Physical Traits and Breed Standards of the Abyssinian Cat
Physical Traits and Breed Standards of the Abyssinian Cat
Overall Appearance
The Abyssinian is classified as a medium-sized cat. Its body type is often described as “foreign,” meaning lithe and graceful rather than cobby or stocky. This sleek build is not only attractive but also highlights the breed’s natural athleticism. Abyssinians are often compared to small cougars or wildcats because of their muscular frame and alert posture.
Size: Generally medium, with females weighing 6–8 pounds and males weighing 8–12 pounds.
Proportion: Body length is slightly longer than height, creating a rectangular but balanced silhouette.
Build: Muscular and firm, yet never bulky. The cat appears agile and strong without excessive heaviness.
Head and Facial Structure
One of the most captivating features of the Abyssinian is its expressive face. The head shape and facial markings give the breed an exotic, alert, and intelligent look.
Head Shape: A slightly rounded wedge, with no flat planes or exaggerated contours.
Profile: Gently curved, with a slight break at the bridge of the nose.
Muzzle: Not sharply pointed, but slightly rounded and softly defined.
Chin: Firm, aligning with the nose in a straight vertical line.
The overall impression is one of harmony. Unlike Persians, which have a short, flat face, or Siamese cats, which have elongated triangular heads, the Abyssinian occupies a balanced middle ground.
Eyes
Abyssinians are famous for their large, almond-shaped eyes that sparkle with intelligence. The eyes often give the breed its “wild” look.
Shape: Almond-shaped, moderately large, and slightly tilted.
Color: Ranges from gold to green, often intensifying as the cat matures.
Outline: Eyes are accentuated by a fine dark line, giving the appearance of eyeliner, and are surrounded by lighter fur, creating a striking contrast.
This natural “makeup” effect enhances the Abyssinian’s exotic expression and is one of its most recognizable traits.
Ears
Ears are another defining feature. They contribute to the breed’s alert, watchful appearance.
Size: Large, broad at the base, and slightly pointed at the tips.
Placement: Set wide apart, continuing the lines of the wedge-shaped head.
Appearance: Often described as “listening ears” because they are erect and forward-facing, giving an impression of constant attentiveness.
Some Abyssinians also display small tufts of fur at the tips of the ears, reminiscent of wild cats like lynxes, though this is not a requirement.
Body and Limbs
The Abyssinian’s body is elegant but never fragile. It is designed for agility and endurance.
Body: Long, graceful, and medium in width, with a muscular but lean build.
Chest: Moderately rounded, not broad or barrel-shaped.
Back: Slightly arched, giving the impression of readiness to pounce.
Legs: Long and slim, proportional to the body, enhancing the cat’s athletic profile.
Paws: Small, oval-shaped, giving the cat a light, dainty step.
Tail: Long and tapering, wide at the base and narrowing at the tip.
When an Abyssinian moves, the effect is fluid and graceful, almost like a wild animal stalking prey.
Coat Texture
The Abyssinian’s coat is one of the most celebrated aspects of the breed. The short, fine fur is soft to the touch and lies close to the body, giving the cat a polished appearance.
Length: Short to medium-short, never long or woolly.
Texture: Silky and resilient, with a fine, even feel.
Ticking: Each hair is banded with two or more alternating light and dark colors, creating the distinctive “agouti” effect.
The ticking produces a shimmering quality as the cat moves, with the fur seeming to change color depending on the angle of the light.
Recognized Coat Colors
The Cat Fanciers’ Association recognizes four main coat colors, although other registries may allow more variations.
Ruddy (usual)
Warm golden-brown base with black or dark brown ticking.
Tail tip is black, and paw pads are black or brown.
The original and most iconic Abyssinian color.
Red (sorrel)
Rich cinnamon base with chocolate-brown ticking.
Tail tip is chocolate brown.
Lighter and more fiery than ruddy.
Blue
Warm beige or light blue-gray base with slate-blue ticking.
Tail tip is dark blue-gray.
Produces a softer, misty appearance.
Fawn
Pale cream or rose-beige base with light cocoa-brown ticking.
Tail tip is light brown.
Delicate and subtle in tone.
In some cat associations, additional colors such as silver, lilac, or chocolate may be accepted. However, the ruddy remains the gold standard.
Distinctive Markings
Beyond color and ticking, Abyssinians have unique facial and body markings.
Facial Markings: Dark lines extending from the eyes toward the ears, creating a bold expression.
Necklaces: Sometimes faint tabby-like rings around the neck, though these are less desirable in show cats.
Legs and Tail: May display faint tabby striping, but the body itself should appear free of stripes or spots.
The goal of breeding is to highlight the ticked coat without heavy tabby patterns, maintaining a clean, wild look.
Breed Standard Summary (CFA)
The CFA breed standard emphasizes the following:
Medium size, muscular, and graceful.
Head: modified wedge with gentle contours.
Eyes: large, almond, gold or green.
Ears: large, alert, broad at base.
Coat: short, fine, resilient, with distinct ticking.
Colors: ruddy, red, blue, and fawn.
Faults in the show ring may include: heavy tabby striping, white locket or patches, excessively long coat, or incorrect eye color.
Comparison to Other Breeds
The Abyssinian shares some traits with other breeds but remains unique:
Compared to the Oriental Shorthair, the Abyssinian is less extreme in body shape and head type.
Compared to the Domestic Shorthair, it has a more refined body and unique coat pattern.
Compared to the Somali (its longhaired cousin), the Abyssinian has a shorter, closer-lying coat but shares the same ticking.
