Abyssinian Cat Breed Profile – Purina
Abyssinians are highly intelligent and intensely curious. they love to investigate and won’t leave any nook and cranny unexplored. they are sometimes called “aby-grabbys” because they tend to take things that catch their interest. Playful baby loves to jump and climb. keep a variety of toys on hand to keep her busy, including puzzles that challenge her intelligence.
temperament
Seemingly always on the go, he’ll slow down from time to time to snuggle up next to you on the couch or in bed. Although he is independent, he does best with another aby companion to match his high activity levels while you’re away. Abyssinians love attention from you and respectful children, and get along well with cat-friendly dogs, as well as other pets, such as large parrots and ferrets.
features
The Abyssinian has a wedge-shaped but rounded head with wide ears and almond-shaped eyes in shades of gold or green. his body is muscular and athletic, but lean, and is supported by fine-boned legs.
shelf life
9 to 15 years old
colors
Abyssinians have what is known as a “marked” coat, which alternates light and dark bands of color on each hair shaft. the warm glow of their fur resembles wild cats such as pumas. The coat comes in four primary colors: reddish-brown, red, blue, and fawn. however, some associations allow additional colors.
shedding
weekly brushing is enough to maintain your aby’s coat, but more frequent brushing and bathing may be needed during shedding seasons to remove loose hair faster.
health
Although responsible breeders do everything possible to detect and eliminate genetic health problems, cats can still develop certain diseases or conditions. Abyssinians may be at increased risk of the following:
- early periodontal disease
- hyperesthesia syndrome
- patellar luxation
- progressive retinal atrophy
- pyruvate kinase deficiency
- renal amyloidosis
- some call abys “blue nile cats”, believing them to be the sacred cat of the Egyptian pharaohs.
- others believe that the breed was created in britain by crossing silver and brown tabbies with “marked” fur.
- the Somali is a long-haired Abyssinian.
choosing the best food for Abyssinian cats
Feed your baby a high-protein cat food like Purina Pro Plan True Nature Adult Grain Free Natural Salmon & the egg recipe will support your activity levels so you have plenty of energy to play throughout the day.
To explore other products for your Abyssinian, check out our product selector.
choosing the best food for Abyssinian kittens
Your Abyssinian kitten needs a complete and balanced kitten food like Purina Pro Plan True Nature Kitty Natural Chicken & egg recipe to support their development and growth during their first year of life.
story
An Abyssinian was first exhibited in 1871 at the Crystal Palace cat show. she took third place. there are no records of its origin, but its owner said it had been imported from Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) during the war. Although this story gives the breed its name, genetic testing has suggested that the abys originated in the coastal regions of Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean, brought to Europe by British and Dutch traders.
they were first imported into the usa. uu. in 1900, but a breeding program was not implemented until the 1930s, when more Abyssinians were imported from Britain. Only a dozen cats survived the destruction of World War II in Europe, but thanks to their importation into the USA. In the US, the breed has rebounded and its popularity has been increasing.