what other breed of cats can be combined with abyssinian

  • Mochi
  • September 20, 2023
  • 137 Views

When discussing the "combination" of cat breeds, we usually refer to deliberate crossbreeding efforts by breeders to produce offspring with specific desired traits from both parent breeds. Over the years, the Abyssinian has been used in various crossbreeding programs to either introduce or enhance certain characteristics in new or existing breeds. Here are some cat breeds that have been developed using Abyssinian genetics:

Ocicat
This breed was initially the result of a cross between the Abyssinian, Siamese, and American Shorthair. The intention was to produce a Siamese with an Abyssinian ticked coat, but one of the offspring had spots like a wild ocelot, leading to the development of the Ocicat breed.

Somali
The Somali is essentially a long-haired Abyssinian. The long-haired gene is recessive, and occasionally, long-haired kittens were born in Abyssinian litters. Over time, breeders began to intentionally breed these long-haired Abyssinians, and the result is the breed we now know as the Somali.

Bengal
While the primary ancestors of the Bengal are the Asian leopard cat (a wild species) and the domestic shorthair, some lines have introduced Abyssinian genetics to enhance certain characteristics.

Serengeti
This breed was developed by crossing Bengals (which, as mentioned, sometimes have Abyssinian ancestry) with Oriental Shorthairs. The goal was to produce a cat with a wild appearance but without directly using wild cat genes, as is the case with the Bengal.

Chausie
This breed is a hybrid between the wild Jungle Cat (Felis chaus) and domestic cats. Abyssinians are commonly used in the breeding program due to their physical resemblance and desired size.

Rex breeds
Abyssinians have occasionally been used in the breeding programs of certain Rex breeds (like the Cornish Rex) to enhance body type or other traits.

Considerations for Crossbreeding
Crossbreeding should be approached responsibly and ethically. Breeding cats requires an in-depth understanding of genetics, the specific traits of each breed, and potential health implications. It's also crucial to consider the welfare of the cats involved and ensure that there is a market or homes for the kittens produced.

Tip
If you're considering getting a mixed breed or a hybrid cat that has Abyssinian genetics, research the specific traits and care needs of that breed. Mixed breed cats can inherit characteristics from both parent breeds, so it's good to know what to expect in terms of temperament, size, activity level, and potential health issues.