The ideal Abyssinian Cat presents a striking image: a colorful feline of medium size, distinguished by a uniquely ticked coat and a regal bearing. This breed is known for its lithe, muscular physique, indicative of its energetic nature and keen interest in its surroundings. The Abyssinian embodies balance, both in temperament and physical attributes, with every element harmoniously proportioned.
Head Structure
The Abyssinian head is characterized by a subtly rounded wedge shape, devoid of any flat planes. The brow, cheeks, and profile exhibit gentle curves, creating a smooth and refined contour. A slight rise from the nasal bridge to a generously sized forehead adds to its distinctive appearance. The width between the ears flows seamlessly into a gracefully arched neck, uninterrupted by any sharp angles.
Muzzle and Chin
The muzzle of the Abyssinian is neither sharply pointed nor squared, maintaining the soft lines of the head. The chin is well-defined, avoiding both receding and protruding profiles. In adult males, a degree of jowling is permissible, adding to the mature appearance of the cat.
Ears
Abyssinian ears are alert, large, and moderately pointed, contributing to their attentive expression. Broad and cupped at the base, they are positioned as if perpetually listening. The hair on the ears is remarkably short and close-lying. Ideally, the ear tips are accentuated with a darker shade: black on ruddy Abyssinians, chocolate brown on cinnamon, slate blue on blue, and light cocoa brown on fawn varieties.
Eyes
The eyes of the Abyssinian are almond-shaped, large, brilliant, and exceptionally expressive, serving as a focal point of their captivating gaze. They are neither round nor distinctly oriental in shape. A fine, dark line accentuates the eye shape, encircled by a lighter colored area, enhancing their striking appearance.
Body
The Abyssinian possesses a medium-long body, lithe and graceful, yet displaying well-developed muscular strength without any hint of coarseness. The breed’s conformation strikes a balance between the extremes of a cobby, stocky build and a svelte, elongated form. Proportion and overall balance are prioritized over mere size, resulting in an elegant and agile physique.
Legs and Feet
Legs and feet are proportionately slim and fine-boned, contributing to the Abyssinian’s refined silhouette. They stand poised, well off the ground, creating the impression of being perpetually on tip-toe, ready for action. Paws are small, oval, and compact. They have five toes on the front feet and four on the hind feet.
Tail
The Abyssinian tail is thick at the base, maintaining a substantial feel before tapering gracefully to the tip. It is fairly long, complementing the overall body length and contributing to the balanced appearance.
Coat Characteristics
The Abyssinian coat is a defining feature: soft, silky, and fine in texture, yet surprisingly dense and resilient to the touch, exhibiting a lustrous sheen. It is medium in length, perfectly suited to accommodate the breed’s signature two or three dark bands of ticking on each hair shaft, creating the distinctive agouti effect.
Penalties
Breed standard faults include off-color paw pads, heads that are excessively long and narrow or short and round. Undesirable coat markings include barring on the legs, dark broken necklace markings, and rings on the tail. Cold or grey tones in the coat are penalized, as is a white undercoat on blue or fawn Abyssinians.
In conclusion, the Abyssinian cat is a breed defined by its elegant athleticism, distinctive ticked coat, and regal demeanor. Its balanced proportions and refined features, as outlined in the breed standard, create a captivating and uniquely beautiful feline.
