Everything you need to know about Abyssinian cats and cats

Hearing the phrase "Abyssinian cat", many are immediately mentally transferred to Ancient Egypt, full of figurines of female goddesses with cat-like faces. Graceful figurines of graceful cats today are sold in any souvenir shop in the country of the pyramids. Abyssinian cats are very beautiful, sunny, elegant. Seeing them once, it is impossible not to want to buy such a pet for yourself.

The pedigree of the oldest breed of cats on earth is shrouded in myths and legends. According to one of them, the king of Abyssinia presented a cat, similar to the Berberian lion, to the Egyptian pharaoh. At first glance, he loved this small animal with a regal bearing and strange appearance.

Since that time, only the close relatives of the pharaohs were allowed to have them. Cats were sacred. They were likened to the sun god Ra and the goddess of love Bast, famous for her beauty. They protected divine papyruses from libraries in mice, and the cat police took care of the "baleen guard" itself so that the Greeks could not steal any of the treasures of the country. The conquest of Egypt by the Roman Empire helped these animals gain the sympathy of all Europeans.

According to another version, in 1868, after the end of the Ethiopian war, the commanders of the royal army took several individuals home. Versions of the sex of these animals are contradictory. It is known for certain that the ancestor of all Abyssinians was an animal named Zula, named after the port where the expeditionary force was stationed.

There are several versions of the host animal. One of them says that his name was Robert Napier. Different sources call him a marshal and a lord, or a captain of a fortification, or a naval engineer. Others, referring to the archival documents of this company, argue that Robert Napier conducted a punitive expedition to Abyssinia - this is the unofficial name of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, found in modern literature, from which the phrase "Abyssinian cat" originated.

According to another version, one of the captains of this vessel was carrying his wife, Mrs. Barret-Lennard, who was carrying an animal in the basket named Zula, which is considered the ancestor of all Abyssinians. She registered the animal in the breeding book of England, where from the end of the 18th century, data about racehorses were recorded, like rabbit cat or cat-rabbit. Nobody heard about the Abyssinian breed at that time. Individuals of that tribe had significant differences with the modern appearance of cats, judging by lithography.

Although this is probably one of the legends. No written evidence and archives of this family. Some sources claim that it was a cat, others insist on a cat version. Others believe that it was a kitten, but the exact information of what sex it was this animal was not preserved. There are documents confirming the version of the existence of Robert Napier. On the offspring of the cat, and who registered it, there is no evidence. Information that he was involved in the breeding, is also missing.

Despite this legend, the Egyptian version of the origin of the breed became very popular in England.. At the first London exhibition of cats in the history of England in 1872, at the Crystal Palace, the Abyssinian beauty took third place, which attracted the attention of society. In January of next year, Harper`s Weekly, consecrating this event, called the winner Abyssinian cat. This was Abi’s first printed mention. Ten years later, England's cat lovers club recognized the existence of this breed and officially registered it.

Some connoisseurs of feline breed standards are confident that English breeders have developed an Abyssinian look based on native indigenous feline breeds. The latter have no tabby color, which is characteristic of Abyssinians, but occasionally completely hairless kittens appear in the local striped and motley cats.

In 1907, two representatives of silver color were taken to America. The Great Depression, and then World War II, wiped out the efforts of the breeders. Livestock could be restored only after the end of the war. The official registration of the litter occurred in 1935.

The development of the Abyssinians on the continents went in parallel, so their appearance was slightly different. European cats had a more squat and massive bones, ears - medium and straight, head - round, hair - slightly elongated. The American had more subtle body bends, the back was slightly arched in the shape of an arc, the cats had a chiselled neck and wide-set large ears.

The first Abyssinian was brought to Russia in 1994, but the breed became known after 1998. A Moscow breeder brought a beige-colored abyss girl, and two years later bought an Abyssinian of blue color. The Russian Abyssinian population began with these individuals. Abi females are more valued because boys dominate the litter. Girls are born 3-4 times less.

Abyssinians grow to medium size. According to the CFA standard, the basic requirements are proportionality and elegance. This is a prominent animal of small size, regal posture, flexible, and with developed muscles. Has an insightful look, pensive and wise. Cats are sociable, smart, unpretentious, friends with children and other animals in the house.

To determine the belonging to the breed will help the characteristics that formed it.

