History

As a domestic cat breed, the Abyssinian cat is one that is shrouded in mystery. The exact origins of this fascinating breed is unknown, but it’s assumed that they began in ancient Egypt. For many years, people have drawn similarities between this breed, and the sacred cats of Egypt, and it’s easy to see why! Take a look at some of the cats depicted in ancient Egyptian murals, and see the resemblance for yourself!

The first Abyssinian on record was in 1868, when an Aby named Zulu was brought over from Ethiopia (formerly known as Abyssinia), to England as the Abyssinian War came to an end. While no one knows for sure, the most recent genetic studies on the breed have placed their ancestors in India.

Whatever the case may be, it’s clear that the will always keep you interested and wanting to learn more about this interesting breed!

They have a strong athletic build with slender legs, and a long tapered tail. Their eye colors can be gold or in some cases, green. For ruddies (like ours :)), their coat is a ticked pattern with alternating bands of black and brown. As there is no record linking the Zula with modern representations of the breed, some believe that the breed was recreated by English breeders who crossed silver and brown Gabbie cats with British “bunny cats” to achieve their look.