Abyssinians are medium-sized cats that reach a height of 8-10 inches, a length of 12-16 inches, and a weight of 8-12 pounds.

They are characterized by a wedge-shaped head, a long tail, pointed ears, and almond-looking eyes that come in hazel, green, or gold. Abyssinians are extremely playful with slim, athletic bodies that can easily jump over 6 feet in the air!

Abyssinian kittens are born with darker coats that get lighter as they age, becoming their adult color after a few months. The traditional color is a warm red or cinnamon, but blue and lilac Abyssinian cats have been introduced recently. The breed’s main coat trademark is their “ticked” coat, which means every strand is a varying pattern of light color with dark bands. Their chin is usually white, and an M-shaped marking is on their head.

The Abyssinian is one of the top five most popular cat breeds worldwide. It is named for the country it is believed to have originated from; however, Abyssinia is now known as Ethiopia. Examining mummified cats in Egyptian tombs, the Abyssinian is one of the oldest types of domesticated cats! They were originally bred in Great Britain and brought to North America in the 19th century as kittens.

The Abyssinian is a highly active breed, constantly jumping, exploring, and climbing; this is why they need a diet with a lot of protein in it. Unlike dogs, cats are true carnivores and need food with plenty of meat. Even if an Abyssinian is eating dry food, it should be high in protein with vitamins and minerals, amino acids, and carbohydrates.

An Abyssinian can have up to 8 kittens in a litter, but the average is 6, which is the standard for most cats. The kittens tend to be darker than their parents but will lighten with age. They reach their full height at 6 months and their expected weight after a year.