So, an Abyssinian has caught your eye. We can’t blame you! These gorgeous cats are rare and beautiful sights to behold. Although they remain one of the most popular cat breeds in the United States, they are still uncommon as far as purebred cats go.
If you are curious about the breed itself and want to know more, we have 16 facts for you. Who knows? You might learn something new today.
The 16 Abyssinian Cat Facts
1. Abyssinian Cats Have an Unknown Origin
What you may not know about the beautiful Abyssinian is that they are one of the oldest cat breeds. Abyssinian roots can be traced back several thousand years. However, their true origin is completely unknown.
Some think they may have come from the coast of the Indian Ocean. Others believe that the Abyssinian cat originated in Abyssinia, which is now Ethiopia. Although the exact place of birth cannot be agreed upon, we know that the race is very old!
2. Abyssinians Are Really Tabby Cats
What are you saying? Are Abyssinians tabby cats? That’s right. Well, it may not seem like it. At first glance, the Abyssinian actually has a tabby coat. But where are the stripes, spots, or swirls?
The Abyssinian coat is marked. That means the entire coat gives the illusion that it’s a solid color, but you can’t hide the classic M shape on the forehead.
3. Abyssinians have very large ears
Abyssinians are known for their large ears and narrow heads. This gives them a very wild look. These large ears are also often seen in some wildcats, such as the African Wildcat.
4. Abyssinians Are Known as the Clowns of the Cat World
The Abyssinian has a very playful, silly personality. This behavior often earns them a reputation as the clowns of the cat world. These purring, playful critters will accompany you and are sure to bring lots of laughter into the house.
5. Abyssinians Shouldn’t Be Alone
If you are the type of person who works all day and has many commitments that keep you out of the house, the Abyssinian will probably never be the right choice of cat for your lifestyle. These cats enjoy the company of their owners very much and will not be happy if they are left alone for long periods of time.
Your Abyssinian is likely to become very impatient and may start to become destructive as a result. Although the Abyssinian may do well with other pets, it does not replace the companionship they need from you.
6. Abyssinians Are Easy to Be Only Cats
Most cats should have another creature of the same species living in the house. It is important to provide companionship for these types of animals because most of them need it. However, that is not the case with the Abyssinian!
So, if you’re looking for a household cat, the Abyssinian is a terrific choice. They can socialize on their own, and they can even be picky about other cats they meet. If you have existing cats, an Abyssinian kitten can adapt well to a new home, but they may have trouble adjusting if they haven’t been around other cats as adults.
7. Abyssinians Love to Negotiate with Dogs
Although an Abyssinian usually doesn’t care much if another companion cat is around, they tend to get along with dogs. Since an Abyssinian shares many of the same traits as a dog, it is not surprising that they would find a friend in a dog.
8. Abyssinians are Very Healthy Cats
Abyssinians generally have very few health issues. This breed is made to be robust and strong against disease and injury.
However, there are some diseases that appear in the breed.
Some of these include:
- Luxating patella
- Hip dysplasia
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency
- Kidney disease
- Gastrointestinal disease
9. Abyssinians Are Sometimes Called “Aby-Grabbys”
The Abyssinians didn’t get this name from anywhere! They are possibly the ones who started all these stereotypes about cats pushing things over counters! These cats will throw away almost anything you leave lying around, so remember to put away anything that could harm them if you’re not following directly.
10. Walt Disney Made a Movie About the Abyssinians
The Abyssinian starred in Walt Disney’s “The Cat from Outer Space.” It was filmed about an Abysinnian space cat who crashes on Earth for a new adventure. The film debuted in 1978.
11. Abyssinians are very active
You need to make sure you have enough activities around the house to entertain your Abyssinian if you choose to get one. These cats are incredibly inquisitive and action-oriented, requiring constant stimulation from new and exciting activities.
If you’ve seen any of the cool cat exercise wheels, this type of cat is an excellent candidate for such an activity.
12. Abyssinians Tend To Be Velcro Cats…
Your Abyssinian will be the noisy neighbor, following your every move and wondering what you’re up to. You cannot go to the bathroom alone or to any room in the house without being followed.
13. …But They’re So Independent Too!
Although these cats may want to know what you are doing, they need their space too! These cats tend to be very independent and definitely do not meet the criteria for a lap cat.
They prefer to move around, seeing what is happening in each room. Basically, an Abyssinian just needs you to make sure some basic needs are met and they are happy campers.
14. Abyssinians are Structurally Sound
If you look at an Abyssinian, they have great muscle tone. It helps them to be energetic, muscular, and agile.
15. Abyssinians are Expensive!
Not only are Abyssinians rare to find, but they are also expensive! If you stumble upon a breeder, you can expect to spend a pretty penny and even be put on a waiting list for available kittens.
If you really want an Abyssinian, but there are no breeders in your area, you may have to travel. Note that some rescues have Abyssinians and other purebred cats. You can always check with local facilities to see availability if you want to adopt an adult.
16. Abyssinians are Small, Agile, and Light
If you’ve only seen pictures of an Abyssinian, you might think they’re bigger than they actually are. These cats have long and lean bodies that can give off a distorted appearance. These cats are relatively small, and most adults do not weigh more than 6 to 8 pounds.
Name Suggestions for Abyssinians
If you’re getting an Abyssinian and want a name to match their characteristics, we’ve come up with some great names to consider.
- Dahy—Agile, swift
- Achira—Very fast
- Apple—Fast
- Boaz—Quickly
- Jig—Fast
- People’s—Swift
- Lautaro—Swift hawk
- Orvadasp—Swift horses
- Raghu—Quickly
- Sherwin—Fast runner
- Skeeter—Quick, quick
- Vela—Fast
- Aeola –Changeable, agile
- Alphonso—Speed, nobility
- Guess—Fastest
- Busby—Fast movement
- Dash—Speed
- Deanna—Fast and beautiful
- Ettore—Speed
- Fleda—Moves quickly
- Gatty—Speed
- Metro—Fast
- Lassiter—The brain is quick
Conclusion
So, now you know the Abyssinian breed better. These athletic felines are quite curious and clownish cats, making them wonderful companions. There are many things about these kittens that make them unique.
Did you find something about the Abyssinnian that fascinated you?
Featured Image Credit: Darya Lavinskaya, Shutterstock