• Animals weigh from 4 to 7 kg, and cats are larger and heavier than cats.
• The girls are at the withers up to 28 centimeters, the boys - up to 32 centimeters.
• The head is in the form of a slightly rounded wedge, with a soft line of cheeks and eyebrows. A slightly convex and broad forehead smoothly flows into the crown and the back of the head, the neck is elegant, not long, curved.
• The ears are massive, with a moderate sharpening and darkening at the tips, expanding at the base, they assume a cupped contour. Some individuals have pointed ears with tassels at their tips.
• The eyes are large, almond-shaped, shiny, with a thoughtful look. The hair around the eyes is light, along the contour there is a dark line, like eyeliner for women. The iris is juicy, dominated by golden tones, yellow with orange tint, amber-colored, walnut, sometimes light green. All kittens have blue eyes.
• The body is elastic, graceful, medium in length, with well-developed muscles that do not make it heavier. The proportions are perfect.
• Limbs thin and elegant. Paws are small, oval-shaped.
• The long tail tapers towards the tip, and at the base it is noticeably thickened.
• Thick wool pressed to the body, bright shines. Color resembles the sands of Egypt and Ethiopia. The texture is silk, spring under fingers and plentiful, undercoat is light. There are several ticking lines along the length (alternation of color). Light and dark shades replace each other on each wool.

Abi - active and mobile cats. Even lying on the couch, they carefully observe what is happening around. Their habits are doglike, as cats are energetic, lively and playful.These are purposeful, curious and initiative animals, but at the same time tactful and attentive. Very sociable and intelligent, have a good memory.

They become attached to their owners and love praise. Well trained and need constant communication. Curious, everywhere put a spout to see everything and open. It is better to close the lockers and shelves, otherwise they will pull everyone out. They are not afraid of water, it is easy to bathe them. Rare specimens may splash in a basin or bath. Very clean.

Until old age, they are ready to play with their masters: run after the feathers or bring objects thrown to them. You can take a walk and travel. They love to move at height, jump on the shelves, cabinets, explore the corners, sweeping away all obstacles along the way. They choose the main owner - the one who often plays and communicates with them. They love him the most.

If there is a baby in the family, which squeezes the animal, the cat does not release its claws, understanding its tender age, but does not forget its offense and avoids the child. Abyssinians communicate well with dogs, but immediately make it clear who is in charge. Birds and hamsters evoke hunting instincts. With proper education, cats react to the word "no". They can be easily accustomed to the tray and scraper. The voice of the Abyssinians is sweet, quiet and thin, like a bell, does not cause irritation. They love to purr, especially when meeting with the owner.

Problems with baleen friends are a continuation of their nature.

• They need increased attention due to hyperactivity. Kittens are raised from an early age, constantly adjusting behavior. Attempts to scratch hands, bite, jump on people from a height, stop on the table, splashing water into the muzzle with a spray gun and fixing with a forbidding word.
• Subconsciously, at the genetic level, they do not like objects that look like snakes, they are afraid of sharp sounds. Males in puberty become aggressive due to hormonal adjustment. Not supporters of hugs, but if they want, they themselves will come for a portion of affection and attention, and will receive them as much as they want.
• Allergic, so you need to individually select food and care products. Some owners complain that the cats do not drink from their pans, but are looking for alternative sources: lick all the taps in the apartment, sit in the sink, drink from the toilet, because predators do not drink near the place where they eat. After a long absence of the owner pursue him throughout the house, chatting with themselves, creating sound support for all actions. During games, she likes to jump to the ceiling, and can play for days.
• The windows must have well-fixed mosquito nets, because cats endlessly hunt insects. They can not jump to it and fall out of the window.

The average duration of the Abyssinian is 12-15 years, depending on heredity. The psychological factor also influences - animals are like dogs, very addictive, and with high intelligence. Sensitive to the attitude, appreciate the care, affection, love. If this is not enough, they can start to hurt.

Pedigree Abyssinians have a warm and glowing color of wool, colorful stripes on the hairs flow into each other, merging into one pattern, shimmering. The belly, the inside of the legs, sides and chest are painted evenly. A darkened “strap” passes through the entire spine, which passes over to the tail. These parts do not have any patterns or blotches. A dark shade on the tips of the ears and tail is welcomed.

Total recognized four types of color.

