# Abyssinian Cat (*Felis catus*) An Abyssinian Cat has a short, ticked coat and an adventurous spirit. It is very active and loves to climb. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Homes with climbing shelves and active play areas - **Also known as:** Aby Cat, Abyssinian ![Abyssinian Cat](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Cat_November_2010-1a.jpg&width=800) Photo: Alvesgaspar, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cat_November_2010-1a.jpg) ## Appearance The Abyssinian Cat has a slender, muscular body with a distinctive 'ticked' coat, meaning each hair has multiple bands of color, giving it a shimmering, multi-toned appearance. Its large, almond-shaped eyes are typically gold or green, and its large ears are set wide apart. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Carnivora - **Family:** Felidae - **Genus:** Felis ## Interesting facts - Abyssinian cats are known as 'Aby-grabbies' for carrying things! - Their unique ticked fur makes them look like tiny wild cats! - They are one of the oldest cat breeds, possibly from ancient Egypt! - Unlike most cats, Abyssinians are often fascinated by water and running taps! ## Special abilities - **Agile Acrobats:** Abyssinian Cat can leap and climb with impressive agility because of their strong, muscular bodies and powerful hind legs. - **Curiosity Drive:** Abyssinian Cat has an intelligent and curious nature that helps them explore their surroundings and solve puzzles. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 30-40 cm - **Weight:** 3-5 kg - **Lifespan:** 12-15 years - **Speed:** 35 km/h - **Litter Size:** 3-6 - **Gestation:** 63-65 days ## Diet & Feeding Abyssinian Cats are carnivores that eat specialized cat food, occasionally hunting small prey if given the chance. - **Primary Foods:** commercial cat food, cooked lean meats, small rodents, insects - **Foraging Method:** Pursuit ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** [house mouse](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-mouse) (*Mus musculus*) — Keeps household pests in check. - **Hunts:** [brown rat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-rat) (*Rattus norvegicus*) — Efficient predator of urban rodents. - **Parasitizes:** cat flea (*Ctenocephalides felis*) — Common external parasite affecting cats worldwide. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Whiskered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/whiskered): Possessing prominent sensory hairs or vibrissae, often around the snout. - [Domesticated](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/domesticated): Domesticated refers to species that have been selectively bred and tamed by humans for specific purposes. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Provide safe play spaces; supervise around fragile items. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Abyssinian Cat? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Abyssinian Cat? 30-40 cm ### How much does Abyssinian Cat weigh? 3-5 kg ### How long does Abyssinian Cat live? 12-15 years ### How fast can Abyssinian Cat move? 35 km/h ### What does Abyssinian Cat eat? Abyssinian Cats are carnivores that eat specialized cat food, occasionally hunting small prey if given the chance. ### Where is Abyssinian Cat usually found? Homes with climbing shelves and active play areas ### How does Abyssinian Cat hunt? Pursuit ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Abyssinian Cat: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/abyssinian-cat)