs.

The body is medium long, lithe, graceful with well developed musculature that is not coarse. It is medium in conformation and should not be either cobby or too svelte. Most importantly, an Abyssinian is a balanced cat. The Abyssinian is fine boned and stands well off the ground giving the appearance of being on tip toe. The tail is fairly long, thick at the base, and tapering. The coat is soft, silky, fine in texture, but dense and resilient to the touch. It is medium in length but must be long enough to accommodate two or three dark bands of ticking.

The Abyssinian is a very active, playful, and inquisitive breed. This slender, shorthaired breed is distinguished by its ticked tabby coat pattern, which is a pattern more commonly seen in wild cats. Though ruddy is the color most associated with the breed, "Abys" are available in blue, fawn, and red (also known as sorrel), as well.

"Abyssinian Cats were recognized in England as long ago as 1882. The first American Abyssinian was born in 1935 and was named Addis Ababa. Since there has been very little written about Abyssinians, their history is difficult to outline. Many theories have them appearing first in Abyssinia, England, Egypt, and Africa, but offer no real proof or authenticity. The most popular theory is that the sacred cats pictured on ancient Egyptian artifacts and hieroglyphics are our beloved Abyssinians, making them one of the oldest breed of cat. Although they look like a little wild cat, it has never been proven that they are, indeed, direct descendants of our jungle beauties.

Temperament and Disposition

As for temperament, the Abyssinians are very intelligent, playful and most affectionate and loving companions. It can be quite obedient, a rare thing among cats, and likes to be a member of your family. They can be taught very easily to do tricks and listen to their names.

Due to their exquisite beauty and super-loving dispositions, even dyed-in-the-wool cat-haters are captivated by Abyssinians. Most people don't even know what they are the first time they see one, but once they take a second look, they are hooked for life! Abys have a way of wrapping themselves around our hearts and brightening our lives with their beauty and loving companionship. They are so intelligent they can readily sense when we are feeling blue, and they rub and purr and cuddle to let you know that things aren't so bad as long as they are around! It's uncanny how they can sense a mood change and respond so readily to it.

Colors of Abyssinians

Adult Abyssinians don't reach their full potential in coloring or ticking until they are eighteen months of age, and a kitten who looks like a pale little nothing at a few weeks could become a vibrantly colored beauty at eighteen months.

There are four common colors of Abyssinians: Ruddy, Red, Blue and Cream. The Ruddy Abyssinian, like mine, has a soft, lustrous coat of ruddy brown. Each hair is ticked with shades of brown or black with a vibrant burnt orange color closest to the skin. The insides of the legs and the underbelly are of the same burnt orange color, unmarked; the more vibrant the color, the better. They may have no lines nor barring, and no white lockets anywhere on the body. The legs should be of a clear color without barring. The eyes are brilliant gold, although green or hazel are acceptable. Kitten's eyes are blue and don't change for several months. Usually the longer it takes for the eye color to come in, the more vibrant it will be. The nose leather is tile red, and the paw pads are black or brown. They may have a black line down the centre of the back, extending up and tipping the tail, which is long, wide at the base, and then tapered. The ears are tipped with black and are large and alert, listening for every sound. Because of this alertness they make very good watch cats, being very much aware of everything going on around them. They closely resemble baby Pumas and because of their ticked coats they have been called Bunny Cats in Europe." © Goran Fernold 1998-2004

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