• Wild. Classic color, until 1963 was considered the only recognized. The most common, there is a double or triple ticking, without a specific pattern, in shades of ocher, dark brown or black.Black markings are only on the face and the tip of the tail. Down hair forming undercoat, orange. The inner surface of the legs and lower abdomen in color do not conflict with others.
• Sorrel Coloring ranges from a reddish brown to a coppery shade of red. It may be cinnamon or apricot. The root of the guard hair is red. The color on the inner surface of the paws and abdomen is in harmony with the main one. Chocolate brown areas are clearly visible on the muzzle and tail. The dark edging of the nose is almost not visible, the pads of the paws are dark pink.
• Blue. From above, from the head to the tail, the hair is painted in pleasant blue-gray tones, turning into a steel shade. Abdomen, paws inside and undercoat - warm pink-beige, apricot shade. The tail part is bluish, the nose is brick-red, with a blue edging. On the muzzle and tail there are marked marks.
• Faun. The color of cocoa is a light brown tint with a pinkish coating, like coffee with milk. The tip of the nose is the color of a withered rose, with a purple edging. Rarely due to recessive genes.

These beautiful animals live in small-sized apartments and in country houses, but the temperature in the room is maintained at + 23 ° C and higher, because the short wool and light undercoat do not warm well. Houseplants clean away, jumping cat demolishes them. It is advisable to allocate him a corner with a gaming complex, a house and scraper. Without these amenities, the pet will be entertained with furniture and shelves.

• Provide a safe space by removing all the wires in special boxes. Reinforce sockets and switches so that they do not fall out of the sockets. Place all breakable items, small appliances, gadgets and small items away from the edge so that the kitten is not injured. Close the vents, windows and balcony doors.

• To visit a veterinarian or travel purchase a carrier. And for walking on the street - a collar, on which strengthen the business card with the name of the pet and the coordinates of the owners. If the pet slipped out of the house, it will help him return. The nature of this breed allows you to walk with her on the street or travel, so from a young age cats are taught to harness.

• Get wide and wide range of food and drink dishes., ceramic or metalto hard flipped over.

• Buy toysso that in the absence of owners the cat has something to do.

• Wool does not require special attention. Comb it with a special metal brush once a week. Cats are not too abundantly molded, but during this period it is better to comb out more often, collecting the fallen wool with a rubber glove.

• Abyssinians learn toilet very easily, clean, so it is convenient and economical to use sawdust or small granules.

• Trim claws periodically with a special pruner, if the cats do not walk on the street, and do not sharpen them on the claw pen. Cut only the tip, far from the base.

• Check the condition of the ears. In the presence of secretions, remove them with cotton swabs, and once every 2 weeks process with a napkin soaked in warm boiled water.

• Bathe once a monthusing special cosmetics for shorthair cats.

• Abyssinian gums are prone to inflammation; special attention should be paid to this and prophylactic teeth brushing.. Plaque is cleaned once a week with a soft bristled cat brush and special paste.

• Carry the animal in time for vaccinations and de-worming.

This breed is not prone to gluttony, overeating or obesity. The quality of the food is important. Feed the Abyssinians can be prepared as dry or canned, and natural products.Some breeders recommend a factory diet balanced with vitamins and minerals, and dry granules also clean their teeth.

Pies and various tasty pieces are not very good. Soft foods stay longer between teeth and cause problems with the gums. Dry food is chosen by age, it should be with a large amount of protein and dietary supplements. Consider a few other rules of nutrition.

• When using fresh products, boiled, raw or frozen meat is introduced into the menu. The rate for an adult - 120 grams, for a kitten - 30 grams.
• Small kittens eat 4 times a day, small portions. In the year they switch to three meals a day, and a half to two meals.
• Chicken breasts and turkey are given daily, beef and veal - three times a week. Completely exclude pork, mutton and duck.
• Fermented milk products are fed every day.
• Vegetables and porridge alternate, mixing with meat.
• Boiled sea fish, egg yolks, beef liver, chicken hearts are given twice a week.
• Among the Abyssinians there are vegetarians who love raw vegetables and fruits. Without fear, give them fresh apples, carrots, melons, cauliflowers and cucumbers.
• A day later, food supplements are added to food and ½ teaspoon of olive or sunflower oil.
• Water is changed 2 times a day, but they love to drink from the tap.

Choosing one type of food, for example, natural food, canned food or dry elite food, you can not mix it with another type of food.

