Believed to possibly date back to ancient Egypt, the Abyssinian cat has a tabby appearance caused by bands of light and dark color being present in each of its hairs. As a long-established short-haired breed, there are varieties in color. Over the last fifty years, the longer-haired type known as the Somali has also become popular, having a medium-length coat.
The Abyssinian cat is a small cat with a muscular body and a relatively long tail. It is a pretty and well-proportioned cat with a rounded wedge-shaped head and green, hazel or amber-colored eyes. The eyes can be quite deeply colored in the most attractive Abyssinian cats. The deep colors are generally perceived to indicate a more healthy cat.
Abyssinian Cat Behavior
Compared to many cats, the Abyssinian cat exhibits some relatively unusual and endearing behaviors. By recognising and working with this cat's natural traits, keepers should find that the cat will be less problematic than many other cat breeds. The Abyssinian is an intelligent and naturally highly active cat that, more so than many others, will be curious about whatever is happening around it. It benefits from being allowed lots of space and it enjoys climbing. Hence this cat is best not confined totally indoors as in that situation it will inevitably create its own amusement, which may not always be with the toys or objects that its keeper would prefer. Abyssinians are noted for usually being significantly less noisy than many other cats.
The Abyssinian cat is very affectionate with its keeper and seeks attention from people. It does not like being left alone for any length of time. If this cannot be avoided, then ideally it should have a companion. Though two Abyssinian cats can be successfully kept together, generally the breed has a reputation for not liking other cats and especially not groups of cats. At a rudimentary level, some of its attention-seeking and similar characteristics are not unlike many pet dogs and as a cat breed, the Abyssinian is notable for often being comfortable and even bonding with pet dogs that also live in the same house.
The Abyssinian's natural traits of being so affectionate support the notion that this cat is trainable and it does benefit from being able to satisfy its curiosity and intelligence by learning simple tricks much more easily than many other cats. The Abyssinian's short coat needs little grooming and to a large extent the cat will keep itself clean, though a keeper should keep a check on any over-licking tendencies. If not overfed, the Abyssinian cat will also avoid obesity, which can be a problem for this adorable pet.
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