The Abyssinian cat (aka Abyssinian cat) is one of the most ancient breeds.
Characteristics of the Abyssinian cat - character, and behavior
The ancient origin gave the Abyssinian enviable health, a rather small list of congenital diseases (they will be discussed below), and high intelligence. They say they can even be trained. However, this is rarely done, but the Abyssinians, even without training, can, for example, bring you a ball to play. Intelligence manifests itself as ingenuity: the Abyssinian cat will not do one action over and over again if it sees that it is not working but will look for other ways. Abyssinians are socially active, focused on a person, they understand when a person wants to see him, and when not, he catches a change in mood.
The Abyssinian is energetic, loves to explore the world, has a curious nose everywhere, and if you live in a private house, he will explore the entire surrounding area and may even bring you a couple of mice, because Abyssinians are great hunters.
When you watch photoshoots of Abyssinian cats, it seems as if they are majestic and unapproachable, but this is not at all the case! Sometimes they even have to restrain their exorbitant playfulness: the pet is able to courageously rush after the pigeon right out the window, and given that they like to climb somewhere higher, it can accidentally fall.
In general, the nature of the Abyssinian cat resembles dogs: loyalty, the desire to be close to the owner, playfulness, curiosity, intelligence, even a tendency to train. But it is devoid of canine flaws: noise, the need to walk, difficulties in upbringing.
Description of the breed
Appearance
The first thing you notice when you see an Abyssinian cat is an amazing grace. It seems to flow from place to place, so you can't help admiring even the usual movements.
This effect is achieved due to the short coat, which does not hide the movement of the flexible, strong, graceful body.
The head of the Abyssinian cat is small, without pronounced sharp corners, with wide cheekbones, tapering towards the chin - that is, in the form of a wedge. The nose is straight, without a hump, the chin is small but firm. Excessive sharpness of the muzzle, when it becomes like a fox, is considered a defect.
The eyes are large, almond-shaped, set wide apart. They should be exactly almond-shaped, not round. Eye color is amber but can be blue or green, especially if the Abyssinian cat is silver in color. Around the eyes there is a light edging, only in the corners, there are dark lines. Visually it looks like a black outline, like antimony eyeliner for the pharaohs.
The ears are set wide apart, large, slightly tilted forward, tapering upwards. There is a spot of rare wool in the center - this is normal, the breed standard provides for this, this is not a sign of illness, but simply the characteristics of the breed. Inside the ear, on the contrary, there is a woolen brush.
Neck and body - long, graceful, slightly elongated, but harmonious. Muscular despite its medium size, with around chest. The hips should not be below the rest of the body. The paws are long, especially the hind ones - thanks to them, the Abyssinian cat can jump so far. The paw pads are tightly pressed together. The tail is long, thin, with expressive movements, by which the mood of the animal is clear.
American type
Abyssinian cat, American type - the creation is more graceful, graceful, light in appearance, with thinner bones. The ears, on the contrary, are larger and wider, and the muzzle is narrower. Also, American breeders tried to make the animal's coat shorter to emphasize grace.
European type
Representatives of this subtype look more ponderous: the muzzle is not triangular but rounded, the ears are smaller, the hair is longer, the bones are stronger. It is interesting that this is exactly what the Abyssinians are "in the original", this is their original appearance. But due to its visual appeal, the American type is more widespread.
The size
Up to 32 cm. By the way, it is surprising that the animals did not have to be subjected to selection in order to reduce it, it was originally like that.
The weight
From four to seven kilograms.
Sex differences are weak, Abyssinian boys and girls look about the same.
Wool
Short, elastic, with "ticking". This is when each hair of the animal is half light and half dark, which gives a characteristic beautiful overflow. The belly, chest, back of the paws are lighter, but ticking is distributed evenly over the rest of the body, with the exception of the muzzle - it can be even lighter than the belly and chest.
Colors
- Wild color - "brick", a mixture of brown and orange.
- Sorrel - similar to the wild, but more autumnal, with a red, red, chestnut tint.
- Blue is the least common. Unusual combination: gray with a bluish tint, plus a red undercoat.
- Fawn is a delicate creamy red.
Usually, the light undercoat of the Abyssinian has a warm shade, but a cool silver color is also acceptable.
Life expectancy - how long do Abyssinian cats live
Up to fifteen to twenty years.
Are Abyssinian cats hypoallergenic or not? How often do they shed?
No, they are not hypoallergenic, since their coat structure is absolutely typical for cats. But Abyssinian cats do not molt profusely, their hair is short, so molting is not a hassle. Passes seasonally, twice a year.
Is the Abyssinian a friendly breed?
Yes. Aside from good looks, friendliness is one of the main reasons why people get an Abyssinian cat. They are friendly, not aggressive, they like to be close to the owner.
Attitude towards children
It is better not to leave any cat, not only Abyssinian, next to a small child: the child does not yet understand that there are creatures more fragile than him, that the cat must be treated with care, and the animal if hurt, can scratch. But then, when the child is explained how to handle the Abyssinian cat, there will be no problems.
Relationship to other animals
It makes sense that a cat might perceive rodents or birds as potential prey. The rest of the animals are kind, especially if they grew up together.
Playfulness
Tall, Abyssinian cats, especially Abyssinian kittens, constantly play, climb, explore the territory.
