The Abyssinian cat’s history is still unknown. What is known is that this breed was first recorded in England in 1871. Twelve cats, most with one unknown parent were listed in the stud book in 1900-1905. It is said that the original cats were brought to England from Ethiopia (Abyssinia) by sailors’ in1868. Cat shows in England exhibited both domestic and wild cats, so it is possible that the tabby was crossed with an African or Asian wild cat. Recent genetic studies show that the most probable origin is the coast of the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. However, some zoologists point out the strong resemblance to the small African wild cat known as F.caffra. This is a small ticked cat with the facial patterns of the Abyssinian. Most of the Abyssinian cats were lost in England due to the war and breeding slowed down. The Abyssinian is a medium sized cat neither cobby nor oriental, but very muscular and elegant. The stomach, chest, and inside of legs are of a color to complement the ticked coat. It has moderately large ears which are tilted forward in a listening posture giving the whole cat a very alert appearance. The tail is broad at the base and tapers to a point which is the color of the darkest ticking of the cat. The Abyssinian is a very active cat that is very social. Even as an adult is playful and intersperses periods of frenetic activity and total relaxation.