The Abyssinian breed of cats is one of the oldest known breed among the pedigree cats. After the war at Abyssinia, in the year 1868 a Captain by the name Barrett Leonard is said to have first brought one of them to England. This cat was known as Zula and the rest of the species hence is believed to be the descendents of Zula. There are no records to prove this right or to trace the Abyssinian breed of cats to Zula. The only evidence that we possess is that of the exhibits of Abyssinians at the Crystal Palace which is dated back to 1871. So from this it has been made certain that Abyssinian cats are descendents of the cats bred in the United Kingdom. According to the recent studies done, today’s Abyssinian cats can trace their lineage to a particular kind of breed found in present Southeast Asia and on the coasts of the Indian Ocean. They also resemble the African Wildcats who are considered to be the ascendants of all domestic cats.

These cats basically belong to the ticked or agouti breed. They are slender, muscular, and medium in size. They come in different and several colours. They have a distinctive coat appearance, because of the different combination of colours on each of the hair shaft. Some particular colour combinations are often seen among the Abyssinian ones coming from a particular place, like the American ones are usually red, fawn, blue and ruddy. The Australian ones are usually fawn, cinnamon, blue and tawny in colour. The ones in United Kingdom are sorrel, fawn and blue in colour mostly. Their eyes are usually oval shaped. The color of their eyes could be hazel, green or gold and eye lined

These cats usually have more of teeth related issues. They are mostly prone to tooth decay problems or gingivitis.

These cats show interest in all activities around them and are very lively in character. They have a very balanced temperament unlike some other breeds of cats. Abyssinians are known for their intelligence and loyalty towards their owners. They are very affectionate and love the company of human beings.