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Cattery and Rescue |
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About Aby’s |
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Adopt a Rescue or Retiree |
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Questionnaire |
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Abyssinians |
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Abyssinians look like a small mountain lion or cougar with almond eyes set in a dramatically marked expressive face and a spectacularly warmly ticked coat that produces a shimmering iridescence whether still or in motion. They are athletic, alert and very active. Even though they are well-muscled their movement is lithe, graceful and very quick. Their carriage is confident and regal, but their antics have caused some to call them "Aby-silly-ans"! The Abyssinians are also known as the 'preposition' cats because they leave no niche unexplored; they are above, below, in, under, across, beside, between, into, over, among and through everywhere! An easier way to describe an Abyssinian is active, awesome, agile, astounding, alert, animated, affectionate, amusing, athletic, astute, amiable, audacious, and attentive. The Abyssinian is possibly the oldest breed of domesticated cats. It is believed to be the cat from the Blue Nile being a direct descendant of the sacred cat of Ancient Egypt. Abyssinians were companions for the Egyptian pharaohs and were also prized for their mouse catching abilities. Grain was one of the most important Egyptian commodities and Abyssinians were quite good at protecting it. Abyssinians are depicted in Egyptian murals and artifacts. British soldiers from Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) brought a cat home with them to England at the end of the Abyssinian war in 1868. Some genetic studies identify the Jungle Cats in the coastal area of the Bay of Bengal in India as the Abyssinian's potential forebears. The Abyssinian was refined in Britain. The first Abyssinian arrived in the United States in the early 1900s and they were first exhibited in 1909. In the 1930s an effort to develop the Abyssinian in the US began and it quickly developed into one of America's favorite breeds because of its expressive eyes, unique coat pattern and personality. Abyssinians are loyal, affectionate, highly intelligent and very interactive with their owners and environment. No place ever goes unexplored and yet seldom do they knock anything off of a shelf or countertop. They are wonderful companions who are highly interested in everything around them and what everybody is doing. They like a good view of their surroundings, so expect them to find them atop the refrigerator, doors and bookcases. They are entertained by whatever moves outside making birdfeeders visible through a window a must. Saying they show an intense curiosity in all that surrounds them is an understatement. Not usually considered a lap cat due to their high energy and curiosity levels, Abyssinians do occasionally make visits to your lap or often find a way under the covers to spend time near their beloved owners. The way they transform within seconds from a radiant and regal presence into an amazingly playful character with childlike antics and an indomitable spirit is astounding. Engaging companions for people of all ages, they are happiest in the company of others, love to play and will find ways to involve you in their activities.
This information was obtained from TICA. |
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Cats Run Cattery |
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“In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this.” Terry Pratchett |
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Abyssinian Colors |