Most breeds of cats tend to be relatively intelligent but some are off the charts in the form of intelligence. That is the case with the Abyssinian breed, which is highly intelligent and quite observant. In fact, when you have an Abyssinian in the home, it is unlikely that anything is going to take place that will escape their notice. Perhaps that is why they appreciate being up as high as possible, which is one factor to keep in mind when you have this breed in the house.
It is unknown when this particular breed came into existence but what is known is that they were shown in 1871 as a feline that was captured in the late Abyssinian war. The cat ended up taking third place in that show and since that time, it has been a popular breed. According to genetic testing, this breed may have originated somewhere in the coastal area Southeast Asia and may have been brought to other lands by Dutch and British traders. Today, the Abyssinian may be different than what they were originally but they are a beloved cat for many people.
If you are looking for a feline that is full of life, you will have a difficult time beating what the Abyssinian brings to the table. They are so inquisitive and intelligent, it seems as if nothing is going to get by them without being recognized. This can be a fantastic trait of the breed but sometimes, it can also make it difficult because they seem to be one step ahead of their owners at any given time. One of the personality traits of the Aby is that they seem to be in motion at any given time. Regardless of whether they are prowling during the night or jumping up on the windowsill to look at a squirrel, they rarely stop moving. Some owners may even wonder if they ever sleep.
A number of health problems may be seen in the Abyssinian, including a problem with periodontal disease. That is why it is important to brush their teeth on a regular basis. Other health problems can include kidney disease, degenerative eye disease, a condition that causes them to groom themselves excessively and a hereditary disease that can affect the organs in the body.
The Abyssinian does not necessarily require a lot of care but it is a good idea to brush them weekly and to care for their teeth. It is also a good idea to keep the litter box clean so they continue to use it, as they can be somewhat picky about the cleanliness of that area. Most Abyssinians will do well if you keep them indoors, as it will help to limit their exposure to disease that may be spread by other animals.
If you’re looking for an active cat that will keep you on your toes, the Abyssinian certainly is one that you should consider. They make an excellent pet for the entire family and one that you will treasure having in your home.