The Abyssinian is considered to be one of the oldest known breeds. However, there are many speculations as to its history.  Abyssinians are very much like the paintings and sculptures of ancient Egyptian cats. Abyssinians today still retain the jungle look of "felis lybica", the African wildcat ancestor of all domestic cats.

The source of the name is because the first "Abyssinian" exhibited at a show in England
was reported to have been imported from that Abyssinia. The Abyssinian was first mentioned in the British book, by Gordon Staples, Cats, Their Points, Etc. published in 1874.

Studies by geneticists show that the most convincing origin of the Abyssinian breed is
the coast of the Indian Ocean and parts of Asia.*

Picture courtesy of:  Matt Baker and Stephanie Hale (visit Diva Abyssinian cattery!)
Photograph by: Chanan.

*Information obtained from the CFA Abyssinian Breed Profile