9 Interesting Facts About Abyssinian Cats You Probably Didnt Know
9 Interesting Facts About Abyssinian Cats You Probably Didn't Know
Abyssinian cats are known for their distinctive ticked short coat, high, pointed ears, and slender, elegant, muscular build. While they aren't the most common house cats, they are still loved by many. In this article, we will delve into Abyssinian cats and reveal some interesting facts you may not know.
1. The name Abyssinian comes from Ethiopia
Abyssinia was the ancient name for what we now know as Ethiopia. The Encyclopedia of World History describes ancient Abyssinian culture as a Christian era that extended from the 13th century to the 20th century. Abyssinian kings claimed descent from King Solomon in the Bible. Their culture was built, to some degree, through trade with Egypt, southern Arabia, and other cultures in Africa. This connection to Egypt may have played a part in the origin of the Abyssinian cat breed, but it is unclear at this time.
2. The origin of Abyssinian cats remains a mystery
The origin of the Abyssinian cat is unknown, but it is one of the oldest known breeds of cats. The American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA) says the first recorded instance of an Abyssinian cat was in England in 1871. As breeders began to breed more Abyssinians, they listed 12 cats between 1900-1905, most of which had unknown parents. There is a theory that a sailor brought an Abyssinian cat from Ethiopia to England in 1868. A book published in 1874 documented one of these cats, named Zulu, simply saying that she was brought from Ethiopia. The ACFA also says the breed may have been bred from British Tabby cats. Genetic studies suggest the breed may have originated along the coasts of the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.
3. Abyssinian cats are a tabby cat
Feline genetics say that all domestic cats are tabby cats, and when some cats have no markings in their fur, it’s actually a mutation. The ACFA believes that the Abyssinian cat was brought from Ethiopia to England and was then shown at cat shows alongside domestic cats and feral cats. Perhaps the Abyssinian cat came about because of a tabby cat and an African wildcat mating. Some experts say that the Abyssinian looks similar to the southern African wildcat.
4. Abyssinian cats have ticked coats
No, it doesn’t mean that the Abyssinian cat is always in a bad mood! Instead, a “ticked” cat has a unique coat that is caused by a gene called the ticked gene. The gene explains that the cat’s genes cause four tabby patterns: mackerel (narrow stripes), classic (swirls), spotted, and ticked, meaning they don’t have stripes, but instead, they have a ticked coat.
5. Their tails have a black tip
The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) describes their coat color in their Abyssinian breed standard as “warm and glowing” and their ticking should be apparent, and the tail tip should be a darker color. A true Abyssinian cat will have a darker shadow down its spine if it is ticked all over. A true Abyssinian cat will have black lines on its eyes and eyebrows, and the eyes should be gold or green. The Abyssinian cat is a shorthaired cat.
6. Abyssinian cats are very intelligent
They are known to be loyal cats that enjoy being around humans but don’t necessarily like being lap cats. They can be trained and make great candidates for clicker training. They can also be quite mischievous. This breed gets bored easily. They may also perch in high places. They can even open cabinet doors and turn on light switches with their paws.
7. The earliest known Abyssinian cat is a stuffed specimen
A stuffed specimen cat from the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden, Netherlands, is the earliest known Abyssinian cat. According to the CFA, it was purchased from a wildcat supplier between 1834-1836.
8. Abyssinian cats may have been mummified
Ancient Egyptian society considered cats sacred animals and were closely associated with the cat goddess Bastet or Bast. The Carnegie Museum of Natural History explains that cats were also kept as pets and were very important to society, and sometimes they were mummified and buried with their owners so that they could be together in the afterlife. The mummified cats found in ancient Egyptian tombs look a lot like the Abyssinian cats we see today.
9. Abyssinian cats maintain their playful personalities
Many cats slow down as they age, but the Abyssinian cat is a breed that maintains a playful personality throughout its life. Abyssinian cats usually live to be 15 years old.
Conclusion
Abyssinian cats are more than just unique in appearance; they have amazing personalities. They are intelligent, playful, loyal, and will bring a lot of joy to your life. If you are looking for a cat that is different from the rest, an Abyssinian cat is definitely worth considering.
