By MARJORIE DORFMAN
Although it is known for certain that the Abyssinian cat is one of the world’s oldest known
breeds of felines, its exact history is open to conjecture and shrouded in mystery. The
name of the breed comes from Ethiopia (formerly Abyssinia), from where it is thought this
elegant cat originates. The first Abyssinian cats exhibited in shows in England were said
to have been imported from there.
There is no doubt that the modern Abyssinian cat greatly resembles the paintings and
sculptures of ancient Egyptian cats. The hallmarks of the breed are a muscular body, a
beautifully arched neck, large ears and almond-shaped eyes.
Recent studies by geneticists indicate that it is most likely that the Abyssinian cat came
from the coast of the Indian Ocean and parts of Southeast Asia. The earliest identifiable
“Aby” is a taxidermal exhibit in the Leiden Zoological Museum in Holland. It was
purchased in the 1830s and was labeled by the museum’s founder as “Patrie,
domestica India.” As a breed, it was refined in England, and its presence in that area of
the world may be attributed to colonists and merchants stopping in Calcutta, which is the
major port for the Indian Ocean.
These cats first appeared in Europe in 1868 when English soldiers brought them home
from Abyssinia (Ethiopia). Imported to North America in the early 1900s, it would take
another thirty years before several top quality Abys would form the foundation of the breed
as we know it today.
This breed is known for its soft, sleek, glossy, ticked coat, which comes in a variety of
shades from sorrel to lilac. The lined, almond shaped eyes range from shades of amber
to green. The wedge-shaped head is gently rounded. Their voices have been compared
to that of a bell sounding. The body is long, fine-boned and well developed. Legs are
long and slim and at first glance, it might appear that the animal is standing on tiptoe.
Many Abyssinians love water; open faucets, kitchen sinks, showers and baths are
endless sources of play and fascination. The Abyssinian cat is considered to be highly
intelligent and very people-oriented. They are not lap cats per se, but they love to be with
people and integrate with their activities. They want to be there and they want to help.
Abys are known for their unusual teaching abilities as well, especially when it comes to
instructing their owners as to exactly what they want them to do. Perhaps no other breed
of cat more aptly illustrates the fact that we don’t own them at all and never will. It is they
with their loving ways and charming company who own us!
It is also said there is no breed of cat more loyal that the Aby. They love to play and their
affinity to people make them very popular pets. Fascinated by the world around them and
particularly the comings and going of their owners, these cats are equally at home in the
show ring or the family kitchen. They are lively and affectionate pets and are recognized
by all major cat registration organizations including all branches of the Cat Fancier’s
Association.
If you’re looking for a cat that will keep you smiling and on your toes at all times, an Aby
might very well be the cat for you!
For more fun articles, visit Dorfman’s website, www.whatsnewemu.com.
Although it is known for certain that the Abyssinian cat is one of the world’s oldest known
breeds of felines, its exact history is open to conjecture and shrouded in mystery. The
name of the breed comes from Ethiopia (formerly Abyssinia), from where it is thought this
elegant cat originates. The first Abyssinian cats exhibited in shows in England were said
to have been imported from there.
There is no doubt that the modern Abyssinian cat greatly resembles the paintings and
sculptures of ancient Egyptian cats. The hallmarks of the breed are a muscular body, a
beautifully arched neck, large ears and almond-shaped eyes.
Recent studies by geneticists indicate that it is most likely that the Abyssinian cat came
from the coast of the Indian Ocean and parts of Southeast Asia. The earliest identifiable
“Aby” is a taxidermal exhibit in the Leiden Zoological Museum in Holland. It was
purchased in the 1830s and was labeled by the museum’s founder as “Patrie,
domestica India.” As a breed, it was refined in England, and its presence in that area of
the world may be attributed to colonists and merchants stopping in Calcutta, which is the
major port for the Indian Ocean.
These cats first appeared in Europe in 1868 when English soldiers brought them home
from Abyssinia (Ethiopia). Imported to North America in the early 1900s, it would take
another thirty years before several top quality Abys would form the foundation of the breed
as we know it today.
This breed is known for its soft, sleek, glossy, ticked coat, which comes in a variety of
shades from sorrel to lilac. The lined, almond shaped eyes range from shades of amber
to green. The wedge-shaped head is gently rounded. Their voices have been compared
to that of a bell sounding. The body is long, fine-boned and well developed. Legs are
long and slim and at first glance, it might appear that the animal is standing on tiptoe.
Many Abyssinians love water; open faucets, kitchen sinks, showers and baths are
endless sources of play and fascination. The Abyssinian cat is considered to be highly
intelligent and very people-oriented. They are not lap cats per se, but they love to be with
people and integrate with their activities. They want to be there and they want to help.
Abys are known for their unusual teaching abilities as well, especially when it comes to
instructing their owners as to exactly what they want them to do. Perhaps no other breed
of cat more aptly illustrates the fact that we don’t own them at all and never will. It is they
with their loving ways and charming company who own us!
It is also said there is no breed of cat more loyal that the Aby. They love to play and their
affinity to people make them very popular pets. Fascinated by the world around them and
particularly the comings and going of their owners, these cats are equally at home in the
show ring or the family kitchen. They are lively and affectionate pets and are recognized
by all major cat registration organizations including all branches of the Cat Fancier’s
Association.
If you’re looking for a cat that will keep you smiling and on your toes at all times, an Aby
might very well be the cat for you!
For more fun articles, visit Dorfman’s website, www.whatsnewemu.com.
| The Abyssinian: An Ancient And Noble Heritage |
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