SILVER ABYSSINIANS

When Silver Abyssinian kittens are advertised, the first question asked by many callers is
"What, exactly, is a Silver Abyssinian ?"

THREE MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BREEDS OF CATS

Firstly, cats differ in type, build or conformation. The Foreign Shorthairs, such as Abyssinians, Siamese and Burmese are relatively small, fine-boned animals with wedge shaped heads, while the British Shorthairs and Persians are relatively large, heavily boned animals with round heads. Secondly, cats may have either a short coat, as in Abyssinians, other Foreign Shorthairs and British Shorthairs or a relatively long coat as in Somalis or a very long coat as in Persians. Thirdly, cats vary in colour.

GENERAL APPEARANCE AND ORIGIN OF ABYSSINIANS

In its general appearance, the Abyssinian bears a close resemblance to the type of cat portrayed in statues from ancient Egypt. There is some evidence that cats were taken from Egypt to England where the breed was developed in the 19th century. The Abyssinian is one of the oldest breeds and its exact origins remain obscure.

THE TICKING

The most distinctive feature of the Abyssinian is its ticking. The same ticked coat or agouti fur may be seen in many wild animals such as rabbits and the Abyssinian was often referred to as the "bunny cat". Each hair of the agouti coat has two or more distinct bands of colour or ticking on it. Genetically, the Abyssinian is a special kind of tabby cat with the typical tabby markings restricted to the head.

COLOURS OF ABYSSINIANS

In NSW it is possible to have eight different colours in either the Abyssinian or the Somali - they may be either silver or non-silver. "Silvers" possess the dominant form of a gene which suppresses the development of pigment between the bands or ticking on the hairs. The result is a silvery-white undercoat. The contrast between the ticking and the undercoat is dramatically increased, producing a coat which sparkles as the silver cat moves. This gene removes the golden-brown from the tawny Abyssinian, producing an Abyssinian with black ticking, pads and face markings; sometimes called Black Silver, this is simply registered as a Silver in NSW. The Cinnamon Silver retains the chocolate brown ticking of the Cinnamon Abyssinian, the Blue Silver the blue ticking of the Blue and the Fawn Silver (likely to be produced at any time) will have the dusky lilac ticking of the Fawn Abyssinian.

HEALTH

As breeders, we are dedicated to maintaining the excellent health and temperament of the Abyssinian. Cats in both catteries are blood typed and tested regularly for the Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
Our cats are immunised against FeLV, Feline Enteritis and the main respiratory diseases.
Our kittens are house reared and are ready for their new homes at around 12 weeks of age. By this age the kittens are completely weaned, house trained and have had their initial vaccinations.
Information about diet and care is provided with each kitten.

TEMPERAMENT

The delightful temperament of the Abyssinian is suggested by its sweet face, expressive eyes and large, alert ears. The Abyssinian is one of the most intelligent, gentle and affectionate of all cats. Abyssinians make ideal companions and enjoy nothing better than joining in with the family activities. As kittens, they are particularly active. An Abyssinian will help you make a bed, take an active interest in your telephone calls, balance on the edge of a laundry trough to play with the running water, help you read the newspaper, stuff the toes of your shoes with ping-pong balls to keep them in shape for you ... and at the end of a busy day will keep you company as you relax.

PETS TO MATCH PEOPLE

Abyssinians are ideal pets for busy people. Their short, resilient coats need very little grooming; hand stroking often suffices. Brisk stroking with damp hands will easily remove loose fur during the moulting season. Compared with other Foreign Shorthairs, the Abyssinian is a relatively quiet cat with a bell-like voice or "trill". Our kittens have been raised in the house and are happy to be kept inside. They do not miss what they have never known.
The Abyssinian can be quite dog-like in some of its activities. Many are good car travellers. They can be taught to wear a harness and lead and delight in taking their owners for a walk. Many will retrieve small objects. Perhaps it is because of these characteristics and its "wild cat" look that many men who thought they did not like cats have adopted the Abyssinian as their cat.

SHOW POINTS

Our Silver Abyssinian cats and kittens have had numerous successes at cat shows (under NSW, interstate and international judges), as well as in the Abyssinian Cat Club of Australasia's end-of-year awards.  
Enquiries are welcome. Advance orders for show, breeding or pet kittens can be placed with Muriel or Fiona - see us here today or contact us by email or telephone.

Silver of the Pharaohs

TONGARIRO CATTERY

Silver of the Pharaohs

NIVALIS
Silver Abyssinians

ŠThe material on this page is the property of the authors (Fiona Mangan and Muriel Snow)
and may not be reproduced without their permission