History of
the Abyssinian Cat:
The
Abyssinian is one of the oldest known breeds of cat. It's
origin is somewhat unknown and there are several stories as to
how the breed came about. They have a similar appearance
to ancient Egyptian cats.
The
first Abyssinian cat was brought to England in 1868. In the
book Cats, Their Points & Characteristics (published in
1874), author Gordon Stables mentions the following..."Zula,
the property of Mrs. Captain Barrett-Lennard. This cat was
brought from Abyssinia at the conclusion of the war..."
In
the Harpers Weekly supplement dated January, 27, 1872 there is
an illustration of several feline exhibits from the London
Crystal Palace show, including an Abyssinian cat. In the
following write up the journalist writes
"The
third prize was taken by the Abyssinian cat, shown in the
lower right-hand corner of the illustration. She was captured
in the late Abyssinian war, and was mostly remarkable for her
woe-begone appearance, seemingly discontented at her sudden
elevation into notoriety, and longing for her barbaric freedom
in the good old days of King Theodore."
Sadly
there are no written records tracing the early Abyssinians in
Britain. It is believed by some breeders that the Abyssinian
cat was actually created by crossing silver & brown
Tabbies with English ticked cats known as "bunny
cats".
The
Abyssinian cat was officially recognised as a distinct breed
in 1882. The first standard of points was published in
Harrison Weir's book in 1889 & the first Abyssinian
registered in the National Cat Club Stud book was in 1896. Appearance:
The
Abyssinian is an elegant, medium sized, muscular but slender
bodied cat. It
has a short, silky & close lying coat with distinct
ticking. A slightly wedge shaped head with almond shaped eyes
& large ears. The tail is long & tapering.
 Temperament:
Abyssinians
are highly intelligent, extroverted & active cats. They they love people
& like to be included in everyday family life. Abyssinian
cats often enjoy a game of fetch with their human companions.
They are not an overly talkative cat & have a quiet
voice.
Words
often used to describe Abyssinians include loyal, active,
intelligent, playful & inquisitive. Abyssinian
Colours:
| Tawny
= Ruddy or Usual |
Cinnamon Silver |
 |
 |
| Blue |
Cinnamon
(Sorrel or Red US) |
 |
 |
| Tawny |
 |
Fawn,
Black Silver,
Blue Silver,
Fawn Silver.
Special thanks
to:
Rita of
Vivace
Cats & Bob of
Burabylla Cattery)
|
