Abyssinian Cats. Learn all about the exotic-looking Abyssinian - thought to be the oldest domestic breed of cat. Abyssinian information includes breed description, history and origins, special requirements, pictures and more...

Although the Abyssinian is one of the oldest known breeds, there continues to be speculation and controversy concerning its history.

In appearance, Abyssinians resemble the paintings and sculptures of ancient Egyptian cats which portray an elegant feline with a muscular body, beautiful arched neck, large ears and almond shaped eyes.

Abys today still retain the jungle look of felis lybica, the African wildcat ancestor of all domestic cats.

The source of the name is not because Ethiopia, formerly Abyssinia, is thought to be the original home of these cats, but because the first "Abyssinian" exhibited at a show in England was reported to have been imported from that country.

This cat was brought from Abyssinia at the conclusion of the war. British troops left Abyssinia in May 1868, so that may have been the time when cats with ticked coats first entered England.

Unfortunately, there are no written records tracing the early Abyssinians to those imported cats, and many British breeders are of the opinion that the breed was actually created through the crossing of the various existing silver and brown tabbies with native British "Bunny" ticked cats.

Recent studies by geneticists show that the most convincing origin of the Abyssinian breed is the coast of the Indian Ocean and parts of Southeast Asia.

Although the Abyssinian as a breed was refined in England, its introduction to this country and others may have been the result of colonists and merchants stopping in Calcutta, the major port for the Indian Ocean.

This beautiful, exotic & mysterious-looking cat is thought to be the oldest known domestic breed, first brought to Britain by soldiers returning from Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) in 1868.

Abyssinian cats are well-proportioned cats, with a medium-sized body.

Abyssinians have large attentive ears and beautiful almond-shaped green or gold eyes.

The coat of Abyssinian cats is their most remarkable attribute. Each hair of the coat has several bands of colour - this is known as agouti colour.

You can see Agouti hair on any tabby cat - it is the hair colour between the tabby stripes or spots.

The Abyssinians, however, have what is called a "ticked" agouti coat all over their body, except on their faces, where they also have a tabby facemask.

Originally, the Abyssinian agouti coat had one accepted colour - ruddy brown. Today three more colours are recognized for this breed: red, blue, and fawn.

Any of the four colours should be evenly ticked all over the cat's body.

Characteristics and Temperament

Abyssinian cats are renowned for their high intelligence and playful nature. They usually mix well with children and other pets and like to join in family activities.

Many Abyssinians can be taught basic tricks and some will even teach their owners to fetch.

Special Requirements

Play and exercise are a vital part of daily routine. Groom daily by rubbing with a gloved hand.