Abyssinian

History
The Abyssinian is a breed of cat which is believed to be born from one Egyptian female kitten called Zula that was brought to England from Egypt, by a British soldier- Captain Barrett Leonard at the conclusion of the Abyssinian war in 1868. This theory has no evidence as there are no solid links found between the Abyssinian and Zula. The story was even spread that Abyssinian breed is thousands years old and belong to ancient Egypt.

It is also believed that wild 'Abyssinians' still exist and live in the parts of North Africa as they resemble the African wildcat Felis silvestris lybica. According to one story, Abyssinians were exhibited at Crystal Palace in 1871 so it is believed that all Abyssinians belong to the cats bred in the United Kingdom. On the other hand, recent genetic studies indicate that Abyssinian, that is found today, may have descended from a breed found in Southeast Asia and the coast of the Indian Ocean.

Appearance
Abyssinians are a special type of tabby cat. The only features which distinguish them from all other tabbies are their beautiful ticked, resilient coats. The distinctive coat appearance comes from the combination of different colors on each hair shaft. Abyssinians reach their full potential in coloring or ticking when they are around a year and a half old. It has also been noticed that a kitten, that looks pale and washed out after its first coat, could become a vibrantly colored in its maturity. Abyssinians are usually medium in size, lithe and have well-developed muscles.

Abyssinians are found in several colors. Sorrel, fawn and blue colored Abyssinians are most famous in UK, while in America colors such as ruddy, red, fawn and blue are more accepted. In Australia, the popular colors of Abyssinians are tawny, cinnamon, blue and fawn. Their legs are slim in comparison to the body. The Abyssinian has a fairly long tail which is generally broad at the base and tapering to a point. Eyes of the Abyssinian are oval in shape and usually green, hazel or gold in color.

Personality
Abyssinian cats are very lively by nature; they show interest in all activities around them, such as, playing and enjoying with human beings. They enjoy the company of human beings and are very intelligent, affectionate and loyal. Abyssinians are extroverted and are usually not "lap cats". In fact, most of the times, they are found busy in exploring and playing. Abyssinians are shy towards strangers. As they are affectionate by nature, they can get depressed without daily activity and attention of the family with which they are living. Abyssinians are usually good with other cats, but the female Abyssinians can sometimes be irritable around other cats. They are sensible cats and do not believe in taking unnecessary risks.

Genetic Defect
Abyssinians have few genetic defects, such as, gingivitis and tooth decay. But this problem can be minimized if the Abyssinian could be trained to brush their teeth regularly and if periodic professional teeth cleaning and checkups are provided with the regular applications of fluoride. Abyssinians are also susceptible to amyloidosis, which is a renal disease and considered to be hereditary.