Abyssinian cat: character, conditions of detention and not only

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

We will tell you what to expect from a pet of a popular breed and how to equip its life.

general information

• Breed name: abyssinian cat.
• Country of origin: Ethiopia.
• The weight: from 4, 5 to 7 kg.
• Height at withers: 28–32 cm.
• Life Expectancy: up to 15 years and more.
• Price: from 15,000 to 35,000 rubles and more.

What Abyssinian cats look like

There is no consensus on the origin of this breed. Although the ancient Egyptians worshiped cats, the frescoes and sculptures of which are surprisingly similar to the modern Abyssinians. According to one version based on genetic studies, these cats may have descended from animals from Southeast Asia and from the coast of the Indian Ocean.

At the same time, the external similarity of the Abyssinians with wild African cats is also noted. Although the breed received its modern look thanks to British breeders who were engaged in it back in the 19th century.

Abyssinian cats Abyssinian cats are lithe, strong and muscular animals of medium size. Their head is in the form of a slightly rounded wedge, the muzzle is not pointed. The ears are large, wide, with a cupped base.

The eyes are almond-shaped, large and expressive. Body with well-developed muscles, but graceful at the same time. Legs are proportional, thin, with compact oval paws. The tail is rather long, tapering towards the end.

The coat of Abyssinian cats is shiny, soft, silky, fine in texture, but at the same time thick and elastic to the touch. Average length, with 2-3 dark ticking stripes on each hair. Coat colors - wild, sorrel, faun and blue.

What is the character of Abyssinian cats

Animals of this breed are active, playful and very curious by nature. If they are not sleeping or eating, then they are almost certainly in motion, and close to a person.

Thanks to their natural intelligence, these cats can be taught simple tricks, for example, using a special device - a clicker. And many of them quickly get used to the harness and willingly go for walks. It is also necessary to pay attention to the upbringing of the pet as a whole, otherwise over time it may become simply uncontrollable.

How Abyssinian cats get along with adults

These cats are independent, but very attached to people. They will not calmly observe what is happening from the side, but will try to take part in everything. Being the center of attention is very important for them.

So don't be surprised if an Abyssinian cat snuggles up on your shoulder or leaps into your lap at the most unexpected moment. Although at the same time she can easily be distracted by her amusements, for example, jumping on a shelf or chasing an imaginary prey.

Renowned US breeder Carolyn Osier characterizes the Abyssinian breed in her guide for potential owners: “If you choose an Abyssinian cat, you can never complain that no one understands you. These animals are great at teaching people to do exactly what they want."

How Abyssinian cats get along with children

Fans of active games enjoy spending time with younger family members. They willingly participate in joint fun.

How Abyssinian cats get along with other pets

These pets can get along with other cats and dogs, and sometimes become their real friends and companions. Although sometimes they can be jealous of their four-legged neighbors.

But you should not expect that the Abyssinian cat will get along with hamsters or parrots. Their purring pets are perceived exclusively as prey and will not miss an opportunity to hunt.

What conditions of detention are required for Abyssinian cats

If you observe the Abyssinian cat Abyssinian cats from the side, it seems that she is busy all the time - jumping, playing or watching something with concentration. Moreover, the attention of the animal at any time can switch to a new object, because these pets tend to be in time everywhere.

Balls, mice, other toys and even ordinary candy wrappers do not leave them indifferent either. Moreover, a cat can play with enthusiasm with the same object for several months, and then show no interest in it at all.

These animals are literally filled with energy and cannot stay in one place for long. Therefore, be prepared for the fact that not a single corner of the house will be left without attention. Climbing the heights is not difficult for them, and they do it with enthusiasm.

Such pets perceive shelves, cabinets and other surfaces remote from the floor as their territory for games and walks. Therefore, it is better to immediately remove fragile objects and trinkets where the cat simply cannot reach them. And so that the pet has a place to frolic, you can set up a whole complex specially for him with posts and platforms at a height.

Abyssinian cats are also incredibly playful (regardless of age). Moreover, they give themselves up to fun with all their enthusiasm, not caring about their health and even life. So before the Abyssinian cat appears in the house, it is advisable to put special nets on the windows to protect the animal from falling.

This precaution is not superfluous even for the first floors. After all, a cat left unattended can just jump out the window and go in search of adventure. This is quite dangerous, especially for pets who are not used to leaving the apartment.

