Seeing photos of kittens of the Abyssinian breed, it is impossible not to fall in love with them. They resemble wild animals, but have a very friendly disposition. Abyssinian cats have an ancient history. Perhaps they were the favorite pets of the pharaohs. How to choose a healthy Abyssinian kitten and how to properly care for it? Learn from this article.
Historical reference
Character properties and a description of the breed of Abyssinian kittens will interest those wishing to have a furry pet. Outwardly, they are very reminiscent of the favorites of the pharaohs who lived in ancient Egypt. But the history of the origin of Abyssinian cats in the period up to the 19th century is shrouded in darkness and built on assumptions.
According to one version, the country of origin of unusual animals is Ethiopia. Previously, this state was called Abyssinia. There is also a version that cats, similar to wild animals, in ancient times lived in the countries of Southeast Asia.
According to another version of the animals associated with the goddess of Ancient Egypt, Bastet. Abyssinians are very similar to cats, which were depicted in the tombs of the pharaohs. In the book of the dead, moon animals are mentioned. According to the description, they are very similar to abyssinians, which the ancient author called "lazurite cats of the horizon."
Until now, it was not possible to find out exactly where this breed came from. But it is known for certain that in 1871 an unusual animal was presented at a cat show in England. The first abyssine was brought to the country by an ordinary soldier. Subsequently, breeders worked on the breed, and it acquired a modern look. Now Abyssinian cats are popular all over the world, including in Russia.
Breed standard
Regardless of size, these cats look very elegant and graceful. Description of the breed of Abyssinian kittens includes growth restrictions: females are usually no higher than 28 cm, males up to 32 cm. The weight of the animals varies between 3 and 5.5 kg.
According to the standard, a purebred Abyssinian cat has a wedge-shaped head. The ears are large, but graceful, widely spaced. The contours of the skull are soft, the cheekbones are rounded. The muzzle is graceful, tapering towards the nose. The chin is developed, well defined, but not protruding. The nose is medium in size; its shade depends on the color of the cat. Almond-shaped eyes, smart, expressive. The contour of the iris is surrounded by a dark line. Eye color golden green or hazel.
The body is muscular, toned. It is elongated in length. Paws are long, graceful. The tail is medium thick, strong. It is wider at the base and tapers towards the end. The coat is soft and tight to the body.
Color variations
In the photo are kittens of the Abyssinian breed. They have a different shade of wool. The standard recognizes four color options:
There are abyssines with a purple or chocolate shade of wool, but they are not recognized by the standard. If, when buying an Abyssinian, the seller makes kittens with a different color, then most likely this is a scammer. Sometimes having tied the usual Murka with a purebred male, enterprising citizens in this way try to earn money. Therefore, it is recommended to buy kittens only in the nursery or through the club.
Character
The Abyssinians have a golden character - they are intelligent, helpful, restrained. With proper education, the pet will not allow itself anything superfluous. Based on the description of the breed and the nature of the Abyssinian kittens, breeders assure that they almost never raise their voices, and will not harass the owner with a loud cry. These pets meow very quietly and melodically.
An Abyssinian kitten will quickly get comfortable in a new house. If the owner already has pets, then he will certainly make friends with them. Abyssinian cats get along even with dogs. They get along well with their relatives. Abyssinians are very friendly towards the owner and his children. They are very curious and inquisitive.
Cats of this breed are rather timid. They may begin to worry about the New Year’s fireworks or the howling sirens under the windows. Abyssinians can react very emotionally to a violation of their usual lifestyle. Cats of this breed are very attached to the owner and can hardly tolerate even short-term separation from him.
How to choose a pet?
Abyssinian breed should be chosen only to those people who can give the pet enough attention. If he is constantly alone, he will begin to worry, get bored and suffer. From the description of the Abyssinian kittens it follows that they are social animals and adore the society of their master.
The future owner should understand that this breed is not cheap. Cats are more expensive than cats. If a pet is sold for breeding, then its price is several times higher than under castration. You need to buy an Abyssinian kitten in a nursery or from a private breeder. Otherwise, the likelihood of cheating increases. In honest kennels, they monitor the health of cats and exclude individuals with genetic abnormalities from breeding.
In purebred animals, strips on the paws are unacceptable. A 3-month-old kitten should already have a ticking. For cats of this breed, a light undercoat is unacceptable. On average, the price of abyssinians under castration starts at 25 thousand. In breeding cats are several times more expensive. Upon sale, the breeder gives the new owner a veterinary passport. Also, a purebred animal must have a kitten card. It is handed to the owner either immediately or after castration of the pet, if it is sold without the right of breeding.
