Abyssinian Cat Home Care: 8 Crucial Facts
Cats of rare, expensive breeds are incredibly popular nowadays. The Abyssinian cat belongs to this category. Noble, elegant, majestic, and at the same time, friendly, curious, playful — this is all about her. Let’s get to know about Abyssinian cat home care.
Table Of Contents
· The Main Characteristics
· What a Cat Looks Like
· The Character of the Pet
· Little Thief
· History of a Cat
· How to Choose an Abyssinian Kitten
· Conditions for a Wild Domestic Cat
· How to Arrange a Place to Live
· Peculiarities of Care
· Feeding Abyssinian Cats
· Abyssinian cat home care: Health and Diseases
· Who Wouldn’t Like an Abyssinian Cat?
· Feedback from Abyssinian Cat Owners
· Small Miracle
· Standard of Grace
· Question and Answers
The Main Characteristics
A domestic Abyssinian cat looks like a wildcat. Fortunately, it is only an outward resemblance. Its character is completely different.
What a Cat Looks Like
The Abyssinian breed standard defines the size, weight, color, etc. Standard color is actually a hair-tipping color. Color tipping is evenly distributed throughout the animal. Only the belly, chest, and inner side of the paws do not have it. They appear as a primary color. According to the CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) standard, four basic colors of Abyssinian cats are recognized:
- Wild
- Red or sorrel
- Blue
- Beige
The most common type of Abyssinian cat is red.
The hair is not very soft or thin, but thick and silky, tight-fitting. The hair is short (only kittens can be fluffy). The individual is not large; the total length of the body is average, the height is about 28–32 cm, and the weight averages from 4–6 kg.
The body is muscular but elegant. The tail is long, powerful at the base, and narrowed to the tip. Paws are narrow, long. The neck is also long but proportional to the head and body.
The head also has features, wedge-shaped, with large ears located entirely unlike other breeds. They may have dark tips, sometimes with tassels.
Eyes are almond-shaped, large in size. Eyes must be “summed up,” i.e., they have a dark rim and light “glasses.” The color is green or amber. Voice is thin, quiet, pleasant. The life expectancy of individuals — 15–20 years.
The Character of the Pet
The noble and majestic appearance of the Abyssinian cat is completely different from its character and behavior. They are active, curious, playful. They like to stay on top: climbing on game corners, cabinets, refrigerators, etc. (which is not very pleasant for the owners).
They like attention, follow the owner everywhere, and share their interests; they can watch TV and “read” a book. This is not a “cat that walks by itself.” Your devoted friend will watch you while you change, cook in the kitchen, and build in the workshop.
The breed is very sociable. If the owners can’t pay much attention to the animal, they should get some more pets that can interact with him.
The cat will gladly play, but it will undoubtedly be the main one. They get along well with children and pets (dogs, ferrets, other cats).
Do you know? These cats can disguise themselves as ferrets.
These cats are regal, they require respect, they may be offended, but they are not capricious. They like water, but not swimming, rather watching. They are also very smart, easy to train.
Do you know? Abyssinian cats fall asleep easily during games; sleep poses are very diverse.
Little Thief
It is also often reported that Abyssinians are thieves — they literally drag everything from pencils to food accidentally forgotten on the table, even the food that is not a physiological need at all for cats (such as cookies or candies).
Abyssinians do not tolerate secrets and closed doors — a regular, thorough inspection of cabinets and dressers in the house is a typical deal.
History of a Cat
The history of the Abyssinian cat breed takes us to Abyssinia’s ancient African state (modern Ethiopia). The cat is called Abyssinian by its origin.
This same breed, as history shows, was among the sacred cats of ancient Egypt. The first individuals were brought by the British to Europe, where the final breed was formed. By the middle of the XIX century, it had already partaken in prestigious exhibitions. In the early twentieth century, the breed was brought to America.
Do you know it? An Abyssinian cat can be hypnotized by sight.
