The source of the Abyssinian name is not because Ethiopia, formerly Abyssinia, is thought to be the original home of these cats. Recent studies by geneticists show that the most convincing origin of the Abyssinian breed is the coast of the Indian Ocean and parts of Southeast Asia. The first "Abyssinian" exhibited at a show in England was reported to have been imported from the country of Abyssinia. Although the Abyssinian as a breed was refined in England, its introduction to that country and others may have been the result of colonists and merchants stopping in Calcutta, the major port for the Indian Ocean.

As described in the Abyssinian Breeders International Kitten Buyer's Guide by Carolyn Osier, "Abyssinians must be one of the most intelligent animals ever created." This handbook for the potential Aby owner describes these cats as "... a very people-oriented cat. Not a lap cat... but a cat that likes to be with people, a cat that wants to know what you are doing - that wants to help. There is probably no breed anywhere more loyal than the Aby. Once you have acquired an Aby as a companion, you will never be able to complain that no one understands you. Abys are very good at training people to do just what they want them to do."

Pricing on Abyssinians usually depends on type, applicable markings and bloodlines distinguished by Grand Champion (GC), National or Regional winning parentage (NW or RW) or of Distinguished Merit parentage (DM).

The Abyssinian is lithe, hard and muscular, showing eager activity and a lively interest in all surroundings. Eyes are almond shaped, large, brilliant, and expressive. Coat color is warm and glowing, and the ticking distinct and even, with dark colored bands contrasting with lighter colored bands on the hair shafts.

Colors of the Abyssinian are: Ruddy, coat ruddy brown (burnt-sienna), ticked with various shades of darker brown or black; the extreme outer tip to be the darkest, with orange-brown undercoat. Tail tipped with black. Red, coat rich, warm glowing red, ticked with chocolate-brown, the extreme outer tip to be dark, with red undercoat. Tail tipped with chocolate-brown. Blue, coat warm beige, ticked with various shades of slate blue, the extreme outer tip to be the darkest, with blush beige undercoat. Tail tipped with slate blue. Fawn, coat warm rose-beige, ticked with light cocoa brown, the extreme outer tip to be the darkest, with blush beige undercoat. Tail tipped with light cocoa brown.

There are CFA clubs devoted to the promotion, protection and preservation of the Abyssinian breed. For more information, please send inquiries to CFA, PO Box 1005, Manasquan NJ 08736-0805.