While the biggest fascination with the Abyssinian comes with the feral look in its ticked coat, once you own an Aby, you appreciate their personality the most. This varies from cat to cat; however, I have included a few adjectives used by Abyssinian breeders in a breeders survey conducted by Kate Faler, author of the book, "This is the Abyssinian Cat." Amazon.com: buying info: This Is the Abyssinian Cat These are listed in order from the most commonly used to those mentioned at least twice.

Below is an excerpt from the same book which I feel best describes the Abyssinian companion:

     "Abyssinians shower their owners with love and attention. They insist on being included in all projects, especially wallpapering, knitting, and small repairs. Abys thrive on lap-sitting, nose rubbing, and bed sleeping. They are very sensitive to people's moods. They are comforting when their owner is lonely, sick or unhappy; and joyous when all is well. One of their most endearing qualities is their soft little voices which express their feelings quite well. Meeting life with a zest and sense of humor, they enrich the lives of all they come in contact with. Everyone should be owned by an Aby at some time in his or her life."

Engraving taken from antique book of FELIS MANICULATA
(The Egyptian Cat) by Ruppel

     The history of the Abyssinian is sketchy at best and there are several theories as to their early origins. The most logical explanation and the one I accept is derived from information in a book by HC Brooke, written in 1929 Abyra Abyssinians. And I quote, "The earliest reference I have seen is that made in one of the late Dr. Gordon Stables' books, "Cats, their points, etc." (1874). The cat therein portrayed is described as being the property of Mrs. Barrett Lennard, and as having been brought from Abyssinia at the conclusion of the Abyssinian War." Mr. Brook continues to describe the African Wildcat as being the specimen mostly resembling the Abyssinian of his time.
     Once in Britain we can now more surely trace the development of the breed as being the imports (African Wildcat {Fettered, Egyptian and Caffre Cat}, Smallfooted Cat {F. maniculata} or Surdanese Wild Cat {F. ocreata}), crossed with British domestic shorthairs, Siamese and the British Self Red, a longhaired solid cat now extinct, and surely the forefather of our modern Somalis. The first Abyssinian registrations occurred in 1896 with the birth date of the oldest registered Aby, "Sedgemere Bottle" as being 1892, both parents unknown. Imagine, our breed, whilst being touted as beloved Egyptian pets, has only been developed as a purebred cat for just a little over 100 years

Ancient Egyptian fresco of hunting cat catching a bird