About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 30-41 cm

Height range  : 20-25cm

Weight range : 3.6-5.4kg

Coat : Short to medium-length, soft, silky, fine, yet dense and resilient coat with a distinct ticking pattern and a glowing color. Each hair has dark bands.

Life expectancy years : 9-16 (depends on health situation)

Colors: Ruddy, red, cinnamon, blue, fawn, golden, glowing, ticked shades.

Activitity Level : High

Country: Ethiopia

Similar Breeds : Bengal,Oriental Shorthair

 

History

Although the name suggests Abyssinia or Ethiopia, genetic research cited by CFA indicates origins in coastal areas of the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia with later development in Britain. Cats shown in England included Zula at the Crystal Palace show in 1871. The breed reached the United States in the early 1900s and was among the original CFA registered breeds in 1906. The breed survived major declines in Europe during the world wars through renewed breeding programs.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

playful

Personality

Busy, active, agenda-driven, affectionate, sociable, super-inquisitive, intelligent, playful, friendly, loving, loyal, energetic, social, relatively vocal, curious, people-oriented.

Needs

High activity level, climbing, perches, cat trees, toys, hunting games, and companionship. Indoor and outdoor suitability with supervision and regular interaction.

Social Needs

needs company and does not like being left alone for long periods of time. When well socialized, he is usually affectionate with owners, good with children and other pets, and adaptable to changing environments.

Grooming 

Needs little grooming. Comb or brush a few times per month to control shedding. A chamois rub may improve sheen. Baths are generally unnecessary unless for showing. Regular tooth care is important.

Nutrition

Needs little grooming. Comb or brush a few times per month to control shedding. A chamois rub may improve sheen. Baths are generally unnecessary unless for showing. Regular tooth care is important.

 

Breed Standard

The ideal Abyssinian is a colorful, medium-sized cat with a distinctly ticked coat, a lithe, muscular body, a modified wedge-shaped head, large, alert ears, almond-shaped, expressive eyes, slim, fine-boned legs, and a lively, balanced temperament. It stands well off the ground and appears poised on its tiptoes.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Dental disease / Pyruvate kinase deficiency / Progressive retinal atrophy / Patellar luxation

 

Symtoms

can cause bad breath, red, swollen, or bleeding gums, and other issues. Tartar buildup, drooling, dropping food, chewing on one side, and hesitation to eat hard food.

lethargy, weakness, and pale gums.
Poor appetite and poor coat quality.
Signs may come and go. Jaundice may occur during a crisis.

can lead to night blindness, dilated pupils, and shiny, reflective eyes. There will have a gradual loss of daytime vision.

intermittent lameness and a skipping gait
The subject experience difficulty jumping, stiffness, and a crouched posture in the hind limbs. It is possible that the leg will kick out and then return to its usual position.

Onset of symptoms

 

Dental Diseases

The initiation process can commence within a timeframe ranging from one to two years. This condition is prevalent in cats older than four years if plaque control is not managed effectively.

 

Probability Of Onset:

Very High

Pyruvate kinase deficiency 

The onset of symptoms may occur within six months. However, symptoms may not manifest until over five years old, and there is a possibility of exacerbation during periods of stress or illness.

 

Probability Of Onset:

 Low in responsibly bred cats only

 

Progressive retinal atrophy

typically begins around one and a half to two years of age. The progression to total blindness may take two to four more years.

 

 

Probability Of Onset:

 Low in responsibly bred cats only

 

Patellar luxation

may be found in young cats during routine examinations.
Signs may become more obvious with age, activity or arthritis

 

 

Probability Of Onset:

Moderate

Reasons

Dental Diseases

plaque and bacteria are the main drivers

 

Progressive retinal atrophy:

due to genetic disorders

Pyruvate kinase deficiency 

due to genetic disorders

Patellar luxation

congenital (inherited) anatomical defects or physical trauma

Normally Treament Methods

Dental disease:

  1. daily brushing with feline toothpaste may be helpful.
  2. Professional scaling / polishing / anesthesia-based dental care / and tooth extraction may be needed in advanced disease
  3. Antibiotics alone are not recommended as sole treatment

 

Pyruvate kinase deficiency :

  1. unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease
  2. Supportive care and low-stress management may be used
  3. Blood transfusion may be used during severe crises
  4. Splenectomy may be considered in persistent cases

 

Progressive retinal atrophy

  1. unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease
  2. Home adaptation / consistent layout / and indoor living may be used to support blind cats. As the process is slowly preceeding, many cats can adapt welling.

 

Patellar luxation:

  1. Mild Grade 1 cases may not need surgery and weight control may help
  2. Surgery may be recommended earlier in higher grades
  3. Techniques may include trochleoplasty / tibial tuberosity transposition / soft tissue adjustment / or implant placement
  4. Anti-inflammatories / Solensia / joint supplements / mobility diets / and rehabilitation may be helpful for arthritis or recovery.

 

 

Supplements

Dental diesease :

  • Dental probiotics can/might be helpful for supporting a healthier oral microbiome.
  • Seaweed extract Ascophyllum nodosum can/might be helpful for reducing plaque and tartar.
  • Water additives with enzymes or chlorhexidine can/might be helpful for plaque control
recommend product

Pyruvate kinase deficiency

  • B-vitamin complex can/might be helpful for supporting red blood cell production during anemia episodes.
  • Iron can/might be helpful for confirmed deficiency support only if testing indicates need
recommend product

Progressive retinal atrophy

  • Omega-3 fatty acids DHA/EPA can/might be helpful for general retinal support.
  • Antioxidant blends with lutein / zeaxanthin / and vitamin E can/might be helpful for overall eye health support
recommend product

Patellar luxation

  • Glucosamine / chondroitin / and MSM might be helpful for cartilage and joint support
  • Omega-3 fatty acids EPA/DHA can/might be helpful for inflammation support
recommend product