Abyssinian (cat).

Abyssinian (cat). Abyssinian (cat), breed of shorthaired cat, one of the oldest breeds of domesticated cats. The exact origin of the Abyssinian is unknown, although it is said to be descended from the sacred cat of Egypt. Another theory is that English soldiers returning from Ethiopia (formerly Abyssinia) in the 1800s brought the Abyssinian with them. The Abyssinian is a lithe, graceful cat with a short, ticked coat somewhat similar to the coat of a wild rabbit. It comes in several different colors; the most common is ruddy--a warm brown with a rich apricot belly and undercoat. The Abyssinian is a gentle, affectionate cat with boundless energy, and is reputed to form a strong bond with its favorite person. The Abyssinian also comes in a semilonghaired variety called the Somali. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.