The Breed
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Egyptian Goddess 'Bast'

Origins:

It has been said that the Abyssinian is descended from the Sacred Cat of Egypt.  And, there is a remarkable resemblance between the Abyssinian and cats depicted in ancient Egyptian art.  But, whatever their ancient beginnings may have been, the modern Abyssinians that we see today can trace their beginnings to England where an intensive breeding program was begun in the late 1800's.  The breed made its way to the United States in the early 1950's.

Cleary's Aruba of Khamsin

The Look:

The coat and face are the most distinguishing characteristics of the Abyssinian as a breed.  They have a sweet expressive face with dramatic facial markings that often give the appearance of a miniature cougar.  Their coat is ticked much like a squirrel or rabbit and is soft, silky, dense and resilient.

Ticking:  Genetically the "Aby" is a black tabby cat modified by a gene that turns solid black hairs into hairs divided into at least two bands of black, called ticking.  The black bands alternate with bands of color which are produced by the rufous polygene.  This genetic combination gives the Aby coat its distinctive iridescent shimmering quality.

Colors:  You will find Abys mostly in 4 different colors - Ruddy, Cinnamon, Blue and Fawn.  The color distinction is made by variations in the way light is absorbed by the bands of ticking.  When you see black ticking, the color is Ruddy.  Chocolate brown ticking is Cinnamon.  A slate grey color is Blue.  And, a dark buff color is Fawn.  You can easily tell by looking at the tip of the tail.  The very tip of an Aby's tail should be nothing but the color of the ticking.

Conformation:  Aby bodies are firm and muscular.  Although an Aby will be silly at times, they have a regal appearance.  They are cats of strength, beauty and grace.  Their ears are large and flared.  Their eyes are usually gold or copper colored.  Occasionally, you will see an Aby with green eyes.

Health:

Abyssinians in general are healthy cats.  They are not afflicted with serious congenital disorders and have a low infant mortality rate.  You will find that most Aby breeders are willing to openly discuss health issues.  For instance, at one time, Abyssinians were accused of having a near monopoly on gum disease.  We now know that gum disease is common in all cats - pure and mixed breeds.  Please feel free to ask breeders about your concerns.

"Pierrot"

Personality:

Abyssinians are lively, alert, fun-loving and have sweet social dispositions.  They are very interactive.  They are happiest when they have company.  They are extremely social and want plenty of love and attention.  They can learn to retrieve and will walk on a leash (use a figure 8 harness - not a collar).  They adore heights; the top of the refrigerator is a favorite spot.  Mostly, they are quite fearless and impulsive.  You will have no trouble finding an Aby owner that will have countless tales to tell about the latest exploits of their beautiful "Aby-SILLY-an".

Care:

Its easy!  A quick combing daily with a fine-tooth comb will help remove loose hair.  Trim nails regularly.  There is no need to declaw; get a stable high-quality scratching post.  You will find your Aby very intelligent and trainable.  A quality diet and regular checkups by a veterinarian are important.  Do not allow your cat outdoors without supervision.  Keep your cat parasite free.