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SHORT HAIRED CATS

SHORT-HAIRED ABYSSINIAN

In 1869 a cat was brought to Britain from Abyssinia and from the description given it appears to have been the forerunner of the breed as it is known today. Experts agree that although the name ‘Abyssinian’ has been given to these cats, investigation has proved that it was not a breed as such in that country, and it must be accepted as a fact that these charming and intelligent animals are the results of judicial breeding by British fanciers. They are very like those depicted in frescoes and models in ancient Egypt and are regarded as the nearest approach to their sacred cats. Abyssinians were first shown at the Crystal Palace shows about 1883. It is essentially a foreign-type cat, with the longish body outline and slender bones familiar with foreign breeds, but its coat is very different. The perfect Abyssinian should have a close short coat of ruddy brown, with two or three bands of black or brown tickings. The standard states ‘no white’, but it is extremely rare nowadays to see a cat without the white chin and lips, the white sometimes continuing down the front on to the stomach and even appearing as low down as between the hind legs. The sharp ears should not be as large as those of the Siamese, as although the head is required to be long and pointed it does not compare in length with that breed, and too big an ear would tend to give the head an unbalanced look.
From time to tome, in pure-bred litters, kittens with reddish coats and pink pads have appeared. Except for colour, they were the same as the Abyssinians with ruddy brown coats, but not conforming to the set standard in colour were registered as ‘Any Other Variety’. The copper-red coats appealed to many people and, by using strains known to have the necessary gene, endeavours were made to breed them. The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy decided that since they were pure-bred, differing in colour only, recognition and a breed number could be given. Being most distinctive in appearance they are finding ready buyers, both here and abroad.
The Abyssinian has a sweet disposition, takes readily to a lead, is a non-fussy feeder, and is becoming increasingly popular both as a show cat and a friendly and charming pet.

Standard Points

Colour and
type Ruddy brown, ticked with black or dark brown, double or
treble ticking (i.e., two or three bands of colour on each hair) preferable to single ticking; no bars or other markings except
that a dark spine line will not militate against an otherwise good specimen. Inside of forelegs and belly should be of a tint to
harmonise well with the main colour, the preference being
given to orange-brown.

Head and
Ears Head to be a medium wedge of heart-shaped proportions,
ears sharp, comparatively large and broad at base.

Eyes Large, bright and expressive. Colour: green, yellow or hazel.

Tail Fairly long and tapering.

Feet Small, pads black; this colour also extending up the back of
hind legs.

Coat Short, fine and close.

Size Never large or coarse.

The standard for Red Abyssinian is the same in every respect, except as follows:
Body colour is rich copper red, doubly or preferably treble-ticked with darker colours. Lack of distinct contrast in the ticking is a fault. The richer the body colour the better. A pale colour is a bad fault.
The belly and inside of the legs should be deep apricot to harmonise. The tail tip is dark brown and this may extend along the tail as a line. A spine line of deeper colour is permissible. The nose leather is pink. Pads are pink, set in brown fur extending up back of legs. Eye colour as before.

Scale of Points Points

Colour Body colour 30
Ticking 20

Type Head and Ears 15
Eyes 5
Body shape, tail, feet, coat and carriage 20
General condition 10

Note.- Absence of markings (i.e., bars on head, tail, face and chest) is very important.
Although imperfect cats may be awarded prizes according to the merit of the entry, no Abyssinian that has distinct bars and rings on legs and tail should be awarded a champion certificate. White chin to be considered undesirable, other white markings not permissible.