The Abyssinian is a unique breed of cat with a distinctive "ticked" tabby coat, in which individual hairs are banded with different colors, and an athletic build. They are also affectionately known simply as Abys by their fanciers.
What is thought to be the earliest known designated Abyssinian cat is in an exhibit still residing in the Leiden Zoological Museum in The Netherlands. It was purchased around 1834-1836 from a supplier of small wild cat exhibits as a taxidermy specimen and was labeled by the museum founder as "domestica India." The first members of the breed to be exhibited in England were brought there from Abyssinia (now known as Ethiopia), hence the name. Genetic studies place the breed's origins in Southeast Asia and the coasts of the Indian Ocean, however. The first example of these involves the story of a cat being brought to England by the British Lt. General Sir Robert Napier in 1868 who had returned from the Abyssinian War. The cat was given the name Zula and won first prize in the December 1871 Crystal Palace cat show. No breed is without controversy, though, and many Abyssinian breeders, both then and now, dispute Zula as having been the "first domestic Abyssinian." Their main argument is that the existing illustrations of Zula portray the cat as having ears too small for an Abyssinian and a coat too waved and long. We'll never know for sure!
As with many breeds of both dogs and cats, this breed was nearly wiped out in much of Europe following the Second World War and an outbreak of the feline leukemia virus, resulting in cats being imported from places such as Holland, America, Scandinavia, Australia, and New Zealand. Slowly, it rebounded in numbers. The Abyssinian was officially recognized in 1929 by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy. Once a comparatively obscure breed, the Abyssinian had become one of the top five most popular cat breeds by 2016.
The breed's distinctive appearance - seeming long, lean and finely colored compared to other cats - has been analogized to that of human fashion models. Personality-wise, these cats traditionally display active, curious attitudes in which they frequently follow owners around and beg to play. To the Abyssinian, anything can be a game! Their dog-like characteristics also involve a particular sense of affection and desire for interaction. They have a distinctive wildcat look with their ticked coat and large erect ears. They are a highly social breed that openly crave attention and can be anywhere from demanding to overwhelmingly demanding. They do well in homes with multiple cats due to their social nature. If you're looking for a lap cat, look elsewhere; Abyssinians are in constant motion, either exploring or playing. A potential downside to this high activity level can be them getting into trouble. Be sure to have plenty of outlets available to your Abyssinian for both mental and physical exercise to prevent troublesome behaviors before they start!
Hereditary Amyloidosis is an inherited predisposition in Abyssinian cats. Amyloids are a type of inert protein, and the term “amyloidosis” refers to a condition in which these proteins are deposited into various organs throughout the body that may disrupt the normal function of those organs, including the kidneys, liver, and intestines. This condition could lead to organ failure and is hard to diagnose. Often, the first sign of Amyloidosis is lethargy or lack of appetite. In the case of the Abyssinian, they may become more sedate than usual and want to sit on or near the owner for unusually lengthy periods. Other symptoms may be increased drinking and frequent urination, weight loss, vomiting or attempting to vomit, and occasionally diarrhea. In some cases, the cat may have fluid buildup in the chest or abdomen. It is vital to seek medical attention as early as possible, so an owner's vigilance in watching for signs of Amyloidosis is very important. If your Abyssinian ignores its food and wants to just sit near you, consult with your veterinarian immediately out of an abundance of caution. Keep in mind, diagnosis is difficult. There is no test for this illness, and it is typically diagnosed as "possible" or "probable" Hereditary Amyloidosis based on the presence of certain symptoms.
An Abyssinian kitten with Nystagmus, a condition where the eyes either become crossed or flicker from side to side. This is a relatively common in Siamese cats, but doesn't usually impact their lives to a noticeable degree unless it is a very severe case.
Treatment for Hereditary Amyloidosis is very limited, and success often relies on how quickly treatment is begun. There is no cure, and in cats that are treated and experience some form of recovery, the symptoms are nearly always chronically episodic - repeating periodically and requiring further hospitalization. Subcutaneous fluids may help stabilize the condition and its impact of the kidneys and liver. If the pet recovers enough to return home, preventative measures such as veterinary diets formulated for kidney care as well as medications that focus on kidney support may be of some help. Some cats with Amyloidosis also develop high blood pressure that should also be treated. Any underlying condition like cancer, infections, or inflammation should be treated as well, if possible, as these can contribute to relapses of the condition. Veterinary Centers of America delivers the grim reality; "ongoing monitoring of organ system function, fluid balance, and blood pressure is important in cats with Amyloidosis. Any emerging symptoms can then be treated as soon as they are identified. Amyloidosis is a devastating disease, and if the kidneys are affected, most cats survive less than one year. Cats who are mildly affected may not develop kidney failure for some time and therefore may have a nearly normal life expectancy."
Other breeds that are at increased risk of Hereditary Amyloidosis are the Siamese, Somali, Burmese, Tonkinese, Devon Rex, and Oriental Shorthairs. But any breed and mixed breed of cat can develop the issue. Selecting from a knowledgeable and ethical breeder may greatly minimize the chances of this being an issue in your cat, as a great breeder knows their pedigrees very well and won't breed from a line that has exhibited Amyloidosis.
A relatively new medication that seems to work exceptionally well for kidney issues that tend to accompany Amyloidosis is Nephrodyl (Synbiotic Capsules) by Virbac. If you have a cat with Amyloidosis, regardless of breed, consider speaking with your veterinarian about Nephrodyl (not sponsored). It is given only once a day for the life of the cat and could give them mostly normal days for quite some time. I have a Siamese with this condition and it has made a world of difference.
Oh, and did I mention they come in a longhaired variety? The gorgeous longhaired Abyssinian is known as the Somali!
Take a peak at this 2019 cat show to see some gorgeous well-bred Abyssinians!
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