Abyssinians are admired for their gorgeous coat colors. Let’s dive into seven distinct shades that make them unique.
- The widely recognized standard colors include Ruddy, Sorrel, Blue, and Fawn, each with its charm.
- Three uncommon hues are Chocolate, Silver, and Lilac, adding a rare touch to this elegant breed.
- Abyssinian coats achieve their full beauty after 18 months, showcasing their ticked pattern.
- Their eye colors range from golden to green, complementing their striking fur tones.
Abyssinians are not just adored for their affectionate nature but also for their stunning coats. These cats have a short, thick fur highlighted by a unique ticking pattern where individual hairs are banded with different colors. It’s fascinating how their coats don’t reach full maturity until about 18 months, allowing for a surprising transformation from kitten to adult coloring.
Let’s start with the Ruddy Abyssinian, often called ‘tawny’ or ‘usual.’ This classic color features hairs ticked with shades of brown and black, with a striking brown-orange shade near the base. Their eyes typically glow golden, though hazel and green are fairly common too. Black-tipped ears and black paw pads with red noses add to their charm.
Next, we have the Sorrel Abyssinian, which offers a diluted red or copper-red base. These cats, with their smooth red/brown ticking, stand out for their solid copper-red shades without any pattern disturbances on their stomach and leg insides. Amber, green, or yellow eyes and pink paw pads complete the captivating look.
The Blue Abyssinian brings a twist with its deep steel-grey color that appears blue, thanks to the dark blue/grey ticking. This coat surprises with a pale cream base on the belly and the insides of the legs. A dark blue stripe trailing down the spine, ending with a blue tail tip, enhances their elegance. What’s more, their eye colors vary from amber to yellow, making a beautiful contrast.
As one of the rarest, the Fawn Abyssinian impresses with its pale brown base, giving a sublime, rose-tinted appearance through bands of deep pink and light brown ticking. Pink paw pads and a range of eye colors, from amber to yellow, further draw attention to their subtlety and rarity.
Stepping into the unique, the Chocolate Abyssinian is a treat for the eyes with its copper-brown base and dark chocolate ticking. From paw pads to noses, the deep chocolate enhancements emphasize this beautiful blend distinctively.
The Silver Abyssinian tantalizes with its old-world charm. There are several variations here, from ‘Usual Silver’ with black bands and black-tipped features to ‘Blue Silver’ offering a silvery-blue allure. What’s intriguing is the historical belief that these variations may have been among the first, though it’s unconfirmed.
Rounding out the spectrum is the Lilac Abyssinian. Despite a naming oddity, their light grey ticking over a pink-cream base creates a lilac-like effect. This rare variation boasts mauve-pink accents on paw pads and noses, presenting a delicate and ethereal appearance.
Abyssinians, with their vibrant colors and affectionate nature, truly stand out among feline companions.