How loneliness endures
Badly. Abyssinians are social animals, they love to be with the owner, love his attention. It is better not to have an Abyssinian cat if you plan to disappear for days at work: the pet will get bored.
Potential health problems
Diseases of the breed:
- Retinopathy of the retina is a disease that leads to blindness.
- Anemia (with a lack of nutrients, therefore, it is better to choose food for Abyssinian cats for nutrition, rather than natural feeding).
- Renal amyloidosis;
- Dysplasia of the hip joint;
- Dislocation of the kneecap;
- Prone to dental problems, so they need to be brushed.
The rest of the Abyssinian cat is a very healthy breed, they even easily, without an urgent need for outside help, endure pregnancy, give birth to kittens on their own.
Kittens cost
15-30 thousand rubles. If the kitten is given for castration (that is, it is healthy, handsome, has all the breed qualities, but is not suitable for exhibitions and breeding) - the cost is lower.
Abyssinian cattery
"Cattery of rare breeds". Yes, it is literally called that. Located in Moscow. Breeders are responsible for breeding pets: their kittens must undergo all vaccinations, examinations in order to immediately reject individuals affected by genetic diseases. The kennel is registered in RKF, FARUS, TICA, CFA. Delivers kittens of exotic breeds all over the world. She breeds not only Abyssinian cats, but also Devon Rex, Chausie, Toygers.
Mirrorofsoul, Moscow. He is registered in WCF, TICA, and other international organizations, and his pets take first place at international exhibitions. The nursery provides veterinary services and training in handling and home grooming.
"Asin" is located in Maryino. Registered in international organizations. The site of the cattery provides detailed information about the breed, its characteristics, and needs. The nursery also helps the owners with the maintenance: they provide information, veterinarian, and groomer services. It is interesting that they donate some pets for free (if the kitten is not suitable for breeding or was accidentally brought to the cattery).
The need for grooming (here about the specific needs of a particular breed)
In general, the Abyssinian cat does not require special care. The main thing is to brush your teeth because there is a tendency to diseases of the teeth, and ears because they are large and can get dirty. And, of course, love and attention!
Maintenance cost
Nutrition
It is better to feed the Abyssinian cat with dry food rather than natural food because from a natural diet it can lack nutrients, which will provoke diseases to which Abyssinians are genetically prone. Food for Abyssinian cats costs two and a half thousand for a two-kilogram package. Yes, this is a lot, but we must take into account that the Abyssinian cat eats little, and if you feed it according to the norms, the food will be enough for a long time.
Veterinary
Enough preventive examination once a year. It is also important to get vaccinated. The cost depends on the region and the price of a particular veterinarian.
Grooming
Not required if you do not participate in exhibitions, but exhibition grooming can be done on your own.
Exhibitions
A show-class kitten costs up to 30,000 rubles. Payment for participation in the exhibition - 1-3 thousand, depends on its prestige.
Pros and cons of the breed
The undoubted advantages of the Abyssinian cat include:
- Strong health, long life;
- Attractive appearance, gracefulness;
- Inexpensive to buy, maintain;
- People-oriented, love attention;
- Playful, curious, interesting to watch;
- Trainable.
But, like any living creature, the Abyssinians have their disadvantages:
- Due to its popularity, the breed has many unscrupulous breeders;
- The risk of developing fatal diseases due to improper nutrition;
- Poor loneliness;
- It is necessary to install grids on the windows;
- Not suitable for people who prefer calm, phlegmatic animals that do not require constant attention.
History of the breed
The origin of the Abyssinians has not been properly researched, but, most likely, from somewhere in the south - from Africa or Egypt, that is, from countries where cats have always been respected as messengers of the gods, and not exterminated, as was the case in Europe in the Middle Ages when it was believed that cats carry the plague and are accomplices of the devil. According to one version, they come from Africa, from the country of Abyssinia (the modern name is Ethiopia). Came to England in the second half of the 19th century. However, this theory is poorly confirmed: with just one drawing of a cat that looks like an Abyssinian.
According to another version, the Abyssinians come from Egypt. This version also relies on images of cats in art: supposedly Egyptian figurines of cats are similar to Abyssinian ones. Another proof is more reliable: genetic scientists have confirmed that the Abyssinians are related to animals that actually live in Egypt. Therefore, most likely, they come from there.
One way or another, the Abyssinians are a breed that has formed completely independently, without human influence. At the end of the 19th century, the breed standard was already written and officially registered, and in the 20th century, they came to America. If not for this, the breed could have disappeared due to the Second World War. And because of this, the breed was divided into two subtypes: American and European, which were already mentioned above.
Owner reviews
Most of the reviews are positive:
“Wonderful cat)) Our personal little tiger, so gentle, playful and affectionate, constantly with us, huddles, sleeps only on my pillow)) Almost does not fade! So graceful, all our guests admire him, they have already convinced all relatives to start an Abyssinian - there will be a large Abyssinian family))) "
But there are also negative reviews:
“We read a lot of positive reviews about this breed… bought… a pregnant wife… everything was fine, and then the child tried to play with her… In general, the child is in the hospital, the animal is in the nursery. Let him say thank you that they did not put you to sleep! "
Similar breeds
- Somali cat;
- Sphinx (also friendly, graceful);
- Bengal cat;
- Egyptian Mau.