Abyssinian cat

The confident and alert Abyssinian is thought to be one of the oldest cat breeds. Although he resembles a small African wildcat, he’s a domestic feline through and through. The six- to 10-pound, moderately vocal cat stands out for his ticked coat, which comes in a bevy of colors, including a reddish ruddy, chocolate, cinnamon, blue, lilac, and fawn—as well as a silver version for all of these colors. Silvered Abyssinians have an icy white coloration closest to the skin, and ticking along the hair shaft.

The intelligent, curious Aby is highly active and athletic. He spends his days climbing up to high places, exploring every nook and cranny of your home, and diligently supervising whatever it is that you’re doing. This is a happy ca



t who’s sometimes called the Aby-silly-an because of his playful nature. He does best with a person who spends a lot

of time at home interacting with him. He also prefers to be the only cat in the house, so he can nab all the attention.

Other Quick Facts

 * The Abyssinian’s distinctive look is believed to be the result of a mix of several beautiful breeds: Siamese, Burmese, and Russian Blues.
 * The Aby excels at learning tricks—and he’s even better at training people to do what he wants.
 * Abyssinians can live to be 15 years and older.
 * Thanks to his inquisitive, highly social nature, he can be taught to go for walks on a leash.
 * The Aby was bred in the U.S. for the first time in 19

Did You Know?
Despite his name, the Aby’s ancestors didn’t hail from Ethiopia, once known as Abyssinia—it’s believed that they lived along the Indian Ocean coastline and sections of Southeast Asia.