The Abyssinian (Pronunciation: \a-bə-si-nē-ən, -nyən\) is a breed of domesticated cat with a distinctive ticked coat. There are many stories about its origins, often revolving around Egypt, but its true origins are uncertain. The Abyssinian has become one of the most popular breeds of shorthair cat in the USA.The name 'Abyssinian' refers to Ethiopia, but most of the stories about the origins of Abyssinians refer to Egypt. The breed is sometimes believed to have originated from one Egyptian female kitten called Zula, who was taken from a port in Alexandria by a British soldier and brought to England. This theory is not established as true because there is no solid link between the cat first listed as an Abyssinian in 1882 and Zula.
Many sources spread the story that the Abyssinian breed is a few thousand years old and that it directly comes from Ancient Egypt. There are also stories that wild 'Abyssinians' live in parts of North Africa today.
At least one, and possibly as many as three Abyssinians were introduced into the American Abyssinian gene pool from Libya (or, less likely, Egypt).
At least one, and possibly as many as three Abyssinians were introduced into the American Abyssinian gene pool from Libya (or, less likely, Egypt).
Abyssinian by FurLined
