Abys have muscular lean bodies Colors The original Abyssinian coat color was ruddy This coat is dark brown with black ticking Over the years breeders have developed other colors Red Abys have orange red fur with brown ticking Blue Abys are light blue gray with darker blue gray ticking Fawn Abys have light pink beige fur with brown ticking Breeders also have developed silver chocolate and lilac Abys Silver Abys have silver coats with black ticking Chocolate Abys are a medium brown color with black ticking Lilac Abys have pink gray coats with darker pink gray ticking These colors are rare Abyssinians of these colors can't compete in most cat shows
Red Aby FUN FACT Many Abys seem to enjoy water They may play with water that drips from faucets or even jump in a filled bathtub Other features can prevent an Abyssinian from being exhibited in cat shows One is white fur on any part of the body except around the nose chin and upper throat Another is a reverse ticking pattern in the coat Cats with this ticking pattern have darker coats with lighter ticking But Abyssinians that are not of show quality still make good pets Personality Abyssinians wild look and friendly personality makes them great additions to many families Abyssinians are one of the most active sociable cat breeds Some people say the Aby's personality is more like a dog than a cat Some Abys even learn to walk on leashes do tricks and play fetch or other games
Abys are always curious about their surroundings When the doorbell rings they run to see who is there If their owners are doing something they want to be right in the middle of it Abys may be active and playful but their meows are soft and low Left Abyssinians are one of the most playful cat breeds Right Abys are vocal but their meows aren't loud FUN FACT Cats that aren't tame rarely meow Experts believe tame cats meow to communicate with the humans in their lives Caring for an Abyssinian Health Care Most Abyssinians are healthy But some Abys will develop renal amyloidosis an inherited disease that causes kidney failure and death Other cat breeds also can get this disease If you get your Aby from a breeder ask the breeder if there is any history of this disease in your cat's family In general Abyssinian cats are very healthy Owners who provide good care for their Abys can expect their cats to live 15 to 20 years
FUN FACT Zzzz Cats sleep an average of 13 to 14 hours each day Dental Care All cats need regular dental care to protect their teeth and gums from plaque Dental care is especially important for Abys because they are more likely to develop gingivitis than other breeds Brush your Aby's teeth at least once a week with a toothbrush made for cats or a soft cloth Be sure to use toothpaste made for cats Grooming An Abyssinian's short sleek coat requires little care An occasional brushing will remove loose hair You can also gently rub your Aby's coat with a damp cloth to keep it shiny Is an Aby Right for You Abys are natural athletes They run jump and climb Owners often find them sitting in high places such as the tops of bookcases or refrigerators They also are more playful than many cat breeds Many cats are less playful as they age But Abys seem to enjoy playing throughout their lives The Abyssinian's friendly playful nature makes it an especially good family pet Abys get along well with dogs and most other cats But Abys are also one of the most active cat breeds If you prefer a cat that sits quietly most of the day an Aby isn't for you
