GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The overall impression of the ideal Abyssinian is a medium cat,
regal in appearance. The Abyssinian is foreign shorthair in type.
Males proportionately larger than females, the female being finer
boned and usually more active than the male. The Abyssinian shows
firm muscular development and is lithe and panther-like in activity
showing a lively interest in all surroundings. The coat of the
Abyssinian has an iridescent quality reflecting warmth of color
giving the impression of a colorful cat. Coat pattern is genetically
a form of agouti ticking with even, dark-colored ticking contrasted
with lighter bands giving a translucent effect. The Abyssinian is of
sound health and vigor, well-balanced physically and temperamentally
gentle and amenable to handling.
Feature
Detailed Description
Head
Modified wedge with rounded contours
as viewed from the front. In profile without flat planes showing
gently curved transition
between brow, nose, and muzzle. A rise from the bridge of
the nose to the forehead without evidence of a sharp break. The
head should be of ample length in general balance with the rest of
the cat and gently curved from the forehead over the skull
flowing into an arched neck.
Muzzle
The
muzzle shall follow gentle contours in conformity with the head as
viewed from the front and in profile. Chin shall be full and
neither protruding nor receding, having a rounded appearance.
Allowance to be made for jowls in adult males. The muzzle shall
not be sharply pointed and there shall be no evidence of
snippiness, foxy appearance or whisker pinch.
Feet
Oval
and compact. When standing, giving the impression of being on
tip-toe.
Ears
Large,
alert, and moderately pointed, broad and cupped at base and arched
forward, set as though listening. Hair on ears short and
close-lying, preferably tipped in conformity with the color
requirements. A "thumb-print" marking is desirable on
the back of the ear.
Eyes
Almond
shaped, large, brilliant and expressive. Skull aperture follows
almond shape of eyes, being neither round nor oriental. Eyes
accentuated by darker lid skin, encircled by a light colored area.
Above each eye appears a short vertical darker pencil stroke
amidst the light area. At the sides of each eye appears a curved
darker pencil line as if a continuation of the upper eyelid.
Body
Medium
long, lithe and graceful, showing well-developed muscular strength
without coarseness and is solid to the feel. The rib cage is
rounded with no evidence of flat sides. The back is slightly
arched giving the appearance of a cat about to spring. The flank
shall be reasonably level without tuck-up. Proportion and general
balance to be desired more than mere size.
Tail
Long
and tapering
Legs
Proportionately
slim, long and well-muscled. The Abyssinian stands well off the
ground.
Coat
& Texture
Coat
resilient to the touch, with a lustrous sheen, fine in texture.
Medium length, long enough to accommodate four out of six alternating
light and dark colored bands. The coat lies fairly close to the
body; however, the undercoat should be adequate
enough to avoid any evidence of slickness. Woolliness undesirable.
Coat is longest at the spine, gradually shortening over the
saddle, flank, legs and head.
