Friday, April 1, 2016

A-Z: Abyssinian

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Abyssinians
Abyssinians, or Abys as they are known by their fans, are short hairs whose looks hark back to their wild ancestry. There is some confusion on whether Abys originated in Ethiopia or in Egypt. Regardless they're beautiful, fascinating creatures. These cats have a ticked coat. i.e. lighter at the root and darker at the tip. Some folks claim that wild Abyssinians can still be found in North Africa.
These cats come in different colors including Fawn, Silver, Sorrel, Blue, Lilac, Tortieshell, Chocolate, Red, Cream and the ever popular original Ruddy: a brownish-red with black tipping and black feet. The kittens are born with dark coats that lighten as they get older.Abys have long muscular bodies with long tails, wedge-shaped heads, almond-shaped eyes, large ears and petite feet. The dark marking on their foreheads is shaped like the letter M.
If you want a couch-potato this probably isn't the cat for you. These cats are very active and when they aren't playing demand attention. They like their toys. They are also extremely affectionate. They love people and are gentle. If you don't keep them active and give them a lot of time and love they can become depressed. They are highly intelligent and can often be taught basic commands, such as fetching.
They are tolerant of other cats but prefer dogs.
These cats are prone to retinal atrophy.
Their average life expectancy is anywhere from nine to fifteen plus years.
If you are interested in adding one of these exotic kitties to your home, please first try your local rescue, look for an Abyssinian rescue or go to petfinder.com.
~*~
Akasha is a pretty little calico who, along with two of her kittens, has drowned and passed on to Catarau. Now she must journey back to earth to save the kitten left behind.  

60 comments:

Valerie-Jael said...

Very interesting to read about the Abyssinians, and love the sound o your book, hugs, Valerie

Elephant's Child said...

Abyssinians are truly beautiful and regal cats.
Are you going to wave books in front of my weak-willed self every day this month?

Margaret D said...

They do look a lovely cat.

Sharon Himsl said...

Beautiful. They seem quite tall.

Pioneer Women in Aviation A-Z

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

When shopping for cats, couch potato is a quality I seek! Beautiful cat.

Cynthia said...

Look at those ears! I wonder what interesting conversations this cat is eavesdropping on.

Nicola said...

There are so many cats in our neighbourhood (we don't have one)and they certainly lead an interesting life. Have a great weekend. Great opening post!

DEZMOND said...

such delightful ears!

nashvillecats2 said...

Most interesting Sandra, I love cats and am always ready to learn more about them. Wonderful post.
Yvonne.

Truedessa said...

I don't think I've ever seen one quite like that..

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi, dear Sandra!

As I think I already mentioned, I have become a cat lover in recent years. Our veterinary office had a framed poster showing all of the cat breeds and I enjoyed gazing at it whenever we took our dog Toto in for a check-up. It was fun reading your post and learning about the Abyssinian breed. You can tell just by looking at the picture that Abys are intelligent and active, bordering on high maintenance. What a beautiful animal!

Thank you very much, dear friend Sandra, and best of luck with your A to Z marathon run!

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Val:)

Sandra Cox said...

They sure are, EC.
No. Grin. I won't be waving books every day:)

Anonymous said...

I was going to come back with the smart arse comment that maybe they came from Abyssinia, but a quick google tells me that it is not clearly defined, as I guess you found out. I like the idea of cats being low maintenance and these cats are not like that, but still, we all need a challenge at times. Perhaps they are in between a lazy cat and an active dog.

Sandra Cox said...

They sure do, don't they, M-w?

Sandra Cox said...

Hi Sharon,
Correct. They have a long body.

Sandra Cox said...

Me too, Alex. That's why I'm such a Persian fan:)

Sandra Cox said...

Ha! You're right. They certainly have the ears for it, Cynthia:)

Sandra Cox said...

Hope they're safe.
Thanks, Nicola:)

Sandra Cox said...

Indeed, Dez;)

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Yvonne! Heading over to your place now.

Sandra Cox said...

Hi True,
They are unique:) I think they're gorgeous cats though.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Shady. I had a friend that had one of these cats and just loved it. I'm glad you've converted to the cat side:)

Jeanie said...

