They are one of the top five breeds in the United States, make excellent pets for families, and generally are pretty healthy, usually living 12-15 years. The Abyssinian breed may have around for thousands of years, and although there is some controversy surrounding their origins, they certainly resemble the cats portrayed in Egyptian sculptures and paintings, and are thought to be the oldest breed
of domestic cat. Abyssinians have a “jungle” look about them with their tabby facemasks and unique, ticked coat, each hair having several bands of color along its length. The Abyssinian comes in four different shades- blue, red, ruddy, and fawn. These cats have beautiful almond-shaped eyes that are either gold or green. Their ears are large and pointed which gives them an alert, observant appearance. Their bodies are muscular and well-proportioned with an arched neck. The Abyssinian tends to enjoy good health, although they can be prone to developing an eye disease called retinal atrophy. Normally, these kitties live between 12-15 years. They are said to be the easiest cats to groom, requiring only a gloved hand on a daily basis. They are very social, adventurous, and mix well with other family pets. They are highly intelligent, and can be taught basic tricks, including fetch. They enjoy getting into things, and are sometimes mischievous. They do require daily play, interaction and plenty of toys, without which they can become bored. These are loving, active, playful companions rather than lap-kitties. These adventurous kitties are well suited for adventurous people. The Abyssinian makes loving companions but do not like being held a lot. Otherwise these kitties make for a great family pet.
