>> Site Map >> News
Choosing a Cat Breed - How About the Abyssinian?
#26 - 11 - 0 - Choosing a Cat Breed - How About the Abyssinian?
[ 2008-03-22 09:30:10 ] - lizc
#
The Abyssinian is a graceful beast with a tail that is as long as the rest of its body. Its coat is always tabby with a ticked appearance, meaning that each hair has dark and light colour bands but the colour can vary tremendously including red and lilac.
The Abyssinian is a very old breed, possibly originating in ancient Egypt where drawings have been found featuring cats which look very similar and where, of course, cats were revered as Gods. However, the first Abyssinians to arrive in England came from Ethiopia in the eighteen hundreds.
Although most cats are curious, Abyssinians are particularly so, seemingly interested in everything going on around them. They like to follow their owners around the home, giving the appearance of wanting to help with chores. They also like to chill out in the garden or play with their favourite toys. In fact, they love to play, so providing cat toys is essential otherwise they will adopt your favourite possessions as playthings. In addition, these cats are incredibly agile and active and will climb or jump almost anywhere, including curtains, bookcases, etc. so be warned. If you don't want your Abyssinian to leave your garden, you'll probably need to keep it on a leash or in a pen as mere fencing won't prove adequate to contain it.
Abyssinians are incredibly sociable and affectionate cats and like a lot of attention from their owners, so if you are away from home a great deal, be sure to add another cat to the household to keep your Abyssinian company. Although being short-haired, this cat doesn't need much grooming at all, but they often enjoy the attention from a little gentle brushing or combing.
These cats are almost dog-like in that their intelligence is such that they can be trained to obey commands. Often they can be taught to fetch a toy or come when called.
Most Abyssinians aren't greedy cats but you will need to be careful that your cat doesn't overeat and if he does appear to be putting on weight, ask your vet about using a special diet cat food.
Health problems are few in Abyssinians, although neutered males are somewhat prone to urinary tract infections. If this is the case with your cat, you can get special food which prevents it. Another common problem, particular to this breed, is an inherited eye disease called retinal atrophy. This is rare in other cat breeds but quite usual in many dog breeds.
If you want a cat breed that is fairly low-maintenance, affectionate and fun, then the Abyssinian is the perfect choice for you.
comments: 0
viewed: 143
Turkish Van - The Cat Which Can Swim Cats - The British Shorthair by Liz Canham Breeding Cats not Producing Them by Liz Canham
