Explore the fascinating life of the Abyssinian kitten, a wonder among cats with a striking appearance and charming personality. This article will discuss the many endearing qualities of the Abyssinian cat breed, from their affectionate nature to their ticked coats. Come along as we at Canvas Personalized to learn more about the unique characteristics of this adorable companion. This information is helpful whether you just love these cats or are considering adopting one.
1. An Overview of Abyssinian
Key Figures About Abyssinian Cat Breed
| OFFICIAL NAME | Abyssinian |
| SECOND NAME | Abys |
| HEIGHT | 12 to 16 inches |
| WEIGHT | 6 to 12 pounds |
| LIFESPAN | 9 to 15 years |
| COAT LENGTH | short |
| COLORS | Ruddy, red, blue, cinnamon, or fawn |
| EYE COLOR | Green or gold |
| ORIGIN | Indian Ocean coastal regions and parts of Southeast Asia |
The Abyssinian cat breed history
The Abyssinian cat is popularly believed to have originated in the Nile Valley, although they were really grown in Britain. After a military trip to Abyssinia in the 1860s, Lord Robert Napier brought a cat back to Britain. Zulu was the original feline of what would become the Abyssinian cat breed.
These kitten’s distinct ticking pattern on its coat has been likened to the camouflage pattern on the fur of a wild rabbit. Because of this trait’s appeal, the Abyssinian breed was developed by breeding Zulu with random-bred cats whose coats looked similar.
The Abyssinian kitten quickly gained in popularity. Soon, these cats were being bred all across Europe, the United States, and Canada.
In the late 1960s, when the feline leukemia virus nearly killed the breed again, more Abyssinians were brought to Britain. Since then, the Abyssinian cat breed has exploded in popularity, becoming one of the most sought-after in the world.
2. Elegance Abyssinian Cat Appearance
Lifespan
The Abyssinian cat is a low-maintenance. They can keep their weight stable since they are constantly stay active and have a healthy diet. Their lifespan is 9-15 years, depending on their environment and treatment.
Weight
Despite their small stature, Abyssinians are extremely active. The average weight of an Abyssinian feline is 7–12 pounds; females tend to be smaller at 6–9 pounds.
Length
Abys is a long and slender breed. The average of this cat is between 12 and 16 inches long, measuring from the tip of its snout to the base of its tail.
Coat
The Abyssinian coat is thick and of medium length. It has a soft texture and comes in a variety of coat colors. Their ticked coat most commonly appears ruddy or red, but other colors, including blue, cinnamon, and fawn, are not out of the question.
Eyes
Their eyes are gorgeous gold or green, strikingly contrasting their coats. They have an almond shape and are often quite big.
Ears
They have large, alert, and not-too-sharp ears. Most of the time, the hair on their ears is very short and close to the skin.
Legs and Paws
Abyssinian kitten has proportionally skinny legs and feet, making them look like they’re walking on the tip of their toes. The paw pads are oval and compact.
3. Charm Abyssinian Cat Personality
These playful cats, also known as “Aby-silly-an” or the “clowns of the cat kingdom,” are full of life and curiosity. Do not be startled if your Abyssinian kitten is perched atop your fridge or a stack of bookcases. If you have an Aby, investing in a lofty cat tower is a no-brainer.
They make for faithful, caring, and warm-hearted pets. Although they are not normally lap cats, they may like sitting next to you instead. Still, they’ll stick with you as you move from one room to another to keep an eye on what you’re doing.
Abys are often not good at spending extended periods of time alone because they are very social. To prevent your pet from being destructive because of boredom, keep a few additional toys or treats for them, even if you will just be gone for a few hours.
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4. Caring for Your Abyssinian Kitten
Abyssinians do not have high standards when it comes to personal hygiene. They do not shed much because of their short, dense coat, so once a week is all they need to keep their hair in good condition.
Since Abys are prone to periodontal disease, brushing their coats is not the only thing they need. It is ideal to start tooth brushing as soon as you bring your new feline buddy home so that they may become used to the brushing item. In addition, you should cut your cat’s nails twice or thrice a month.
Keeping your Abyssinian kitten indoors is another good approach to prevent them from getting sick. Your cat could get up parasites, get into a fight with another animal, or even get lost if you let it outside.
The saying “curiosity killed the cat” could not be more appropriate for Abys. They always want to roam and climb new heights. In addition, many people in your area probably will not recognize your Abyssinian as a domestic kitten due to its unusual appearance. Some people mistakenly believe that a wild cat has been spotted in a populated area, may injure the feline (out of fear that it is a dangerous animal), or try to steal it (out of the belief that it can be sold for a profit).
5. Common Abyssinian cat health issues
The Abyssinian cat breed‘s healthiness is one reason for its widespread popularity. However, pet owners should remain vigilant regarding the following conditions:
- Progressive retinal atrophy: This is a group of hereditary conditions that cause impaired or total blindness.
- Patellar luxation: The severity of the lameness caused by a dislocated kneecap varies widely. Treatment options for this issue include surgical intervention.
- Renal Amyloidosis: A hereditary condition characterized by the accumulation of amyloid deposits in many tissues and organs, with the kidneys being particularly vulnerable.
- Kidney disease: This disease is another prevalent ailment in senior cats. Symptoms include increased urination, thirst, dull or thinning hair, lethargy, mouth ulcers, and vomiting.
Abyssinian kitten is also susceptible to gingivitis, which, if left untreated, can progress to periodontal disease and eventual tooth loss. You can make it a routine to brush your pet’s teeth at home (if your cat will allow it; Abyssinians are known to be difficult to handle).
6. Are Abyssinian Cats Good for Families?
Abyssinians make wonderful pets for families. They are wise and quick on their feet, so they do not get in the way of toddlers, but they are also kind and friendly with adults and older kids. The breed is also suitable for households with well-mannered dogs and other cats.
7. How Much is an Abyssinian Cat?
A kitten will cost a lot more than an adult cat. If you want an Abyssinian, you can choose a few options. This can be done through adoption or buying from a reputable breeder.
Free
If you know someone with an Abys who is having kittens or if you can find one on a social media page, you can get them for free. However, the cat you adopt is likely senior and may have health problems. It is possible to receive a free feline initially, but there could be hidden fees later.
Adoption
Prices range from $100 to $250 for adoptions. An animal shelter or adoption center is great for finding a low-cost Abyssinian kitten. However, an Abys is not going to fare well in that environment, so be vigilant if you choose this way.
If you adopt an Abyssinian cat from a shelter, you cannot check its parentage. So, getting your pet from a shelter is not recommended if you want to breed them.
Breeder
It would cost you around $1,200 to $2,200 for a breeder. The Abyssinian cat price really starts to rise from here. Although this is the least difficult option, you must spend some money to acquire an Abys. The specific coat and parentage of your Abyssinian kitten will determine its price.
You should expect to pay close to or even more than $2,000 if you go to a breeder for a purebred certified Abyssinian feline.
>> Read more:
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- British Shorthair Cat Breed: Profile, Personality & Care
In conclusion, these felines are fascinating for many reasons, including their unique appearance and energetic personalities. Whether you’re a seasoned cat fan or just getting started, you can’t deny the beauty of the Abyssinian cat breed. Canvas Personalized is here to be your tour guide, whether you’re interested in learning more about Abyssinian kittens or the creative ideas of giving kitty presents.