This breed of cat gourmet. If they do not eat food for 10 minutes, then they do not like it, and it is worth finding another.

Looking for a partner is desirable when the cat turns 1-1.5 years old. Till 9 months it is strongly not recommended for mating, although the mature age is 4 months. When cats begin their first estrus, do not pay attention to the calls and purring of the "bride". These rules apply to the “bridegroom”, and are international standards.

The main peak of sexual activity is autumn-spring. In the off season, both sexes are especially temperamental. Groom choose only purebred, one species and one color, because it generates the breed. Abyssinians can not predict what color the baby will appear, because it is determined by the genes of the parents.

The holiday of conception is celebrated on the territory of the boy. It is important that the “honey” period lasts for several days. Even if the cat is inexperienced, the male is able to fertilize her. It is necessary to exercise caution when mating an already giving birth kitty with a newcomer, the meeting may not achieve the desired result.

A female may not let the cat in if he is young or not ready for sexual intercourse for the first time. Sometimes a lady is bigger than a male, which leads to the same result as the boy’s uncertainty due to his youth and inexperience. Stress caused by moving to the newlywed's territory can also negate all efforts. It is necessary to capture the personal belongings of the cat to level it. If the pair is experienced enough, pairing will take place within 24 hours.

Previously, both animals take water treatments. Particular attention is paid to health, lack of worms. In 24-48 hours after the first sexual intercourse, the eggs are fertilized. Conception time is counted from the second day after mating. Nipples swell and become bright pink for 20-30 day. Future mother eats more and sleeps.

Pregnancy lasts about 2 months, ranges from 63-65 days. Often it depends on the genes. Also transmitted and multiple fetuses. Sometimes in the first weeks the cat suffers from nausea. The abdomen is enlarged by 5-6 weeks, and the embryos take the form of cylinders and descend into the retroperitoneal space. Now the lady is in an interesting position, and it is impossible to palpate her.After 40 days, the cylinders increase to 6-7 centimeters.

Appetite decreases, depending on the size of the fetus. At day 50, the calves are moving in the tummy. The harbinger of labor is sticky discharge from the labia. The uterus opens and dilutes the stopper that cleans the vagina. Sensing the resolution of the resolution of the burden, the cat is looking for a nest, excited and often runs to the toilet.

The resolution of the burden of cats in 3 stages.

1. The uterus opens, and the fetus takes a position to exit the cervix. Lasts 1-10 hours.
2. The second stage - periodically repeated contractions, in the amplitude of muscle contraction. The uterus is already quite open.
3. After the complete opening of the neck, attempts are resumed, alternating with contractions and pushing out the baby, depending on its size, for 3-4 attempts. The kid can go head or legs forward. After its appearance, the umbilical cord and the baby seat, not immediately released.

Without waiting for it, you can cut the umbilical cord closer to the loop. Next, clear the airways of the baby, gently shaking it down with the head to push the fluid out of the lungs. When the newborn breathes evenly, we cut the umbilical cord, leaving 1.5-2 cm, and process the green paint. We attach to the mother.

If the baby is healthy, within half an hour he will begin to suck the mother's milk. The next fruit comes out after a short period. Subsequent kittens appear after 1.5 or even 3 hours. The active sucking of the mother's milk stimulates the uterus, and the generic process is accelerated.

Before birth, be sure to prepare everything you need for obstetric care. These are disposable diapers 60x60 cm, a pair of rounded scissors, brilliant green, cotton wool disks and sticks, a medical solution for disinfecting hands and scissors, several insulin syringes for anesthetizing a woman in labor.

On average, Abyssinians live for 15–20 years with proper care, they rarely get sick, but the risk of genetic disorders is not excluded.

• Retinal damage, leading to blindness, is atrophic retinopathy of the retina. Fortunately, this happens in aged pets. The cat refuses to enter unlit places, does not want to climb and descend the stairs.
• Genetic amyloidosis. When it is violated metabolic processes and the immune system. The first symptoms are thirst, weight loss, unusually frequent urination, vomiting, and persistent dental problems.
• Displacement of the patella and dislocation of the hip may occur due to injury in adulthood or be genetic.
• Occurs dermatitis, not inherited. This is a neurological disease caused by stress and constant licking, up to and including loss of hair.
• Allergic reaction to some products, pollen or materials on household items. Manifested by itching and rash.
• Due to improper diet, the gums become inflamed, gingivitis occurs. Prevention requires proper feeding and care of teeth.
• All abi are susceptible to leukemia, but this incurable disease is prevented by vaccination.
• Overeating may cause problems with the stool.

