
Abyssinian
Size: 12-16 inches
Weight: 8-12 pounds
Hypoallergenic: No
Lifespan: 9-13 years
Behavior
The Abyssinian is a loyal and devoted cat that wants affection on its own terms. They will become quite squirmy and agitated if you try to pick them up. And do not expect them to curl up on your lap! This social kitty will follow you from room to room, never wanting to be too far away.
Abyssinians get along with children and most other cats and pets, including dogs. These playful and energetic balls of fur ensure there will be hours of playtime. They are often called “clowns” because of their insistence on entertaining the entire family. One of their favorite activities is getting some pets and scratches while sitting beside you on the couch. Abyssinian is a clever cat that won’t back down from a challenge. The Abyssinian becomes especially determined to wreak havoc when left alone. This is not a cat that enjoys being left alone for hours each day and night. If you work long hours, the Abyssinian might not fit into your lifestyle. Their loneliness will soon lead to frustration and thoughts of revenge. Most importantly, this breed wants to be loved and interact with people and other pets in the house. Consider giving your Abyssinian a companion cat who also enjoys playing if you are very busy and frequently away from home.
History
The breed’s ancestors possibly came from Abyssinia, which is now Ethiopia - hence, the name. But others believe the Abyssinian came from the coast of the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. No matter their origin, there’s no denying that the Abyssinian was always a prized feline. Ancient Egyptians worshiped Abyssinians almost 6,000 years ago. They were believed to be physical manifestations of gods and were often depicted in murals and sculptures.
At the conclusion of the Abyssinian War in 1868, it is believed that an Abyssinian was transported from Abyssinia to England. Experts think that the Abyssinian died out at some point, leaving British breeders with British Bunny cats to recreate the breed. In any case, the Abyssinian was a popular breed in Europe. However, like many breeds, the cat was completely eradicated during World War II. After the war ended, British cat lovers bred the Abyssinian once more.
Two Abyssinians were brought to the United States at the beginning of the 1900s, which sparked interest right away. In the 1930s, North American breeders began breeding additional imported kitties into Abyssinians. The popularity of the breed grew quickly. They are currently ranked seventh in the world and among the top five most popular cat breeds in the United States.
Looks & Health
You can find Abyssinians in silver, ruddy, red, blue, fawn colors. In general, the Abyssinian is a healthy cat breed. They can easily adapt to new environments because they may have lived on this planet for thousands of years. However, just like any other cat, it is important to know what to look for because health issues can occur. They have a magnificent ticked coat that sets them apart from other cat breeds.
They look between stocky and svelte due to their well-developed muscles. They have a fairly long tail that tapers off at the base and is thick. The head of the Abyssinian is a wedge with gentle contours and a slight rounded shape. Their curved neck extends from their head. Due to their forward orientation and cupped base, their ears appear large and alert. The eyes of this breed are almond-shaped, bright, and expressive. The fine, dark line that encircles them makes them stand out. They frequently have deep-colored eyes with beautiful, rich gold or green.
Your Abyssinian cat may also have patellar luxation, a condition in which the kneecap is dislocated. This condition effectively weakens the ligaments and muscles surrounding the kneecap, and it can be inherited genetically or brought on by physical trauma. The ligaments can be strengthened with surgery, but it takes a long time to recover, and keeping your Abyssinian still for that long can be hard. Pyruvate kinase deficiency also contributes to anemia in the Abyssinians. Additionally, amyloidosis and progressive retinal atrophy should be checked out by your veterinarian.
Periodontal disease is very common in these cats, but it can be treated by brushing your teeth at home or getting your teeth cleaned by your vet. The coats of Abyssinians tend to be shorter and hence, they do not need much grooming except a weekly brushing of their fur. You should trim their nails periodically, or opt for Abyssinian nail trimming. Abyssinians need a wide range of toys - give them a mix of traditional cat toys, interactive toys, electronics that they can chase, and toys that help them bond. Your cat will also enjoy puzzle toys in which they must solve a puzzle to extract treats from a device. If you can't be there all day, this game will help keep your Abyssinian occupied and entertained.
Food & Nutrition
Always look for cat food brands that use high-quality ingredients, which is also a key requirement for Abyssinian cat grooming as they keep their coat healthy. Look out for sources of protein, which should be fish like salmon, turkey, or chicken. If "chicken meal" is the first ingredient, it probably is not a good brand. Taurine is the second thing to look for. Animal protein contains this amino acid. Despite their need for it to stay healthy and active, cats curiously do not produce it themselves. Between 25 and 56 milligrams of taurine are required on a daily basis. Cat food that is high in carbohydrates, such as corn and wheat, should be avoided.
Abyssinian cats can only live as long as they eat a well-balanced diet. The tailed pets live about 20 years if this rule is followed, remaining active and happy. As a result, abyssinian cat nutrition should be approached cautiously. The Abyssinian cat's natural diet may include meat, cereals, and varieties of fish without added fat. The difficulty of such a diet lies in the difficulty of selecting a well-balanced diet that will fully satisfy the requirements of the Abyssinian cat. Additionally, cooking takes a long time. Because of this, a lot of people like to use dry and wet food that has already been prepared. They include vitamin complexes, minerals, trace elements, and all of the necessary ingredients.
A cat that consumes dry granules must consume at least 150 milliliters of liquid each day, so the bowl should always be stocked with clean water. The bowl is sometimes ignored by Abyssinians, who prefer to drink water from the tap. In this scenario, the pet can purchase a specialized drinking fountain and relocate it away from the feeding location.
Conclusion
Since coming in third at the First Crystal Palace Cat Show in 1871, this domestic kitty has been a favorite at cat shows. Both in the show ring and in our hearts, they are winners. You will have a lot of fun, play time, and laughter when you adopt an Abyssinian. The Abyssinian cat might be the right pet for you if you want a companion who will not only be loyal and loving to you, but will also give you energy and joy. The Abyssinian will become a family favorite when given the right care and attention. Just a reminder: Your phone's camera roll will soon be flooded with adorable videos and photos of all of your Abyssinian cat's antics, so you might need to buy more storage. For more information or to avail our pet nail trimming services, visit Pawnanny.com .