I confess, I love a couch potato cat -- especially if they are a lapper. So maybe not my breed, but lovely!

Sandra Cox said...

Good for you, for checking on that, Andrew!
I think they'd be great for an active family.

Sandra Cox said...

Hi, Jeanie. Exactly. I'm a couch potato cat person too, but these guys are sure impressive.

Pat Hatt said...

Orlin sure isn't a couch potato. Active as can be at our sea. Makes things more fun. Don't think I've ever seen a Abyssinian in real life.

Sandra Cox said...

:) I bet Orlin keeps things hoppin':)

CJ Kennedy said...

The Abys' silhouette looks very much like an Egyptian statue.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Such a beautiful cat. I'd heard they were a bit dog-like and required more attention.

Claire Annette said...

Popping in to say "Hi" from the A-z Challenge.
Looking forward to reading more of your posts on this fun theme.

Claire Annette said...

Popping in to say "Hi" from the A-z Challenge.
Looking forward to reading more of your posts on this fun theme.

Tom Benson said...

A great first post Sandra and, I'm glad I adopted you to follow, because four of my 'five' have yet to post anything.
I'm not a pet person, but in the natural world the big cats are my favourites - to the point where I wrote a series of poems about them in my Natural History poetry anthology.
Glad to see CJ Kennedy was alert to the appearance - the Abys' is what the Egyptian cat statues are modelled on.

donna baker said...

I have never been around one, but they sound like the perfect cat to me.

da tabbies o trout towne said...

An Awesum start for de A two Z challenge !!! itz nice two lurn bout de Abby Cat ☺☺

♥♥♥♥♥ two ewe Akasha =^,,^=

cleemckenzie said...

The Abyssinian is such a noble feline. I'm glad you gave a link to the pet finder site. That's always a good first stop when you want to adopt an animal.

Yolanda Renée said...

So regal! Great information. Love all the animal posts this year!


Thank you for posting for the A to Z!
Ninga Minion @YolandaRenee from
Defending The Pen
Parallels
Murderous Imaginings

Anonymous said...

This is what I love about the #Challenge. Finding new blogs that are well presented, easy to read, not too cluttered up. I miss our cat after many years of her companionship. Your theme is a good fix. Come and visit me if you have time.

Beth Rodgers, Author said...

Interesting information. I'm not really a cat person, but I like learning new things, and there a lot of neat facts in this post.

Sandra Cox said...

It does, doesn't it, CJ?

Sandra Cox said...

That's what I've heard and read too, Diane:)

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Claire. Heading over your way now.

Sandra Cox said...

Tried to leave a comment, but not sure it went through....

Sandra Cox said...

Hi Tom,
I'm glad you adopted this blog too! :)
The big cats are majestic, fascinating animals. Great choice for your poetry.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Tabbies!

Sandra Cox said...

Truly a woman after my own heart!

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Yolanda. Glad you've enjoyed it:)

Sandra Cox said...

On my way, Stepheny:)

Sandra Cox said...

I pit-stopped by but not sure my comment was visible.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Beth:)

Elizabeth said...

Very beautiful cat! I love all the information you included about the Abys. It sounds like it probably wouldn't like my lethargic cats :)

Birgit said...

I am so late...long day but love your first post on such a lovely cat.

Blue Grumpster said...

I've seen those ears before, Dezz.

Hi Sandra. That cat sure is thinner than my Batman wanna be, Mongo.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I am definitely going to LOVE your A to Z of cats, because I am a true cat lover. It sounds like I would love Abyssinians, because I'm NOT a couch potato, but I seem to have two fur balls that are. Can't wait to read about the next cat breed. This is going to be FUN.

Sandra Cox said...

He/she would probably be a thorn in their sides, trying to get them to play:)

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Birgit. I appreciate you working me in to your late night schedule.

Sandra Cox said...

:) Glad you are liking it thus far, Elizabeth:)

Magic Love Crow said...

Another gorgeous cat, that I have never heard of before, thanks Sandra! Your book sounds so moving!

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Magic!
They are beauties aren't they.

shortybear said...

very regal