Abyssinian kitten: description, maintenance and care

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Seeing photos of Abyssinian kittens, it is impossible not to fall in love with them. They resemble wild animals, but have a very friendly disposition. Abyssinian cats have an ancient history. Perhaps they were the favorite pets of the pharaohs. How to choose a he althy Abyssinian kitten and how to properly care for him? Find out in this article.

Historical background

The character traits and description of the breed of Abyssinian kittens will interest those who want to get a fluffy pet. Outwardly, they are very reminiscent of the favorites of the pharaohs who lived in ancient Egypt. But the history of the origin of Abyssinian cats in the period before the 19th century is shrouded in darkness and is built on assumptions.

According to one version, the country of origin of unusual animals is Ethiopia. Previously, this state was called Abyssinia. There is also a version that cats, similar to wild animals, lived in ancient times in the countries of Southeast Asia.

According to another version, animals were associated with the goddess of Ancient Egypt, Bastet. Abyssinians are very similar to cats, which were depicted in the tombs of the pharaohs. In the bookof the dead moon beasts are mentioned. According to the description, they are very similar to the Abyssinians, which the ancient author called the "lapis lazuli cats of the horizon."

Until now, it has not been possible to find out exactly where this breed came from. But it is known for certain that in 1871 an unusual animal was presented at an exhibition of cats in England. The first Abyssinian was brought to the country by an ordinary soldier. Subsequently, breeders worked on the breed, and it acquired a modern look. Now Abyssinian cats are popular all over the world, including in Russia.

Breed Standard

Regardless of size, these cats look very elegant and graceful. The description of the breed of Abyssinian kittens includes height restrictions: females are usually no higher than 28 cm, males up to 32 cm. The weight of animals ranges between 3 and 5.5 kg.

According to the standard, a purebred Abyssinian cat has a wedge-shaped head. The ears are large, but graceful, set wide apart. The contours of the skull are soft, the cheekbones are rounded. The muzzle is graceful, tapering towards the nose. The chin is developed, well defined, but not protruding. The lobe of the nose is medium in size, its shade depends on the color of the cat. The eyes are almond-shaped, intelligent, expressive. The contour of the iris is edged with a dark line. Eye color golden green or hazel.

The body is muscular, toned. It is elongated. Paws are long, graceful. The tail is of medium thickness, strong. It is wider at the base and narrows towards the end. The coat is soft and close to the body.

Color variations

In the photoAbyssinian kittens. They have a different shade of wool. Four color variants are recognized as the standard:

• faun;
• sorrel;
• wild;
• blue.

There are Abyssinians with a lilac or chocolate shade of wool, but they are not recognized as the standard. If, when buying an Abyssinian, the seller takes out kittens with a different color, then most likely this is a scammer. Sometimes, having mated an ordinary Murka with a purebred male, enterprising citizens try to earn money in this way. Therefore, it is recommended to buy kittens only in the cattery or through the club.

Character

Abyssinians have a golden character - they are intelligent, helpful, reserved. With proper upbringing, the pet will not allow itself anything superfluous. Based on the description of the breed and character of Abyssinian kittens, breeders assure that they almost never raise their voices and will not harass the owner with a loud cry. These pets meow very quietly and melodicly.

Abyssinian kitten will quickly get used to the new home. If the owner already has pets, then he will certainly make friends with them. Abyssinian cats get along even with dogs. They get along well with their relatives. Abyssinians are very friendly towards the owner and his children. They are very curious and inquisitive.

Cats of this breed are quite shy. They may begin to worry about the New Year's fireworks or the howl of sirens under the windows. Abyssinians can react very emotionally to the violation of their usual way of life. Cats of this breed are very attached to the owner andhard to endure even a short-term separation from him.

How to choose a pet?

Abyssinian breed should be chosen only by those people who can pay enough attention to the pet. If he is constantly alone, he will begin to worry, get bored and suffer. From the description of Abyssinian kittens, it follows that they are social animals and adore the company of their owner.

The future owner must understand that this breed is not cheap. Cats are more expensive than cats. If a pet is sold for breeding, then the price for it is several times higher than for castration. You need to buy an Abyssinian kitten in a cattery or from a private breeder. Otherwise, the likelihood of fraud increases. In honest catteries, the he alth of cats is monitored and individuals with genetic abnormalities are excluded from breeding.

Purebred animals do not have stripes on their paws. A 3 month old kitten should already be ticking. For cats of this breed, a light undercoat is unacceptable. On average, the price of Abyssinians for castration starts from 25 thousand. Breeding cats are several times more expensive. When selling, the breeder gives the new owner a veterinary passport. Also, a purebred animal must have a kitten card. It is awarded to the owner either immediately or after the castration of the pet, if it is sold without the right to breeding.

