- Facts

1. Status: Champions since 1872.
2. Size and Weight: A medium sized, long, and fine boned cat with well-developed muscles.
3. Coat: Soft, silky, and fine in texture and is dense and resilient to the touch.
4. Head and Muzzle: It has a rounded wedge that flows into an arched neck without a break. Muzzle should not be pointed or square.
5. Body: Medium, long, and lithe with graceful musculature. They are very well balanced.
6. Colors: Wide range of colors including sorrel, fawn, and blue.
7. Life Expectancy: Healthy and active cats that live up to their twenties.
8. Popularity: Most popular breed of the 20th century.
9. Habitat: They are outdoor cats, but love indoor games too.

 - Origins

1. Country of Origin: Coast of the Indian Ocean/South East Asia.
2. Lineage: Ancient Egyptian Cats
3. Date Admitted to CFA: 1934
4. Historical Information: The name "Abyssinian" comes from the place of import for shows in England. Depicted in "Harper's Weekly" (December 1871) and in the book written by Gordon Stable "Cats, Their Points and Characteristics."

 - Defining Characteristics

1. Training Ease: Easy to train. Gentle coaxing is enough for the desired result.
2. Temperament: Loving and loyal, they expect to be involved in every aspect of their owner's life, including sharing dinner.
3. Tolerance to Children: Though a loving and loyal pet, tolerance will vary with each individual cat.
4. Behavior: Courageous, curious, and high-spirited.

- Concerns

1. Health Issues: Must follow the vaccination protocol as directed by the physician and regular veterinary checks are advisable. They are generally healthy cats, but are prone to gingivitis and renal amyloidosis, a common genetically inherited disorder.
2. Feeding: A healthy diet helps prevent gingivitis.
3. Exercise Needs: Abyssinian cats are highly active, and you must meet their exercise needs.
4. Grooming Needs: Grooming and once a year washing proceeded by claw clipping.
5. Special Household Needs: Keep breakables out of reach.
6. Travel Needs: Normal care is required, like any other pet, when traveling.
7. Getting Along With Other Pets: They are people-oriented cats, and are inquisitive and active. Generally live harmoniously with other pets.

 - How to Choose

1. What To Look For In A Healthy Cat: Kittens must have all the necessary inoculations. Make sure they are appropriately active.
2. What You Will Need For A New Cat: You will need food and water bowls for the kitten, a nice warm bed, a litter box and good litter, a brush, nail trimmers, and enough space for the cat to play.
3. Cat-Proofing Your House: This is necessary, as Abyssinians are very inquisitive and like to reach what you think are unreachable places.
4. How To Make Your New Cat Feel At Home: Abyssinians like to get involved in every aspect of your life. They love to share your dinner.