How to Choose an Abyssinian Kitten
Before buying an Abyssinian kitten, read the breed’s description, understand the nature of the animal, and analyze the situation. Suppose you want a calm, continuously sleeping, a lazy cat which is interested only in food and sleep. In that case, the Abyssinian is not for you.
If you are ready for an animal that will always be in motion, follow your every move, and you are prepared to respect it and pay attention, look for a “candidate” boldly.
The price gap is wide: from $200 to $1000. As with any breed, pricing depends on color, “purity,” compliance with the standard, etc. The price will also be affected by where and from whom you buy a kitten; as a rule, it is cheaper from the owner, in a cattery — more expensive.
What is your goal? Do you want to display your cat in future exhibitions, or do you need a pet? Your choice will depend on it. Standard-compliant Abyssinian breeds are best bought from an officially registered kennel.
The price of an Abyssinian cat usually ranges from $600 to $800, maybe higher for its rare color. An important factor in favor of buying a baby in a cattery is that the cattery and after the purchase continue to be responsible for compliance with the standards, “cleanliness,” and the pet’s documents.
In this situation, the cat is already examined by experienced veterinarians, and the certificates issued to you are authentic. If you’re just buying a pet, you can buy one from the owner himself. Then the price will start at around $200.
The suitable age of a cat to purchase is from 3 to 8 months. Take a kitten from home to see the living conditions, meet the parents. Because well-groomed, healthy parents almost always have healthy children.
Wherever you buy a kitten, it should be healthy, first of all. The certificate stating that the baby does not have leukemia virus (FeLV) and immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is obligatory. A healthy baby is fat, not skinny, and without a big stomach. Examine the ears, nose, and eyes of the pet. They should be free of excreta and even more so without smell.
A kitten should not cough or sneeze. The body should be clean without feces and hair sticking together from diarrhea. Check the kitten’s activity and play with it. Determine if it is ready to play.
Be sure to look into her mouth. It should be a natural color with no wounds or inflammation. By 3 months, the Abyssinians have their first molt; the cat gets natural hair-tipping color. The color will be completely formed in 12 months.
Examine the hair; it should be free of baldness and show no signs of skin peeling (dandruff). See if there are any fleas (the presence of parasites will show you the black “dirt” at the tail’s base and behind the ears). Take a look at the vaccination and deworming certificates. If you are not going to breed cats, it is better to sterilize the animal. This way, you will save him and yourself from problems.
Conditions for a Wild Domestic Cat
An Abyssinian cat does not require any special conditions. It is elegant, so it can live in a city apartment. They can successfully live in a private house where they have their own yard. In this case, the territory is quite extensive.
How to Arrange a Place to Live
The most crucial moments in housing arrangements for a cat are the toilet, a place for food, a scratching post, a play corner, and toys. Maybe even a cat house.
By the way, cats of Abyssinian breed believe that “my home is my fortress.” So, it is better to have a house.
An adult cat has a very active and playful character. Also, he is a “top climber.” Therefore, he desires to arrange a high play corner. The higher it is, the better for the cat. The best option is from floor to ceiling.
It is best to provide everything in the game corner: the scratching post, “beds,” the house, and toys. It is necessary to have a lot of toys. Otherwise, the cat will start playing with dangerous or valuable things for the owner.
Separately, we must keep in mind the safety of the home. As already mentioned, we are dealing with an inquisitive creature. Everything dangerous for the animal must be out of reach. A kitten can quickly get used to the toilet. It needs a standard tray.
Peculiarities of Care
Care is easy: combing, claws, eyes, ears, bathing, teeth. Wool care is limited to combing and bathing.
Fur brushes can be rubber or ordinary metal with curved teeth.
As an option, experts recommend having a tuyere. It reduces molting, gently pulling out the dead undercoat without damaging or removing live hair.
Important: Bathing without need is not recommended. If necessary, bathe the pet with the use of special shampoos for short-haired cats.
