Rabbit-cat is another fitting name for the Abyssinian, one of the more distinctive of the feline breeds, for its short, dense fur is indeed rabbit-like. It occurs in two color varieties: brown and an almost copper red. In both the coat is ticked-that is, each hair banded with several grades of dark and light. In the Brown Abyssinian the fur is usually dark brown to almost black in a line down the center of the back. The pads of the feet are black, and some black also extends up the legs. In the Reds the line down the middle of the back is brownish, the pads of the feet and also the nose are pinkish, and the backs of the legs are brown to mahogany. The body and legs have no other outstanding marks. Some have a white chin, but this is not an allowable feature in show cats. Both Blue and Cream Abyssinians have been developed, but they are very rare.

Though the origin of the Abyssianian is still disputed, most authorities believe the breed is ancient and that it is the Abyssinian, in fact, that is depicted in the art and sculpture of ancient Egypt. It is in all probability the sacred cat of Egypt. Why is it called Abyssinian? The first of these cats taken to Europe were obtained in Abyssinia (now Ethiopia).

Abyssinians are lovable cats and quite devoted to their owners, some so much so that their loyalty is to one person only. They tend to respond to training more slowly than some other breeds, but they learn well. If the owner persists, an Abyssinian can be taught to retrieve balls and do other simple tricks. If accustomed to a leash an Abyssinian will not object to it. Nor does the adult lose its kittenish playfulness.

Long and slim-bodied, the Abyssinian is graceful, with a long and distinctly tapered tail. Its head is triangular or wedge shaped, the ears noticeably large and pointed. Eye color ranges from green to hazel or yellow. Extremely alert and intelligent, the Abyssinian is also quite vocal, though less so than the Siamese. Its voice is cooing, and rather more comforting than abrasive. Abyssinians are not common, partly because they have small litters (rarely more than four) in which most are males. This also makes them among the most expensive cats.