Abysinnians, often called Abys for short, look and move like small mountain lions. Their slim legs are quite powerful -- these cats can jump great distances with ease. Abys have short, fine coats that are lustrous. The Abyssinian is a bright cat which is often said to have a very sweet temperament and intelligent nature.

All coat colors come in an agouti pattern, which means every other hair alternates in colour, and the tip of each hair is brown. The most common color is ruddy -- reddish-brown with black ticking. Some breeders claim ruddy Abys are the most active. Red, or sorrel as it's sometimes called, is also fairly common. Red Abys are a clear, orangish-red with chocolate-brown tipping. Blue Abys are a bluish-gray with a creamy stomach and slate blue ticking. Fawn is the least common color. Fawn Abys are light beige with dark beige ticking. Other varieties are lilac, silver, silver sorrel and silver blue. The coat is short and dense, but very soft and has a definate shine to it.

The Abyssinian has large ears which are quite far apart. Their eyes are almond shaped and colour either amber, green or hazel.

From the side, there are striking similarities with the cats which can be seen in murals of Ancient Egypt. Some believe that it is the Abyssinian which was worshipped by the Pharoahs.

Breeders