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Origins
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Although many believe the Abyssinian to be direct descendent of the sacred cat of Egypt,
the exact origin of the breed is obscure. Certainly, there is a strong resemblance between
the modern Aby and the cat depicted in ancient Egyptian bronzes, paintings and the agouti
coated cats found buried in the tombs, with the lithe long body large ears and long tail.
Their shape and distinctive coat however also bears a striking similarly to the African Wild cats.
The first registration of the breed appeared in English studbooks in 1896.
The earliest identifiable Aby can be found in the Leiden Museum in Holland.
The label reads "domestica India", indicating the origin to the same area.
More recent studies have indicated the coast of Indian Ocean between
Singapore and Ceylon to be the "homeland" of the Abyssinian Tabby colour pattern -
Abyssinians are one of the oldest breeds and they are possibly the closest to a
natural breed of all the purebred cats in the world.
Slight Evidences of The Origins of The Abyssinian Cat
Appearance
The overall impression of the ideal Abyssinian would be of foreign build,
not as extreme as the Siamese not as rounded as the Burmese but somewhere in between.
It is an extremely beautiful and colourful cat with a distinct agouti ticked coat.
It is this agouti ticking (flecking) that gives the Aby this rather special "wild cat " look.
It is of medium size, lithe, very regal in appearance, hard and muscular showing eager activity
and lively interest in its surroundings. Watching one lope across the room invokes images of a
wild hunting cat, swift and capable.
Abyssinian Colours and Standard
Characteristics and Temperament
The Abyssinian is an affectionate intelligent cat, very people orientated, extremely active and a
cat that thrives on interaction and play. They are not constant lap cats, rather, they need to know
what you are doing; like to help you make a telephone call; read your newspaper or make your bed,
in fact they insist on being included in all family activities as a right. Whatever it is,
an Aby has to be totally involved. Abyssinians are not always ideal for every one so if this higher
level of activity will annoy you then a quieter
breed should be sought.
Abyssinians make good family pets but tend to bond with Adults and older children rather
than young toddlers. Abys are not vocal, having a small bell like voice to communicate.
They prefer and seek higher places to sit such as backs of chairs, refrigerators
and scratching poles. They get on very well with dogs and will quickly teach the dog who is the boss.
Abys can be taught to fetch and retrieve small objects and because of their dog like antics,
they are often attractive to men who previously thought that they did not like cats.
Once a relationship is formed there is no breed more loyal than an Abyssinian.
Expect to be greeted with enthusiasm and devote 10-15 minutes attention to your
Aby on your homecoming. Being "people" cats, they can become very lonely if left
for long periods of time alone so it's often wise to have two as company for each other.
General Health.
Abyssinians are generally a healthy breed, and depending on their life style will live well into their teens.
As with all cats they should be kept indoors in order for them to avoid many of the contagious and fatal diseases
easily transmitted from the stray population. Vaccinations should always be kept up to date and routine checks
should be made regularly. The first sign of any illness should be attended to promptly by a veterinarian.
Many felines are prone to gingivitis, as are some Abyssinians. Incorrect diet is often the main contributor,
start by feeding kittens raw chicken wings and necks at a very early age. This will exercise the gums and prevent
tartar from forming on the teeth.
The kidney disorder "Renal Amyloidosis:" has been associated with the Abyssinian cat and is thought to be genetic.
This disorder often results in kidney failure and the cat's prognosis is often poor. This disease is also seen in many
other breeds of cats but unfortunately, some veterinarians incorrectly label it as purely an Abyssinian disease.
Only a few breeding lines are likely to produce kittens with Renal Amyloidosis, so this should not deter the public
from buying an otherwise relatively sound breed.
Erythrocyte Pyruvate
Kinase Deficiency (PK Deficiency) causes an inherited hemolytic anemia. The
anaemia is intermittent, the age of onset is variable and clinical signs are
also variable. Symptoms of this anaemia can include: severe lethargy, weakness,
weight loss, jaundice, and abdominal enlargement. This condition is inherited as
an autosomal recessive, two copies of the mutation are present in affected cats.
Carriers, cats that have one copy of the mutation, are not affected. All our
cats are tested for PK-def and we never provide positive Abys.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
(PRA) causes an inherited late-onset blindness. Cats affected by this condition
have normal vision at birth, going blind between ages 3 and 5 years. There is no
treatment available. The disease is inherited as an autosomal recessive; two
copies of the mutation are present in affected cats. Carriers, cats that have
one copy of the mutation, are not affected and have normal vision. All our cats
are tested for PRA and are negative. Responsible breeders will do their utmost to
avoid perpetuating health problems, so it is important when purchasing a kitten
to choose a reputable breeder and one with whom you can discuss all aspects of
the Abyssinian including health matters.
View Informative Video No 1
View Informative Video No 2
Merindalee kitten having fun No.1
Merindalee kitten having fun No.2
Where there's a will.......
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