Maintenance and Care

When buying a pet, owners are usually afraid of hair problems. Care and maintenance of Abyssinian kittens will not cause difficulties. You can comb them out 1-2 times a week. During the molting of catsIt is recommended to bathe periodically, this will significantly facilitate the process of losing excess hair. Many Abyssinian women love water, so washing is usually not a problem.

It is recommended to buy a kitten a scratching post. This item will protect wallpaper and upholstered furniture from damage. The kitten should have a sufficient number of various toys. It is also advisable to buy a pet house. He can hide in it if he suddenly wants to be alone.

Special attention should be paid to the kitten's ears. About once a week they are recommended to be treated with a hygienic lotion. If the owner walks the pet, then he must take care of the protection against fleas. It is most convenient to use special drops at the withers. A pet must walk on a harness, to which you can attach either a leash or a tape measure.

Feeding Features

Only with good nutrition will an Abyssinian breed kitten grow up he althy. Even before buying a baby, the future owner must decide on the type of feeding. A mixed type of food is undesirable, so it is better to stay either on ready-made rations or on natural food.

If the owner wants to feed the Abyssinian kitten with dry food, then he must choose quality products. The modern market is full of ready-made diets with a dubious composition; they are not suitable for a gentle thoroughbred baby. Veterinarians recommend taking a closer look at the following feeds: Akana, Farmina, Orijen. These ready-to-eat meals contain enough meat and all the vitamins your kitten needs.

Ifthe owner plans to feed the baby with natural food, then he must be prepared for the fact that the pet will have to cook separately. Many foods that humans consume are very harmful to animals. The basis of the natural diet is meat. The owner can offer the kitten fillet of turkey, chicken, beef. Occasionally, these products can be replaced with high-quality fish or fresh offal. The kitten's diet includes vegetables and a small amount of porridge. Every morning, the baby is offered fermented milk products.

Breeding

Photos of Abyssinian kittens attract the attention of cat lovers. Behind every beautiful baby there are years of painstaking breeding work of the breeder. In order for a champion to be born in the kennel, it is not enough just to study genetics at school, the breeder needs to constantly replenish his knowledge and monitor promising producers.

Mating of Abyssinian cats takes place on the territory of the partner. At home, the male will feel more relaxed and confident. If the cat is brought home to a partner, then he will be overly clamped and scared. Often in such cases, mating between animals does not occur.

Cats are allowed to mate no earlier than 2-3 estrus. Pregnancy in Abyssinians lasts approximately 65 days. Usually cats of this breed give birth to no more than 6 babies. Most often, the mother takes care of her offspring herself, but in some cases she needs the help of the owner.

Kittens bought for castration

Animals with the right to breed are sold quite rarely. If the kitten was bought for castration, then only after thisprocedure, he will be able to obtain a pedigree. First of all, this is necessary for the owners themselves, because not everyone wants to endure screams and marks. Now kittens come to their owners already, as a rule, castrated.

If, for some reason, the breeder did not carry out the procedure, then the owners will have to do this. Castration is performed under general anesthesia and takes an average of 20-40 minutes. Before the operation, the animal is not fed for 10-12 hours. After castration, the Abyssinian kitten should not be supercooled. The owner must provide the pet with high-quality postoperative care. If the owner follows all the instructions of the veterinarian, then complications are likely to be avoided. Usually, after a few days, cats don't even remember that they were operated on.

Lifespan

When getting a kitten of the Abyssinian breed, the owner hopes that the pet will delight him for many years. If you properly feed your pet and take good care of him, then he will live a long time. However, do not forget about possible ailments.

Abyssinian cats get sick very rarely, but this happens. Their average life expectancy is 12-15 years, and in some cases even longer. The better the owner takes care of the pet, the longer he will delight him with his presence. In some cases, Abyssinian cats live 20 years or more.

Breed diseases

Abyssinian cats have good he alth, but they are still more prone to certain ailments than their counterpartsbreeds. The owner is advised to carefully monitor the well-being of the pet and, if necessary, show it to the veterinarian. Breed diseases of Abyssinian kittens:

• Hereditary retinal atrophy.
• Amyloidosis is a kidney disease commonly seen in older Abyssinian cats.
• Excessive shedding, which usually affects overly sensitive members of the breed.
• Anemia caused by a deficiency of one of the enzymes that make up red blood cells.
• Hyperesthesia Syndrome is an uneven disorder in which cats can sit still for hours or perform repetitive activities such as grooming.

Some older Abyssinian cats are diagnosed by veterinarians with musculoskeletal disorders such as hip dysplasia. With improper feeding and oral hygiene, animals can develop gingivitis and various digestive disorders. But Abyssinians suffer from urolithiasis less often than representatives of other breeds.