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Description

The Abyssinian cat is a very active, playful, and inquisitive breed. This slender, short-haired breed is distinguished by its coat pattern, which is ticked in the manner associated with wild cats.

The Abyssinian personality is friendly, outgoing, interactive, and inquisitive, sometimes dangerously so. They are fearless and can get themselves in trouble if not properly supervised. They wake up with a "to-do" list and don't rest until everything is checked off. Abyssinians can be very stubborn and difficult to distract once they have an idea.

Though ruddy is the color most associated with the breed, Abyssinian kittens are widely available in blue, fawn, and red (also known as sorrel), as well. They are also available in silver tones, lavender, chocolate, and sex-linked red, though not widely in the United States.

The "normal" Abyssinian colors have a reddish undertone due to a factor called rufousing. A complete lack of this rufousing is what contributes to the striking silver tones.

Interesting breed fact: The Abyssinian as a breed was largely developed in England; although popular mythology has it they were of African origin, there is no actual evidence to support this theory. The breed was nearly eradicated during World War II. After the war, there were only 12 registered Abyssinians left in England.

Photo © Chanan

Associations: The Abyssinian cat breed accepted by all major associations. It is one of the oldest accepted breeds; stud books for registered Abyssinians in England date back to the 1890s. Not all associations recognize all colors of Abyssinian; CFA did not even accept blue or fawn until 1984 and 1989 respectively.

Books about Abyssinians from amazon.com

• Abyssinian Cats : Everything About Acquisition, Care, Nutrition, Behavior, Health Care, and Breeding (Complete Pet Owner's Manual) by J. Anne Helgren
• Guide to Owning an Abyssinian Cat by Judah Track
• This Is the Abyssinian Cat by Kate Faler

Abyssinian Breed Information

• Abyssinian Breed Synopsis (ACFA)
• Abyssinian Breed Profile (Catz-NZ)
• Abyssinian Breed Profile (CFA)
• Abyssinian Breed Profile (TICA)
• Abyssinian: Bands on the Run (Cats & Kittens)
• Abyssinian Color Inheritance Chart (Abyssinian Club)
• Abyssinian & Somali Pedigree Database (Pawpeds)
• Choosing an Abyssinian (PetPlace.com)
• The Abyssinian Homepage
• Wikipedia: Abyssinian Cat Breed
• Abyssinian (IAMS Breed Guide)

Abyssinian Cat Clubs/Associations

• Abyssinian Cat Association (UK) (ACA)
• Abyssinian Cat Club (UK) (ACC)
• Abyssinian Cat Club of America (ACCA)
• Abyssinian Club
• CFA Abyssinian Breed Council

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