Pictures: left to right Siamese, Persian, Abyssinian.
Abyssinian
The origin of the Abyssinian cat is obscure. The word Abyssinian refers to Ethiopia, suggesting that Ethiopia may have been the cat’s original home. It’s a common belief that the Abyssinian’s origins can be traced back to ancient Egypt. If you look at the statues and murals of cats in Egyptian art they have the same physical characteristics as today’s Abyssinian; long ears, a long body and a long tail. One belief is that the breed originated from an Egyptian kitten called Zula who was brought to England from a port in Alexandria by a British soldier. There is however no firm link between Zula and the cat first listed as an Abyssinian in 1882. The physical characteristics of these cats also bare a resemblance to African wild cats.
The origin of the Abyssinian cat is obscure. The word Abyssinian refers to Ethiopia, suggesting that Ethiopia may have been the cat’s original home. It’s a common belief that the Abyssinian’s origins can be traced back to ancient Egypt. If you look at the statues and murals of cats in Egyptian art they have the same physical characteristics as today’s Abyssinian; long ears, a long body and a long tail. One belief is that the breed originated from an Egyptian kitten called Zula who was brought to England from a port in Alexandria by a British soldier. There is however no firm link between Zula and the cat first listed as an Abyssinian in 1882. The physical characteristics of these cats also bare a resemblance to African wild cats.
Behavioural characteristics
These are very friendly and affectionate cats, dog like in the sense that they can pine without human company. They are energetic active cats that love to climb, and unlike most other cats actually like water. They’re talkative and have a trilling voice resembling a bird but they don’t prattle and will only talk when they have something to say. Their nature is a trusting one and that coupled with their desire to explore can get them into trouble sometimes. Children will get on with them because of their playful personalities. Other pets are not a problem either, so long as the Abyssinian can run things – they like to be in charge.
Basically they are healthy cats and with a good intelligent owner can live into their late teens. They are a natural breed. One that developed without the intervention of human beings.
Siamese
These are very friendly and affectionate cats, dog like in the sense that they can pine without human company. They are energetic active cats that love to climb, and unlike most other cats actually like water. They’re talkative and have a trilling voice resembling a bird but they don’t prattle and will only talk when they have something to say. Their nature is a trusting one and that coupled with their desire to explore can get them into trouble sometimes. Children will get on with them because of their playful personalities. Other pets are not a problem either, so long as the Abyssinian can run things – they like to be in charge.
Basically they are healthy cats and with a good intelligent owner can live into their late teens. They are a natural breed. One that developed without the intervention of human beings.
Siamese
Siamese cats are a very popular and well known breed. Like the Abyssinian their origins are vague but they are very much believed to have been temple cats in Thailand (then Siam). There they were highly prized by royalty and the nobility and considered sacred. Their beautiful blue eyes were said to be a gift from the gods. When a person of high rank died their soul would enter the body of a Siamese cat for a while.
Behavioral Characteristics
These cats are thought to be the most intelligent of the domestic cats. When their calling for you they have the same high pitch as a new born baby, but that doesn’t mean they are loud. It is fair to say that most of the time you’ll simply be having a mild pleasant conversation with your pet. Loving and loyal these cats will form a firm bond with their owners. They are active and love to run about and climb. Because they are social cats they are generally good with children and other pets but some can become jealous of new arrivals.
With good owners they have long life spans for cats and can live until about twenty years old. These cats are also a natural breed developing without the intervention of humans.
Persian Cat
Although opinions as to the origin of the Persian cat differ it is generally believed that a portion of early Persian cats came from Persia (now Iran) and Turkey. They were brought into Britain during the crusades and by early travelers to Europe. Interestingly though there are hieroglyphics on pyramid walls that bare a resemblance to the Persian cat. This is another cat favoured by Royalty including the King of Persia and English monarchs such as Queen Victoria and Edward VII. This gentle long haired cat is sought after for its beauty and passive temperament.
Behavioral Characteristics
These cats are most suited to an indoor life as most of them are home loving, although there are a few who like to go out hunting. They are docile undemanding cats but very affectionate, even tempered and love to be petted and nursed. They can make wonderful sleeping companions too. Although they are quiet they still love to play. They are good with children. Other pets are not a problem as long as they share a similar temperament.
They can live to about fifteen years of age.
Behavioral Characteristics
These cats are thought to be the most intelligent of the domestic cats. When their calling for you they have the same high pitch as a new born baby, but that doesn’t mean they are loud. It is fair to say that most of the time you’ll simply be having a mild pleasant conversation with your pet. Loving and loyal these cats will form a firm bond with their owners. They are active and love to run about and climb. Because they are social cats they are generally good with children and other pets but some can become jealous of new arrivals.
With good owners they have long life spans for cats and can live until about twenty years old. These cats are also a natural breed developing without the intervention of humans.
Persian Cat
Although opinions as to the origin of the Persian cat differ it is generally believed that a portion of early Persian cats came from Persia (now Iran) and Turkey. They were brought into Britain during the crusades and by early travelers to Europe. Interestingly though there are hieroglyphics on pyramid walls that bare a resemblance to the Persian cat. This is another cat favoured by Royalty including the King of Persia and English monarchs such as Queen Victoria and Edward VII. This gentle long haired cat is sought after for its beauty and passive temperament.
Behavioral Characteristics
These cats are most suited to an indoor life as most of them are home loving, although there are a few who like to go out hunting. They are docile undemanding cats but very affectionate, even tempered and love to be petted and nursed. They can make wonderful sleeping companions too. Although they are quiet they still love to play. They are good with children. Other pets are not a problem as long as they share a similar temperament.
They can live to about fifteen years of age.
