Page 85 - The Complete Cat Breed Book (DK)

SHOR THAIRS 83

ABYSSINIAN

THIS SLINKY, GRACEFUL CAT IS FULL OF ENERGY AND NEEDS SPACE TO PLAY AND EXPLORE

Place of origin Ethiopia There are various accounts of the Abyssinian’s history,
Date of origin 19th century including the attractive but highly improbable story that
Breed registries CFA, FIFe, it descends from the sacred cats of Ancient Egypt. A more
GCCF, TICA
plausible version suggests that its forerunners might have
Weight range 9–17lb (4–7.5kg)
been brought back from Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) by British
Grooming
soldiers when the Abyssinian War ended in the late 1860s.
What is certain is that the modern breed was developed in the
Colors and patterns UK, most likely by crossing the British Shorthair (pp.68–77)
Several color forms, all
with distinct ticking and with a more unusual, and possibly imported, breed. With its
facial markings. athletic build, aristocratic bearing, and beautiful ticked coat,
the Abyssinian is a striking cat with a hint of wild about it.
Intelligent and affectionate, Abyssinians make Rounded muzzle
with prominent
wonderful companions but they like an all-action life. whisker pads
Distinctive dark
facial markings
around eyes
Eyes outlined
Silky, lustrous, in black
usual coat Large,
alert ears
set wide
apart

Well-balanced,
graceful body
Fine-textured
blue coat

All hairs on coat
are ticked with
contrasting
color bands

Lighter
underparts
Slender legs
Long,
tapering tail Relatively
small paws