| Although
the Abyssinian is one of the oldest known breeds, there continues to be speculation
and controversy concerning its history. In appearance, Abyssinians strongly resemble
the paintings and sculptures of ancient Egyptian cats which portray an elegant
feline with a muscular body, beautiful arched neck, large ears and almond shaped
eyes. The source of the name is not because Ethiopia, formerly Abyssinia, is thought
to be the original home of these cats, but because the first "Abyssinian" exhibited
in shows in England was reported to have been imported from that country. The
first mention is in the Harper's Weekly (January 27, 1872 issue) where the 3rd
prize in the December, 1871 Crystal Palace show was taken by the Abyssinian Cat
("captured in the late AbyssinianWar"). This article is accompanied by an illustration
of the Abyssinian Cat. In the British book, by Gordon Stables, Cats, Their Points,
and Characteristics... published in 1874, there is also mention of an Abyssinian.
The book shows a colored lithograph of a cat with a ticked coat and absence of
tabby markings on the paws, face and neck. The description reads: "Zula, the property
of Mrs. Captain Barrett-Lennard. This cat was brought from Abyssinia at the conclusion
of the war..." British troops left Abyssinia in May 1868, so that may have been
the time |
when
cats with ticked coats first entered England. The Abyssinian has a ticked coat,
which means there are bands of colour on each individual hair, with a solid base
colour, giving a distinctive variegated look to the coat. The most common colours
are tawny(originally called ruddy), cinnamon(originally sorrel), blue, and fawn. The eyes are almond shaped, green, gold or
hazel, and accentuated by a dark outline. Abyssinians give the impression of standing
on tiptoe on long slim legs and have a long tapering tail. The head is a slightly
rounded wedge on an elegant neck, with large alert ears that may have tufts at
the tips. As a breed Abyssinians are very people oriented.. Not a lap cat - although
they do enjoy sitting on your knee when they have time. -.. but a cat that likes
to be with people, a cat that wants to know what you are doing - that wants to
help. There is probably no breed anywhere more loyal than the Abyssinian. Once
you have acquired an Abyssinian as a companion, you will never be able to complain
that no one understands you. Abyssinians are very good at training people to do
just what they want them to do. They are not a noisy breed, having a quiet voice
and many will just use it to trill. Whilst a very active breed they will live
happily as an indoor cat as long as they have grown up indoors and have company
and things to do - which they will invent if you do not provide toys. |