Abyssinians

The Abyssinian is a natural breed of domesticated cat believed to

have originated in Egypt. The mummified remains of some

ancient Egyptian cats and reproductions of them in Frescoes in

Tombs were compared with living cats in Abyssinia (which is

Ethiopia today) at the end of the nineteenth century. An almost

perfect similarity between them was discovered - especially the

tawny hair, golden at the roots and the cranial structure. This explains

the widespread belief that today's Abyssinian breed is the direct

descendant of the Egyptian cats who were models for the images of the

famous Goddess Bast.

The Abyssinian is a medium-sized powerful, yet graceful, cat. The

large, almond-shaped eyes (in gold or green), modified wedge-shaped

head and large, alert ears with the beautiful eye make up accentuate

the Abyssinian's loving look.

Abyssinians are intelligent beings who love to interact with their family.

They are active and playful well into adulthood.