The first vaccinations are given to kittens at 9-11 months, it is impossible before, there is a change of teeth. Next - every year. Vaccinated against panleukopenia, herpes virus infection, calicivirosis, chlamydia, leukemia, immunodeficiency, viral peritonitis, ringworm and rabies.

For beautiful Abyssinian girls and boys, Oriental nicknames are appropriate, corresponding to the breed, origin, and personifying a significant feature.

If you buy a cat in the cattery, they usually offer a variety of nicknames. But you can choose the names yourself. Let us dwell on the beautiful and interesting nicknames for boys, which for convenience are arranged in alphabetical order:

• Amethyst, Akella, Asher, Alf, Altares;
• Benji, Bruce, Barney, Boniface, Velvet;
• Vincent, Wagner, Willis;
• Hamilton, Hamlet, Hector, Hermes, Goliath, Gabriel, Gold;
• Dinard, Dylan, Dorian, Damir, Danny, Duke, Joy;
• Jacques, Jules, Jean, Joseph;
• Zarif, Zeus, Siegfried, Zephyr;
• Irbis, Ingvar, Irvine;
• Caliph, Christopher, Quentin, Christian;
• Lucky, Linus, Lloyd, Lukas, Laurent;
• Maximilian, Maxwell, Manfred, Mickey;
• Notti, Noel, Nelson, Norton;
• Olaf, Olris, Ortan;
• Ralph, Raj, Robin, Roger;
• Cedric, Stanley, Sandy, Simon;
• Tristan, Thomas, Tom, Troy;
• Will, Olaf, Winston;
• Felix, Frank, Freddie;
• Hugh, Harris, Height;
• Caesar, Tsang;
• Chester, Chane, Chase;
• Sheridan, Sherry, Shorty;
• Edgar, Edmond, Eric, Andy;
• Eugene, Jung, Julian;
• Janson, Jaffe.

For girls, choose gentle names:

• Augustine, Adel, Akira, Annabel, Abigel, Alicia;
• Beatrice, Bast, Bianca, Bela;
• Vivienne, Wendy, Violet, Valerie;
• Gwendolyn, Gloria, Henrietta;
• Jersey, Jenny, Judy, Diana, Julia, Daniel, Dakota;
• Josephine, Jasmine;
• Zaur, Zara, Zeya;
• Isis, Ihet, Isabel, Inessa, Ilsa;
• Claudia, Cassandra, Kimberley, Calypso, Clarissa, Christie, Carol;
• Lavender, Lucy, Laura, Lilian, Leila;
• Matilda, Madeleine, Michaella, Mira, Magdalen;
• Nick, Naomi, Nicole, Nubia, Nancy, Noa, Naya;
• Audrey, Olivia, Ornella, Ora, Ophelia;
• Paulina, Penelope, Priscilla;
• Rachel, Rachel, Rosemary, Roxy, Ruta;
• Stephanie, Sandra, Sapphire, Simon, Celia;
• Tara, Talia, Tana, Tahira, Tay;
• Ulla, Ulana, Ulcie, Ulfi;
• Felicia, Firyuza, Florence, Frida;
• Hanni, Chloe, Hilda, Holly;
• Caesarea, Zarella, Circe;
• Chelsea, Celesta;
• Shelley, Charlotte, Sherry;
• Esmeralda, Ellie;
• Julissa, Judith;
• Janika, Janette.

The owners of cats and cats of the Abyssinian breed are very pleased with their choice. They note the independent and proud nature of the pet, grace, learning, curiosity. Such cats become family members, companions in walks and travels. Amenable to training, like dogs, understanding and executing the command "no". Very affectionate, love attention and care.

Pretty neat, do not mind water treatments. Some even love to swim. No problem accustomed to the tray. Many owners characterize them as fastidious in food, gourmets who prefer premium canned food.

Some of the individuals do not get along well with other pets, especially birds. Wary of strangers. Very active and bouncy, which leads to damage of valuable things. Not vocalists, pleasantly muffled purr.

Description and characteristics of the Abyssinian cat, see the video below.