Cat Breeds: Abyssinian

They may not be the ancestors of immortalized Egyptian cats, as originally thought, but for anyone lucky enough to love an Abyssinian, the bond they share with their feline friend is eternal.

Their charm having captivated a British captain during the Abyssinian wars (from which their name derived), Zula– the first Aby to reportedly arrive in the western hemisphere in the 1868– became the companion of Mrs. Captain Barrett-Lennard and quite possibly the progenitor of the beloved breed we know today.

Physical Traits: Possessing a sleek physique and wedge-shaped head, the ticked coat of the Abyssinian– allowing for a variety of highlighted hues– adds an extra dimension to the breed’s exotic appearance. Originally bred with tabbies, many Abyssinians have been blessed with the “M” mark on their foreheads (although, to be considered pedigree, the mark must be absent.)

Abyssinians are officially recognized in four colors:

• Ruddy
• Red
• Blue
• Fawn

Personality: A people “purrer,” this breed of cat craves human interaction. Inquisitive and action-oriented, Abys like to amuse themselves by tapping into their inner Indiana Jones, happily exploring every inch of their domain, with high places the highlight of their adventures.

Life Span: Cat lovers who welcome an Aby into the family will have a friend for more than 15 years.

Health Issues: Although a healthy breed, Abyssinians can fall victim to renal amyloidosis and progressive retinal atrophy.

Famous Abyssinians on the Big Screen

The Cat From Outer Space– Abyssinian siblings Rumpler and Amber portrayed an extraterrestrial feline in this family friendly flick from 1978. According to the book Hollywood Cats, the purring pair’s on-set “catittude” limited their star status to this one role.

Famous Fans of Abyssinian Cats

• Valerie Bertinelli (a fan of all felines, who named her production company Tuxedo Limited after a stray that became a part of her family.)
• Carly Simon

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