Abyssinian Cat - The Abby, as we call it, is one of the oldest pure breeds of cat.

The origins of this sleek, short-haired feline is a mystery, but it resembles the images of the cats featured on Egyptian tombs. The dark bands across each hair give the coat its distinctive ticked pattern. The colours of its coat include tawny, cinnamon, blue, fawn and silver.

Abyssinians are similar in shape to Burmese and Siamese cats but have larger ears. Like other Asiatic cat species the Abby can be dog-like and loves to play - it even retrieves. While it's loyal and enjoys company, it isn't partial to sleeping on laps. This breed is low maintenance and life expectancy is about 12-15 years.

Make sure you check with the breeder for two rare conditions: Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency and amyloidosis.

Stockist: Nile Abyssinians

See more on Friday the 16th of March and the feature article in the April issue of Better Homes and Gardens - on sale now.