What is an abyssinian cat? What character are the representatives of the breed? What are the colors of the Abyssinian cat? What are the features of the content of such an animal? The answers to these and other questions can be found in our publication.
Historical reference
Some zoologists believe that the Abyssinian cat acquired its characteristic wild color from its ancestors, which were found in the African steppes. It is believed that such animals were tamed about 10,000 years ago. Another version speaks of the origin of the breed from the reed cat, which is also known as the bog lynx. In the old days, this species was widespread in the vastness of India and the Middle East, and today it is on the verge of extinction.
During the excavation of Egyptian tombs in 1860, hundreds of thousands of mummies of Abyssinian cats were discovered. Researchers concluded that the breed was sacred to the local population. Abyssinian cats, whose colors were diverse, were buried in sarcophagi along with offerings and rich decorations. The breed was introduced to European countries after the conquest of Egypt by the Romans.
Abyssinian cat came to America at the beginning of the last century. It was here that breeders managed to keep the population clean, unlike in Britain, where such animals were extremely popular, but were on the verge of extinction after the Second World War. According to statistics buffs, the Abyssinian cat is now second in popularity in the United States among officially registered shorthair breeds.
Breed description
Abyssinian cats, photos of which are presented in our material, are medium sized animals. Adults are able to reach a weight of about 4-5 kilograms. The length of the body can be equal to 25-30 centimeters.
A characteristic feature of the breed is the wedge-shaped head shape, on which large ears are located, partially shifted forward. This structure gives the animal a somewhat wary look. Some varieties of Abyssinian cats have brushes on the tips of their ears.
The eyes of the animal have a rich yellow tint. The eyelids are outlined with a dark rim. In the nose bridge area there is a drawing on the wool that vaguely resembles the letter “M”, which can be seen in the photo. Abyssinian cat has rather wide eyes.
The neck of the representatives of the species is long, smoothly turning into a graceful, but muscular body. The paws of the animal are strong. The tail contains a thickening at the base, and toward the end it narrows significantly. Looking at the appearance, you can notice the special flexibility and grace of the animal.
Color
The traditional color of the Abyssinian cat is called ticking. By definition, it should be understood that each hair on the animal's body contains pigmentation in several shades. This feature contributes to the creation of an attractive overflow.
In general, the breeders of the breed distinguish the following varieties of colors of the Abyssinian cat:
- Wild is the most common option. This color is characterized by a combination of brown, black and ocher shades of wool. According to the appearance, such pets are vaguely reminiscent of a puma.
- Faun - beige color with a light brown undercoat. The animal’s fur coat shimmers in bright light to a coffee hue.
- Sorrel color - an Abyssinian cat of this variety has a copper-red coat. On the face there are tan marks of chocolate color.
- Color blue - Abyssinian cat, which has a light beige, smoky shade of hair. On the muzzle and in the tail region there are contrasting dark marks.
Nature and behavior
Abyssinian cats are extremely energetic creatures. Representatives of the breed are playful and need constant attention from the owner. They are attracted to new, unfamiliar objects. They may be addicted to a new toy for a month, but then never approach it again. The behavior of these cats is somewhat reminiscent of the habits of dogs. The item thrown by the owner will certainly be delivered to him back.
Such pets are capable of challenging gravity. Abyssinian cats like to climb to a considerable height, and then make dizzy somersaults in the air, jumping to the floor. Often the owners are forced to hide in secluded places objects that can interest the pet.
Otherwise, Abyssinian cats are quite calm. They lend themselves very well to training and training; they easily master the commands and requirements of the owner. Such animals love affection and show goodwill while stroking the wool.
Kittens selection
Abyssinian cat is a fairly rare breed. Therefore, do not trust the ads in which such pets are offered for free. When choosing a kitten outside the nursery, there is a high risk of losing money in vain for the purchase of an “unknown animal”.
Having a baby who has not reached the age of one is undesirable. Prior to this, it is absolutely not recommended to take the kitten from the mother. After all, a young individual in the future may show aggression in relation to the owner. In addition, such a decision is fraught with the emergence of problems with the health of the kitten.
Before you get a baby Abyssinian cat, you should familiarize yourself with the documents. The breeder must provide a veterinary passport and papers that indicate the pedigree of the animal. It is better to refuse to buy a kitten who has not received all the necessary vaccinations.
Content Tips
First of all, for an Abyssinian cat you need to develop a full menu. Such a pet should definitely be offered boneless, pork or chicken meat. In addition, representatives of the breed can not do without fish. Such food must first be divided into small pieces and boil. You can also use upscale dry feed. In this case, the cat must have access to clean water.
During molting, Abyssinians should be bathed periodically. The pet will not show resistance, because these animals love water. At the end of the procedure, you need to comb out the old wool using a metal scallop with frequent teeth.
The ears of an Abyssinian cat should be regularly cleaned of sulfur and impurities. Several times a month they are recommended to be treated with special disinfecting compounds.
Addiction to disease
Abyssinian cats are prone to several ailments. Often they have damage to photoreceptors, which leads to a significant decrease in vision. Signs of degenerative processes in the retina are usually observed in kittens who have reached 7 months of age. An experienced veterinarian is able to confirm the diagnosis and draw up an effective treatment program in this case.
Another common problem is the rapid formation of tartar, as well as the development of inflammatory processes in the oral cavity of the animal. For this reason, when keeping an Abyssinian cat, it is recommended that you brush your teeth regularly.
Finally
Abyssinian cat is one of the most unusual, friendly and faithful breeds. These animals choose one owner for life, willingly carrying out his orders. Distinctive features of the breed are special curiosity and developed intelligence. Therefore, it is not surprising that such pets are in great demand these days.