Abyssinian cats are known for their distinctive ticked short coat, high, pointed ears, and slender, elegant, muscular build. While they aren't the most common house cats, they are still loved by many. In this article, we will delve into Abyssinian cats and reveal some interesting facts you may not know.
1. The name Abyssinian comes from Ethiopia
Abyssinia was the ancient name for what we now know as Ethiopia. The Encyclopedia of World History describes ancient Abyssinian culture as a Christian era that extended from the 13th century to the 20th century. Abyssinian kings claimed descent from King Solomon in the Bible. Their culture was built, to some degree, through trade with Egypt, southern Arabia, and other cultures in Africa. This connection to Egypt may have played a part in the origin of the Abyssinian cat breed, but it is unclear at this time.
2. The origin of Abyssinian cats remains a mystery
The origin of the Abyssinian cat is unknown, but it is one of the oldest known breeds of cats. The American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA) says the first recorded instance of an Abyssinian cat was in England in 1871. As breeders began to breed more Abyssinians, they listed 12 cats between 1900-1905, most of which had unknown parents. There is a theory that a sailor brought an Abyssinian cat from Ethiopia to England in 1868. A book published in 1874 documented one of these cats, named Zulu, simply saying that she was brought from Ethiopia. The ACFA also says the breed may have been bred from British Tabby cats. Genetic studies suggest the breed may have originated along the coasts of the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.
3. Abyssinian cats are a tabby cat
Feline genetics say that all domestic cats are tabby cats, and when some cats have no markings in their fur, it’s actually a mutation. The ACFA believes that the Abyssinian cat was brought from Ethiopia to England and was then shown at cat shows alongside domestic cats and feral cats. Perhaps the Abyssinian cat came about because of a tabby cat and an African wildcat mating. Some experts say that the Abyssinian looks similar to the southern African wildcat.
4. Abyssinian cats have ticked coats
No, it doesn’t mean that the Abyssinian cat is always in a bad mood! Instead, a “ticked” cat has a unique coat that is caused by a gene called the ticked gene. The gene explains that the cat’s genes cause four tabby patterns: mackerel (narrow stripes), classic (swirls), spotted, and ticked, meaning they don’t have stripes, but instead, they have a ticked coat.
5. Their tails have a black tip
The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) describes their coat color in their Abyssinian breed standard as “warm and glowing” and their ticking should be apparent, and the tail tip should be a darker color. A true Abyssinian cat will have a darker shadow down its spine if it is ticked all over. A true Abyssinian cat will have black lines on its eyes and eyebrows, and the eyes should be gold or green. The Abyssinian cat is a shorthaired cat.
6. Abyssinian cats are very intelligent
They are known to be loyal cats that enjoy being around humans but don’t necessarily like being lap cats. They can be trained and make great candidates for clicker training. They can also be quite mischievous. This breed gets bored easily. They may also perch in high places. They can even open cabinet doors and turn on light switches with their paws.
7. The earliest known Abyssinian cat is a stuffed specimen
A stuffed specimen cat from the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden, Netherlands, is the earliest known Abyssinian cat. According to the CFA, it was purchased from a wildcat supplier between 1834-1836.
8. Abyssinian cats may have been mummified
Ancient Egyptian society considered cats sacred animals and were closely associated with the cat goddess Bastet or Bast. The Carnegie Museum of Natural History explains that cats were also kept as pets and were very important to society, and sometimes they were mummified and buried with their owners so that they could be together in the afterlife. The mummified cats found in ancient Egyptian tombs look a lot like the Abyssinian cats we see today.
9. Abyssinian cats maintain their playful personalities
Many cats slow down as they age, but the Abyssinian cat is a breed that maintains a playful personality throughout its life. Abyssinian cats usually live to be 15 years old.
Conclusion
Abyssinian cats are more than just unique in appearance; they have amazing personalities. They are intelligent, playful, loyal, and will bring a lot of joy to your life. If you are looking for a cat that is different from the rest, an Abyssinian cat is definitely worth considering.
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