The Aby,

An elegant, distinguished cat with gold- flecked eyes

The exact origins of the Abyssinian, one of the eldest cat breeds, remain a mystery. Perhaps it originated in Ethiopia, formally known as Abyssinia. Unfortunately, there is no record of agouti cats in Ethiopia. Nevertheless, since it resembles the sacred cat of Ancient Egypt, legend holds that the Abyssinian was born along the banks of the Nile. In fact, it is said that Rames II asked the king of Abyssinia for a band of cats to take back to Egypt. Cats sporting a coat similar to the Abyssinian can also be found in Africa, Eurasia, and Asia, including Felis Libyca, the African Wild Cat or Gloved Cat, and Felis chaus, the Swamp Cat or Jungle Cat. However, the existence of cats with ticked coloring in India and Asia makes it more likely that the Abyssinian orientated in Asia.
An early Abyssinian cat, a cat with a ticked coat (like that of a rabbit), was apparently brought back to Great Britain from Ethiopia by Sir Robert Napier in 1868. Named zula, he was shown in 1871 at the Crystal palace of London. G. Stables began a scientific study of the cat in 1874. The breed, recognized in England in 1882, was fixed and then improved by crossing it with the British Shorthair. The first standard was published in 1889 by H. Weir. Development of the breed began in the United States prior to 1910 and the C.F.A. recognized the Abyssinian in 1917.

In 1926, an Abyssinian Cat Club was formed. Two females, Aluna and Osira, born in Vienna, were brought to France in 1927. In the 1930s, European breeders focused on selection of the Abyssinian. After two world wars and a feline leukemia outbreak from 1960 to 1970, the breed almost disappeared. Today, the Abyssinian is one of the best known and best loved of the shorthaired breeds.

Characteristics

The Abbyssinian is a very active, extroverted, playful cat that is curious about its surroundings and has a well balanced temperament. This cat has a strong, independent personality, but is social and affectionate. Very gentle and loving, the Aby requires considerable attention, despises solitude, and is devoted exclusively to its owner. The Aby is talkative, but its voice is very quiet. The exuberance seen in young kittens mellows with age. This athlete and hunter requires exercise, and therefore space. An enclosed yard is highly desirable.
Grooming is simple. The Aby requires only weekly brushing and combing. When shedding, dead, loose hairs must be removed regularly. For a shiny coat, rub the coat with a chamois cloth. If the cat will tolerate it, bathe him with appropriate shampoo two days prior to a show.