Maintenance and care
When buying a pet, owners are usually afraid of problems with hair. Care and maintenance of Abyssinian kittens will not cause difficulties. You can comb them 1-2 times a week. During molting, cats are recommended to bathe periodically, this will significantly facilitate the process of loss of excess hair. Many Abyssinians love water, so problems with washing, as a rule, do not arise.
It is recommended to buy a kitten cat scratching post. This item will protect the wallpaper and upholstered furniture from damage. The kitten should have a sufficient number of various toys. It is also advisable to buy a pet house. In it he will be able to hide if he suddenly wants to be alone.
Particular attention should be paid to the ears of the kitten. About once a week they are recommended to be treated with a hygienic lotion. If the owner is walking the pet, then he must take care of protection against fleas. It is most convenient to use special drops at the withers. The pet should walk on a harness, to which you can attach either a leash or a tape measure.
Feeding Features
Only with proper nutrition, the kitten of the Abyssinian breed will grow up healthy. Before buying a baby, the future owner must decide on the type of feeding. A mixed type of food is undesirable, so it is better to dwell either on ready-made diets or on natural feed.
If the owner wants to feed the Abyssinian kitten with dry food, then he must choose high-quality products. On the modern market is full of ready-made rations with a dubious composition, they do not fit a gentle thoroughbred baby. Veterinarians recommend a closer look at the following foods: "Akana", "Farmina", "Origen". These ready-made diets contain enough meat and all the vitamins a kitten needs.
If the owner plans to feed the baby with natural food, then he should be prepared for the fact that the pet will have to cook separately. Many foods that a person consumes are very harmful to animals. The basis of the natural diet is meat. The owner can offer the kitten a fillet of turkey, chicken, beef. Occasionally, these products can be replaced with high-quality fish or fresh offal. The kitten's diet includes vegetables and a small amount of porridge. Every morning, the baby is offered fermented milk products.
Breeding
Photos of Abyssinian kittens attract the attention of cat lovers. Behind every beautiful baby are the years of painstaking breeding work of the breeder. In order for a champion to be born in a nursery, it is not enough just to study genetics at school, the breeder needs to constantly replenish his knowledge and monitor promising manufacturers.
The mating of Abyssinian cats takes place on the territory of the partner. At home, the male will feel more relaxed and confident. If you bring the cat home to your partner, then he will be unnecessarily clamped and scared. Often in such cases, mating between animals does not occur.
Cats are allowed to mating no earlier than 2-3 heat. Abyssinian pregnancy lasts approximately 65 days. Usually cats of this breed give birth to no more than 6 babies. Most often, the mother herself takes care of her offspring, but in some cases she needs the help of the owner.
Kittens bought under castration
Breeding animals are rarely sold. If a kitten was bought under castration, then only after this procedure he will be able to get a pedigree. First of all, it is necessary for the owners themselves, because not everyone will want to endure screams and marks. Now kittens come to their owners already, as a rule, neutered.
If for some reason the breeder did not carry out the procedure, then the owners have to do it. Castration is carried out under general anesthesia and takes an average of 20-40 minutes. Before the operation, the animal is not fed for 10-12 hours. After castration, an Abyssinian kitten cannot be supercooled. The owner must provide the pet with quality postoperative care. If the owner will follow all the instructions of the veterinarian, then complications are likely to be avoided. Usually, after a few days, cats don’t even remember that they were operated on.
Life span
Getting a kitten of the Abyssinian breed, the owner hopes that the pet will delight him for many years. If you properly feed your pet and take good care of him, then he will live a long time. However, do not forget about possible ailments.
Abyssinian cats are very rarely affected, but this is common. Their average life expectancy is 12-15 years, and in some cases longer. The better the owner will look after the pet, the longer he will delight him with his presence. In some cases, Abyssinian cats live 20 years or more.
Breed diseases
Abyssinian cats are in good health, but they are still more likely to suffer from some ailments than their breeds of other breeds. It is recommended that the owner carefully monitor the well-being of the pet and, if necessary, show it to the veterinarian. Pedigree diseases of kittens of the Abyssinian breed:
- Hereditary retinal atrophy.
- Amyloidosis is a kidney disease that is often observed in older Abyssinian cats.
- Excessive molting, which is usually affected by overly sensitive members of the breed.
- Anemia caused by a deficiency of one of the enzymes that make up red blood cells.
- Hyperesthesia syndrome is an uneven disorder in which cats can sit motionless for hours or perform monotonous actions, for example, lick.
In some older Abyssinian cats, veterinarians diagnose diseases of the musculoskeletal system, such as hip dysplasia. With improper feeding and oral hygiene, animals can develop gingivitis and various digestive disorders. But urolithiasis, Abyssinians suffer less than representatives of other breeds.