Calico vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Calico vs Abyssinian - Breed ComparisonAbyssinian is originated from Ethiopia but Calico is originated from Egypt. Both Abyssinian and Calico are having almost same weight. Abyssinian may live 3 years less than Calico. Both Abyssinian and Calico has same litter size. Both Abyssinian and Calico requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

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Ethiopia
Egypt
Weight Male:
4 - 5 kg
8 - 12 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 5 kg
11 - 12 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 13 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
Bunny Cat, Abys
None
Colors Available:
many colors - reddish-brown base with black ticking.
White, black and orange
Coat:
Short and close-lying
Long or short
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

abyssinianKnown also as the Bunny Cat or the Abys, the Abyssinian cat hails from Abyssinia which is today known as Ethiopia.

It is believed that the cat was brought to the UK in the 1860s. At first the cat was crossed with British Shorthairs, and later with oriental breeds.

The cat was imported in 1900 to America with some breeding programs starting in the United States in the 1930s. It is thought that it was a good thing that cats were exported to the U.S. because World War II took a toll on breed numbers but the breed was built up again in the USA.

calicoNobody can say with certainty where Calico cats originate from, but it is thought they they hail from Egypt, and that they later came to port cities in Spain, Italy and France.

Today these cats are found all over the world. Wherever these cats come from, they are 99.9% female and this is because of the cat’s unique chromosomal makeup. Most of the calico or tortoiseshell male cats are because of the chromosome abnormality.

The weird aspect with these amazing cats is because of their unique genetic makeup, and also because of the fact that the males are born sterile, these cats can’t be bred and they can emerge in different litters.

Since 2001 this cat has been Maryland's state cat. An interesting fact is that the Calico became the official cat of the state of Maryland because of its amazing colors of its fur which happen to be fairly similar to that of the Baltimore Oriole, the state bird.

Description

abyssinian kitten - descriptionThe Abyssinian is a slender, lithe, fine-boned, medium sized cat with shortish to medium length silky hair and long, slender legs.

The fur has a distinctive ticked look. The coat comes in several colors – but its base color is a glossy reddish-brown base with black ticking.

You’ll find that the feline reaches a height of 20-25 cm and that its length is roughly 30-41 cm. When your Abyssinian is an adult it will weigh about 4-5 kg. With good care, your feline pet can reach up to 13 years of age.

The kittens are born with dark coats, but as they mature, the coat lightens. The head of the cat is somewhat wedge-shaped and it has fairly large ears with big almond-shaped eyes. The eyes can be green or hazel, depending on the coat shade. The tail is long and tapering.

Temperament:

The Abyssinian loves leaping onto cupboard tops or anything that has some height. It's an intelligent cat this Aby and always on the go. He is a playful cat and just loves being the center of attention, and when he has lots of toys he is always occupied, entertaining you with his antics.

If you were to be away at work every day, it would be a good idea to have a friend for him because he’s the kind of cat that becomes bored and lonely and then he becomes naughty. This cat is known as a clown with its outgoing, mischievous nature.

calico kitten - descriptionCalico cats are known for their jaunty tri-colored coats with color such as white, black and orange. In fact, to be known as a Calico cat, these 3 colors need to be present, Calico isn’t a breed of cat as such, but is actually referring to the cat’s color variations.

Some of the most distinctive breeds of cars such a the Cornish Rex and Persians have these calico coats. One odd spec with these cats is that nearly all calico cats are female and this is because of the chromosomal makeup.

Size, coat texture, shade of coat, coat length and ear shapes can all vary with the type of calico cats you get so their weight can be anything from 3 to 7kg.

Temperament:

As mentioned, Calico cats aren’t a specific breed, and that is why it is actually difficult to describe the personality of a calico cat.

You’ll find certain calico cat owners describing their cat’s behavior but you won’t find any particular scientific studies of the cat’s personality. You could have a calm cat, one that is laid-back, a very vocal cat or a very active cat. In other words, these cats can be quiet, calm, excitable, friendly, shy, or mellow – their personality is formed from the way they are brought up and socialized.

Characteristics

abyssinian cat - characteristicsYour active Abyssinian cat is such a pleasure to have in the home as these cats love their human family as well as other pets in the home.

He’ll talk to you in a quiet way. They’re playful cats and you want to make sure you supply him with some stimulating toys.

