Guide Note

An ancient breed with origins in North Africa, the Abyssinian is distinguished by its tawny ticked coat and inquisitive personality.

Medium-large in size, the Abyssinian is fine-boned and muscular with long slender legs and small oval paws that give the impression that the cat is standing on tiptoe. The tail is long and tapers to a pointed tip.

The broad, triangular head is complemented by almond-shaped green, hazel, gold or copper-colored eyes and fairly large, tufted ears.

The fur is short, close-lying and ticked, meaning that each hair has bands of alternating colors, usually reddish-gold and black, although red, blue, fawn, cinnamon and beige Abyssinians are not unheard of.

Abyssinians are intelligent, playful and active cats. They form close bonds with their owners and, although not your typical lap cat, can become depressed without regular human interaction.

Fast Facts

1. Long-haired variety known as the Somali
2. Get along well with most other animals
3. Active climbers
4. Closely resemble sacred cats depicted in Ancient Egyptian art
5. Archaic term "Abyssinian" refers to the region that includes modern-day Ethiopia and Eritrea