How to feed Abyssinian cats

Animals of this breed can be given natural food. This diet usually includes meat (beef and poultry), offal, vegetables, and other foods. Cooking such food is quite time consuming and requires a balanced approach so that the pet gets everything it needs for its body.

Do not confuse a natural feline diet with food familiar to humans. Leftover pasta cutlets or half-eaten soup will not benefit the pet's body, even if it absorbs them with appetite. Spicy, salty and spicy dishes, smoked meats and sweets are especially dangerous for cats.

If you are not sure that you can choose the right diet for an Abyssinian cat, buy ready-made food. They can be dry or canned. Moreover, there are options for animals of different ages, active, prone to obesity, suffering from food allergies and other health problems.

When choosing a ready-made feed, give preference to quality and well-established brands. Also, make sure your cat always has a bowl of clean drinking water.

When picking up a kitten from a breeder, be sure to specify what kind of food he is used to. At first, try to stick to this particular diet. Otherwise, the pet may start having stomach problems or simply refuse to eat. You need to change the diet gradually so that there are no problems with addiction and digestion.

Also, be sure to make sure that your Abyssinian cat does not overeat, because this is dangerous for her health. Medical experts believe Abyssinian cats that obesity can shorten the life of an animal by an average of a couple of years. And that's not all of the potential problems.

Being overweight increases the likelihood of developing arthritis and diabetes. Also, cats that eat a lot and move little can suffer from a potentially fatal condition called lipidosis. With this disease, fat accumulates in the liver cells, and the functioning of the organ is disrupted, which can lead to serious consequences.

How to care for Abyssinian cats

Caring for representatives of this breed is not difficult, because they themselves do an excellent job of taking care of their wool. It is enough to periodically comb the cat and bathe it during the spring molt. More frequent water procedures are relevant, for example, for exhibitors. Or if the pet is very dirty and you just can't wipe it off. For bathing procedures, it is better to use special shampoos that can be bought at pet stores.

In addition, you need to trim the claws of the animal in time, as well as monitor the standing of the ears and eyes. It is better to accustom an Abyssinian cat to all these procedures from a young age: then she will gradually get used to it and will not try with all her might to prevent you from putting her in order.

What abyssinian cats are ill with

Animals of this breed are usually in good health. Although they also have a predisposition to some diseases. Diseases of the Abyssinian cats. These include cardiomyopathy, arterial thromboembolism, infectious peritonitis, cryptococcosis, pyruvate kinase deficiency, urinary tract diseases, amyloidosis, renal failure, and others.

Monitor your pet at all times. If a kitten or an adult animal suddenly becomes lethargic, refuses to eat, limps, reacts painfully to touch, shows aggression or, conversely, excessive fearfulness, seek professional advice.

Also, you should definitely show your pet to the veterinarian if his hair falls out, his eyes are watery, has tartar or smells bad from the mouth. Especially do not delay a visit if the pet has injured eyes or wounds on the body, severe weakness is observed, as well as problems with breathing, urination, coordination of movements and more.

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What to look for when buying an Abyssinian cat

Before you start looking for your future pet, decide on the plans for him. If you want to buy a purebred animal for your soul, choose an animal of the "pet" class. These are healthy and thoroughbred cats, but due to small nuances (deviations from the standard) they will not be able to become champions and even prize-winners.

For an exhibition career, take a look at kittens of the "show" class, which have all the makings of future champions, but are also quite expensive. And for breeding, choose a future pet from the appropriate class "breed".

The next step is the first meeting with the future pet. Before buying, be sure to visit the breeder, see the kittens and their conditions of maintenance. All babies should be vigorous, moderately well-fed, not too shy and calmly making contact. If the housing conditions do not seem suitable for you and almost all kittens look sickly or behave aggressively, it is better to look for other options.

The final step is buying. Together with the baby, you should be given his veterinary passport, which contains information about the vaccinations prescribed by age, as well as a metric on the basis of which the pedigree of the animal is issued. It is also advisable to draw up a purchase and sale agreement, in which the fact of acquisition will be recorded.

You can buy a future pet without any documents at all, for example, in the poultry market or through sites with ads. But there is a certain risk in this: you will not be sure that you are buying a truly thoroughbred animal. Nobody will give you guarantees of health and good heredity with such a purchase. If you still choose this option, be sure to issue a veterinary passport for your pet and get all the necessary vaccinations.

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