Remember to brush his coat gently and make it a special therapeutic, bonding time. Make sure your active cat has exercise and provide some climbing equipment for him. Most of all he just wants to be around you and to get your loving attention.

calico cat - characteristicsThe Calico is such an amazing type of cat and because it comes from so many cat breeds, the personality will vary, although having said that, there are a few characteristics that seem to be specifically attributed to the Calico cat.

One thing is for sure, these are intelligent, sweet, appealing, warm-hearted, loving cats that are good with children too. Perhaps in keeping with the quirky, jaunty coat, there is some quirkiness in the personality too, but that is precisely what makes these amazing cats the interesting characters they are.

To add to that, when you do research, you find that some have acted in bravey and saved their humans from harm in one way or the other.

Health Problems

abyssinian kittens - health problemsThe Abyssinian has been known to be prone to kidney disorders. It can also be prone to gingivitis which can lead to periodontal disease.

Also, the Abyssinian has been known to have problems with blindness. An eye problem, called progressive retinal atrophy is where the cells deteriorate over time and this is what causes the blindness.

The Abyssinian can also be prone to patellar luxation where the kneecap can become dislocated.

calico kittens - health problemsThe lifespan of the Calico cat be anything really and if you provide your calico with a wonderful home it will be able to reach 15 years of age.

Sometimes Klinefelteris Syndrome is a threat with this cat as a result of the XXY chromosomes. Their health is impacted because the disease can cause problems such as increased body fat and reduced bone mineral content.

Caring The Pet

abyssinian cats - caringThe Abyssinian cat’s short, fine coat is easy to care for. Brush and comb it timeously to remove loose hairs.

Because of periodontal disease, brush your cat's teeth. If you feel you don’t know how to perform any of these ‘caring’ routines for your kitty kat, don’t despair as your vet can do a dental cleaning procedure as well as your pet groomers.

Your Abyssinian cat is carnivorous and will need food similar to that which they would prey on in the wild. Your cat will require foods high in protein and with added vitamins and minerals.

Avoid cat foods that add in useless fillers such as wheat and soy. It is important that you buy the right cat food for your Abyssinian, and if you’re in any doubt, speak to your vet. Make sure your cat always has access to a bowl of fresh, cool water.

Always keep your Abyssinian’s litter box spotlessly clean. You can keep a special little plastic rake to rake up the sand and rid the box of cat droppings immediately.

calico cats - caringGently brush the Calico’s fur from time to time to ensure the jaunty colored coat is always shiny and healthy. It helps with the removal of dead hair as well and the cat enjoys the attention.

Every cat requires vaccines to prevent him from getting the deadly cat viruses there are, and to keep the cat free from parasites.

If there are any warning signs that there’s something wrong with your Calico, get him to the vet immediately.

Your Calico kitten will need to receive 3 meals a day. As your cat matures, two smaller meals a day will be good for your cat. You’ll find both canned- and dry packaged foods and your cat will let you know which one he prefers.

Your adorable Calico may beg for treats in between but as a responsible pet owner, make sure you don’t allow your Calico to overeat as obesity brings its own set of health issues.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Calico vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  2. Calico vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  3. Calico vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  4. Calico vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  5. Calico vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  6. Calico vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  7. Calico vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  8. Calico vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  9. Calico vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  10. Calico vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  11. Calico vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  12. Calico vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  13. Calico vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  14. Calico vs Asian - Breed Comparison
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  18. Calico vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  19. Calico vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  20. Calico vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  21. Calico vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  22. Calico vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  23. Calico vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  24. Calico vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  25. Calico vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison
  26. Aegean vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. African Serval vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  28. Chausie vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  29. American Bobtail vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  30. American Curl vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  31. American Keuda vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  32. American Longhair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  33. American Polydactyl vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  34. American Shorthair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  35. American Wirehair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  36. Applehead Siamese vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  37. Ashera vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  38. Asian vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  39. Asian Semi-Longhair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  40. Australian Mist vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  41. Balinese vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  42. Bengal vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  43. Bicolor vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  44. Birman vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  45. Blue Russian vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  46. Bombay vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  47. Brazilian Shorthair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  48. Bristol vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  49. British Longhair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  50. British Shorthair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison