Abyssinian Cat

Other name: Bunny cat

Photo: adult cat of Abyssinian Cat breed
Photo: kitten of Abyssinian Cat breed
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Life expectancy

The Abyssinian Cat has a life expectancy of between 13 and 15 years

Temperament

Adult size

Female Approximately 12 in
Male Approximately 12 in

Adult weight

Female Between 7 and 9 lb
Male Between 9 and 11 lb
Coat colour
Brown Red Cream Blue
Type of coat
Short
Eye colour
Green
Yellow
Brown

Purchase price

The Abyssinian Cat costs approximately 300£

Good to know

More details about the Abyssinian Cat

Abyssinian Cat: Origins and history

Although this cat’s exact origins are unknown, mysterious even, we do know that the first Abyssinian reported in Europe was in the 1860s, after the Anglo-Abyssinian War. The country that would later become Ethiopia was called ‘Abyssinia’ at the time, and this new breed of cat was named in honour of its country of origin. English breeders worked to refine and standardise the breed’s appearance, coat and physiognomy, notably by making crosses with the British Shorthair and other short-haired cats. The breed was recognised in England at the end of the 19th century and some of its members were exported to North America in the early 20th century. In 1917, the Abyssinian was officially recognised by the Cat Fancier Association (CFA).

These cats weren’t very popular at first: there are few kittens per litter and they don’t live to be very old. Both World Wars also decimated the breed in Europe, with Abyssinians nearly disappearing completely. It is said that there were only 12 of them left in England after World War Two. Fortunately, the combined efforts of American and European breeders restored nobility to the Abyssinian, and it is now one of the most popular breeds.

Abyssinian Cat: Purchase price

The average purchase price of an Abyssinian is about £300, with price varying according to lineage, breeding reputation, age, sex, etc. For your monthly budget, you should allow around £25 per month to meet their needs, in providing a quality diet and ensuring they are kept in good health.

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