Be sure to cut the claws once every two weeks with a claw cutter. It is also necessary to inspect the ears weekly. Clean shallowly with a cotton swab wet with Vaseline at least once a month. Wipe the whole shell with a wet cloth wrapped around your finger.
You should also regularly wipe their eyes with a cotton swab moistened with warm, boiled water (one swab per eye is a must). The problem area of Abyssinians is their teeth. Cats tend to deposit tartar, so they need to brush their teeth with special products at least once a week.
Feeding Abyssinian Cats
This breed can be given ready-made feed (dry or wet) or just natural food. It is challenging to achieve a balanced diet with a natural diet.
For this reason, experienced breeders recommend giving them only ready-made, premium class feed. Animals that eat dry or wet finished food do not need any additional additives because these feeds already contain everything they need.
Mixed foods are not suitable for Abyssinians, so the host must decide: either finished food or natural products with vitamins, minerals, essential trace elements, etc.
When feeding kittens and adults with natural foods, there are many important rules to follow:
- The food must be at room temperature
- Meat must be raw beef or boiled chicken without bones
- Cats are not fed pork, lamb, goose, and duck
- Cats are never given bones
- Egg whites are contraindicated
- Minced meat with spices is contraindicated
- Meat can be partially replaced with by-products
- Potatoes cannot be given to a cat
- Fish is okay, strictly without bones
- Milk is okay, boiled only
- Chocolate and sweets are contraindicated
- Do not feed them fried products!
- Pulses are not allowed
- No natural products can be mixed with dry food
- Cheap dry food is contraindicated
- Water is always freely available
- Water must always be fresh
Adult cats should be fed twice a day — morning and evening — and kittens should be fed 4–6 times a day.
Abyssinian cat home care: Health and Diseases
Watching your pet’s health and scheduling timely deworming and vaccinations are sacred rules for the owner of any animal. Possible diseases of Abyssinian cats are:
- Kidney amyloidosis
- Psychogenic alopecia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Non-hereditary disease — gingivitis, which is caused by improper feeding and improper care for an animal’s teeth
The kennel must warn you about possible poor heredity.
An attentive owner will always notice a change in the behavior of an animal in time. It is never superfluous to have a veterinary examination.
Important! Do not treat the animal on your own. Never give human medicines to the animal.
If there is the slightest suspicion of illness, you should go to the vet. You will be sure that your pet is healthy.
Suppose you have a character similar to that of your Abyssinian cat. In that case, you will definitely get along in the same house. Courageously acquire and enjoy communication. You will always admire their loyalty, nobility, and grace.
Who Wouldn’t Like an Abyssinian Cat?
If the cat for you is a passive, sedate pet who will snooze comfortably on your lap, then the Abyssinian will most likely not suit you.
If you prefer everything neat, then you’ll hardly be delighted with the Abyssinian cat, who will continuously make its own corrections to your interior. For example, he may push disliked flower pots to the floor or demolish vases during a fun run.
Some people are also unlikely to enjoy the excessive caresses of Abyssinians and catwalks on the dining table or freshly polished furniture. Most owners who try to dissuade the Abyssinians from these habits lose the battle; these cats are too willful.
Also, an Abyssinian is not your choice if you are not ready to give your pet a lot of time or are away from home for a long time. Because of Abyssinians’ strong emotional attachment to their family members, they are tough to bear the separation from their owners and may even get sick.
A bored Abyssinian will also try to entertain himself in every possible way and can easily arrange a real disaster in your absence.
In short, misunderstandings between an Abyssinian and its owner, which usually generates negative feedback, is often just a lack of ability or unwillingness to understand and accept a pet’s features.
After all, if you approach the organization of everyday life with intelligence, give your pet the proper amount of attention and care, remember the functions of its features, and respect its needs — in other words, accept a pet as it is — you will experience a lot of pleasure and will never regret your choice.
