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 Photo by polandeze @ flickr.com |
Abys are known for their beautiful long, lean, and regal physical stature. They have long legs and an athletic build. Overall, their size is average. As a short-haired breed, Abyssinians need minimal work to keep their coats in top shape. They have almond shaped golden or green eyes and a long tail. Abys have large prominent ears that are somewhat pointed.
Colors
An Abyssinian kitten’s coat can come in a variety of colors. Blue, fawn, red, ruddy, and lilac are the most common colors. Each feline association determines that accepted colors for that Abyssinian. The individual hairs are ticked with 3 to six bands of colors. The hairs alternate with bands of light and dark colors.
Temperament
Abyssinian kittens are quiet, yet active felines. It seems as though Abyssinians are always busy running about. They are by nature very curious creatures. However, they can be shy with strangers. Abyssinians love to climb and are skilled athletic climbers.
Abys are very affectionate with their owners and love company. They are playful and can become bored quite quickly after playing with toys. If you are not at home a lot, it may be best to get two Abys to entertain each other. A bored Abyssinian can quickly tear up your home and use your curtains as play toys.
Care
An Abyssinian kitten needs minimal care to look well-groomed. Abys short hair is easy to maintain. Just a weekly brushing should do the trip to help minimize excess fur shedding. A bath may be required if your kitten is excessively dirty or soiled. Be sure to use an extra gentle shampoo for kittens.
Development
There are usually 3 to 6 Abys in a single litter. Aby kittens develop at about the same rate as other kittens. Abyssinians can live an average of 15 years.
Health Issues
Although Abyssinian kittens are an overall healthy breed, they do have some medical issues that warrant attention.
- Psychogenic Alopecia
Psychogenic alopecia is a condition in which a cat compulsively pulls and picks its fur. The condition may present as mild patchy spots of hair loss or more diffuse areas absent of fur. The back and abdomen are common sites to notice hair loss. A feline pulls out its fur for a number of reasons: stress, anxiety, or fear.
Asian feline breeds are mainly affected by the disorder. However, Abyssinians are prone to developing psychogenic alopecia as well. Treatment is best accomplished by removing the stressors that trigger the compulsive behaviors. If all else fails, anti-anxiety medications can be used to control the unwanted behaviors.
- FGS
Abyssinian kittens around 3 to 6 months of age are prone to developing feline gingivitis stomatitis (FGS). FGS is an inflammatory disease of the mouth and gums. Signs and symptoms of FGS include red swollen gums, poor appetite, bad breath, and drooling. While the exact cause of the disorder is unknown, FGS is thought to be an allergic response. Kittens with FGS can be treated with steroids and pain medications to alleviate discomfort.
- Renal Amyloidosis
Amyloidoisis is an inherited, rare disease that affects primarily Abyssinian cats. Amylodoisis is brought on by a substance known as amyloid. Amyloid can accumulate in the kidneys, liver and other organs. The disorder can cause kidney failure, blood clots, and high blood pressure in felines.
- Patella Luxation
Patella luxation occurs when the kneecap is slides out of position inside the knee joint. Patella luxation is quite common in Abyssinian felines and is genetically inherited. Arthritis may develop later in severe untreated cases of luxation. A feline affected with patella luxation may be seen skipping when walking. In severe cases, patella luxation may be treated with surgery.
- Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency
Pyruvate kinase deficiency is a common cause of anemia in Abyssinian felines. A feline with pyruvate kinase deficiency may be lethargic, loss weight, or suffer from diarrhea.
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