All about "Abyssinian cat"

The Abyssinian cat is a very popular, lively, active, inquisitive and fun loving , elegant, purebred cat. It has athletic tendencies and intelligent personality. plus the special ticked tabby coat, are the reasons for the breed’s continued popularity. Abyssinian's can live to be 15 years and older. 

APPEARANCE : This is a medium-size cat weighing 6 to 10 pounds. Abyssinian's are amazing cats through and through; from the distinctive way they look, rather like a mini wild cat, to their remarkable intelligence and inquisitive nature. Not forgetting that they come in an astounding variety of colors, from the more widely seen Usual/Ruddy, Sorrel, Fawn and Blue, to the "unusual" colors – Silver, Chocolate, Lilac, Red, Cream & Tortoiseshell - and combinations of these with the more common colors – all in all producing 28 distinct and recognizable colors. 

PERSONALITY : The Abyssinian is an affectionate intelligent cat, very people orientated, extremely active, alert and a cat that thrives on interaction and play. These type of cats are Obedient, a rare personality trait among cats. But beware that although they’ll obey you and want to be part of your family, they’ll also do some shocking and intelligent things. They get on very well with dogs and will quickly teach the dog who is the boss. 

They are fearless and can get themselves in trouble if not properly supervised. They wake up with a "to-do" list and don't rest until everything is checked off. Abyssinian's can be very stubborn and difficult to distract once they have an idea. So smart and very active. There are very few places in your home they can't climb to.

Of all the cat breeds, the Abyssinian is perhaps the one who lives life to the fullest. He climbs higher, jumps farther, plays harder. Nothing escapes the notice of this highly intelligent and inquisitive cat, a quality that makes life with him both endlessly entertaining and continuously challenging. A love of heights is a signal trait of the Abyssinian. He likes to be as high up as possible. 

Abyssinian's normally get along quite well with other cats, and even with dogs. They are not prolific breeders, rarely having more than three or four kittens in a litter. They are loving, loyal and totally thrive on be involved in every aspect of your life.  The Abyssinian easily becomes your friend, devoted companion as well as your confidant who loves you totally and unconditionally. With an Abyssinian or two by your side life will never be dull!

HEALTH : Both pedigreed cats and mixed-breed cats have varying incidences of health problems that may be genetic in nature. 

Problems that may affect the Abyssinian include the following:

1) Early-onset periodontal disease - 

    

2) Hyperesthesia syndrome, a neurological problem that can cause cats to excessively groom themselves, leading to hair loss, and to act frantically, especially when they are touched or petted

    

3) Patellar luxation, a hereditary dislocation of the kneecap that can range from mild to severe. Severe cases can be alleviated with surgery.

    

4) Progressive retinal atrophy, a degenerative eye disease.

   

5) Renal amyloidosis, a heritable disease that occurs when a type of protein called amyloid is deposited in body organs, primarily the kidneys in Abyssinians. It eventually leads to kidney failure.

6) Abyssinian's can develop a hereditary condition called pyruvate kinase deficiency; pyruvate kinase is a key regulatory enzyme required for energy metabolism in red blood cells. Cats deficient in PK typically have intermittent anemia. 

The deficiency can appear in cats as young as six months, as well as Abyssinian's as old as 12 years. The hereditary condition is caused by a recessive gene, which can be easily removed from the gene pool through DNA screening. The test can determine whether a cat is normal, a carrier, and if he’s affected by PK deficiency.

Not every PK-deficient cat develops clinical signs, which can include lethargy, jaundice, pale gums, and an enlarged abdomen. The best treatment for PK deficiency is unknown, but it’s still a good idea to have your cat tested.

CARE : Abyssinian's can develop periodontal disease, so brush his teeth at home with a vet-approved pet toothpaste and schedule regular veterinary cleanings. . Daily dental hygiene is best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing. Trim the nails every couple of weeks. Wipe the corners of the eyes with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Check the ears weekly. If they look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball or soft damp cloth moistened with a 50-50 mixture of cider vinegar and warm water. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can damage the interior of the ear.