Feedback from Abyssinian Cat Owners
So, let’s briefly summarize the shortcomings of the Abyssinian cat as evidenced by feedback from some owners:
- Obsession, excessive sociability, and love
- Hyperactivity, the need for a specially equipped game space and active pastime
It’s up to you to decide whether all of the above is a negative or a fun trait for you.
Small Miracle
I am 100% a dog person. We never had cats in our family, and now we have an eight-year-old black Labrador living with us. I treat cats with neutrality; I respect them like any other living creature in this world, but they do not cause as many emotions and feelings as dogs do.
When my brother began to live separately with his girlfriend, she, being a person who since childhood has had cats, persuaded him to get a kitten. In August, a two-month-old Abyssinian cat lived with them.
Its body is like a wild cougar: slim, graceful, long legs, neat head, big ears. The appearance creates the impression of a very independent animal with a sense of self-esteem, which should be addressed like no other than “your majesty,” even despite his so young age.
But in the process of communication, you realize that he does not look down on you, that he sees in you a friend, a companion. This cat meets you when you come home, follows you everywhere, and shows interest in everything you do. He chases his brother like a tail, starting with the morning teeth cleaning, and falls asleep on his lap in the evening. I have only seen this in dogs! But what astonished me is the fact that he wears his toy mice.
The bigger one, he brings the “feed” to his bowl, and the smaller ones, he bathes them in his glass of water — throws them into it, and pulls out with his legs. Not every dog can bring things and love water. Both of these habits, perhaps, only Labradors love, but for a cat to do it too?! He perfectly understands the command “can’t,” if you just say the word and enforce it with your finger. He looks at you carefully, forgetting about his leprosy.
When he moves from your hands to your shoulders, he does it very carefully and does not even think to release his claws. Of course, he also likes to run around the apartment because the square allows it. It is a small mountain lion, but only in the city apartment. He also has moments of tenderness when he presses against you with his whole body, rubs his nose against your nose, and begins to grumble with his whole cat body.
Standard of Grace
When we took Lucy and brought her home, she never ceased to amaze us with her independence and fearlessness. She never hid, never got confused.
Upon arrival, she stalked the perimeter of the apartment, despite the presence of an adult cat, and that’s all — she’s home! We did not have any problems with the toilet at all. During the detour, when she found it, she sniffed it out, tried it out, and went on to recon. She got used to us in two days.
But you start talking to her, and that’s all — she relaxes and runs to the meeting. The adult cat did not accept her at first, but Lucy was ready to play and sleep with her from the very first day! Now they are inseparable. She also likes to watch TV with us — with a serious view! She constantly demands attention to herself! She does not leave you for one minute! Very gentle and tender! And how she purrs and strokes at us…
Question and Answers
Does Abyssinian cat shed?
They are known to be moderate shedders, but as they have a short but thick coat, they require care and attention when it comes to shedding.
How smart are Abyssinian cats?
Abyssinians are very intelligent. These cats value society very much, and they like not just to lie on their knees, but to watch the gestures and the voice of their owners.
Can Abyssinian cats be left alone?
Abyssinian must not be left alone for a long time. With these cats need to play, be careful, otherwise, your cat will fall into the moping and start losing his beautiful hair.
Do Abyssinian cats like water?
As for the water itself, cats have a positive attitude towards it. They can be seen pampering with water in a bowl or with a taps jet. They can climb into the aquarium through the food hole, catch fish or manage to pull out plantings. Be sure to equip it with a lid. Be sure to close the fish feeding hole in the aquarium lid.
Is an Abyssinian hypoallergenic?
Completely hypoallergenic rock does not exist. Animals with short wool are safer. But, even when considering these options, one should take into account individual predisposition.
These cats have short hair and are not too susceptible to seasonal molting. It should be noted that it is not the animal’s wool itself that causes the reaction, but its dandruff, sebaceous glands, saliva, and other possible secretions. In the process of washing the animal, saliva gets on the wool, which eventually molts and spreads throughout the apartment. This is what leads to coughing, sneezing, and other negative reactions.
