The Abyssinian cat is visually outstanding and faithful family inclusion with the slim, sporty features and distinguishing ticked fur. Another name for the Abyssinian will be Aby.
The unusual appearance of this breed is due to genetic mutation resulted in the development of tabby patterns.
However, the Abyssinian cat is much more than just a rare appearance.
Abyssinian History
The origin of the Abyssinian cat has dreamy tales. As its name is Abyssinian, this doesn’t mean it is from Ethiopia. The origin of the Abyssinian cat is somewhere in Southeast Asia.
This breed is closely related to the Burmese, the Siamese, and the Russian Blues. In 1935, it was first bred in the United States.
In today’s era, the Abyssinian cat is the most famous pedigreed cat and is listed in the top five cats registered by the Cat Fanciers Association.
From this, you can calculate that the Abyssinian is one of the oldest cat breeds.
Abyssinian Key Facts
The Abyssinian cat is categorized as one of the first-born cat breeds. It shows a resemblance to the African wildcat. The Abyssinian cat is also called as Aby-Silly because of its playful nature.
It is an intelligent breed and is quick in learning tricks. The Abyssinian cat loves to be taken on a walk with the leash on.
It is said that the Abyssinian cat breed once lived along the coastlines of the Indian Oceans.
How Big Do Abyssinian Get?
The male Abyssinian cat weighs about eight to twelve pounds, while a female weighs about six to ten pounds. The Abyssinian cat is categorized under small to medium domestic cats.
It grows up to the length of eight to ten inches.
Abyssinian Lifespan
The average lifespan of the Abyssinian cat is nine to thirteen years. However, you can increase your pet’s longevity by feeding it wet cat food, keeping it indoor, ensuring regular exercise, and giving lots of love.
Happy cats tend to live more than stressful ones, as happiness enhances the quality of life.
How Much Does an Abyssinian Cost?
The average price of an Abyssinian kitten includes $900 to $1500. The pure breed Abyssinian kittens usually cost $1200 to $2200. Cream-colored female Abyssinian cats are usually more expensive and cost around $2500.
It is a rare cat breed, and few breeders produce it. If you cannot buy an Abyssinian cat from the breeder, try adopting it, as it will just cost you just an adoption fee.
Abyssinian Personality
The Abyssinian cat is one of the most sensitive and relatable cat breeds. This cutie pal will sense your moods and will make sure to cheer you up.
Some of the best describe traits of the Abyssinian breed include alertness, curiosity, independence, peaceful, and playfulness.
It has a soft and low voice, loves to jump around, entertains you, and is graceful and agile.
The Abyssinian cat breed is highly playful and interactive. It will follow you throughout the day and will get involved in your daily tasks.
This breed is highly people-oriented and tends to develop social anxiety if left alone for a longer time.
One thing you need to know is that the Abyssinian cat has an unstable temperament if mistreated.
Caring For an Abyssinian
Keeping your Abyssinian cat happy and healthy is the most you can do for it. Plan its diet, physical activities, and grooming.
If your Abyssinian cat shows any unusual signs, call the vet and seek expert advice. Ensure yearly checkups and vaccines on time.
A proper diet and schedule routine is the basic form of care you can provide to your Abyssinian cat.
Abyssinian Nutrition
The Abyssinian cat has no particular nutritional needs. These cats can be freely fed, as they are active and burn off all the calories consumed throughout the day.
They have a rare tendency to become overweight as compared to other domestic cats. High-protein cat food would be good enough to keep your Abyssinian cat healthy.
To prevent dehydration, water should be accessible to your cute pal all the time.
How To Groom an Abyssinian?
As for as grooming is concerned, the Abyssinian cats are easy to maintain cats. They usually don’t shed a huge amount of fur in normal and shedding seasons. Weekly brushing will be sufficient as they have a low cost.
However, freshwater, high-quality food, and a clean litter box should be present every time.
The nails should be properly clipped so that it doesn’t destroy your living room furniture. Ears and eyes should be cleaned every day to prevent viral infections.
A monthly bath using cat shampoo would be sufficient to keep the Abyssinian cat tidy. You can often take proper grooming sessions from the vet for in detail grooming.
Abyssinian Activity Levels
Building a proper routine for your Abyssinian cat is essential. This will help your cat stay healthier and happy throughout the life stages. The Abyssinian cat requires daily play sessions for at least an hour.
This will stimulate its instincts for hunting and exploring. Secondly, it will keep it in shape and will prevent obesity. If your pet stays active, this also promotes its positive behavior. Cat toys should be present for your Abyssinian cat so that it doesn’t get bored inside the house.
Abyssinian Health Concerns
Obesity is the minor concern related to this breed. However, diabetes is prevalent in this breed and closely related to genes. Managing a healthy weight would be important for your Abyssinian cat.
Another fatal heart concern related to this breed includes hepatic lipidosis. Poor dental hygiene leads to dental diseases.
Just like other cat breeds, the Abyssinian is at risk of getting bacterial and viral infections, including rabies, calicivirus, panleukopenia, etc. however, these diseases can be prevented through vaccine.
Parasitic infections lie in fleas, ticks, and mites that can infect the fur and ear and be prevented through regular grooming.
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