Although the Abyssinian is one of the oldest known breeds, there continues to be speculation and controversy concerning its history. In appearance, Abyssinians resemble the paintings and sculptures of ancient Egyptian cats which portray an elegant feline with a muscular body, beautiful arched neck, large ears and almond shaped eyes. Abys today still retain the jungle look of felis lybica, the African wildcat ancestor of all domestic cats.The source of the name is not because Ethiopia, formerly Abyssinia, is thought to be the original home of these cats, but because the first Abyssinians exhibited in shows in England were reported to have been imported from that country. The first mention is in the Harpers Weekly January 27, 1872 issue where the 3rd prize in the December, 1871 Crystal Palace show was taken by the Abyssinian Cat captured in the late Abyssinian War. This article is accompanied by an illustration of the Abyssinian Cat.

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