Aby-a-Day – May 30: “Red” (Saturday Photo Hunt)

This week’s Photo Hunt subject is “Red.”

This is an easy one! Angel is a red Aby!

But it’s not at simple as that, because Angel isn’t really red. Her colour, genetically, is cinnamon, a dilute of the brown gene. True, sex-linked red in cats is a completely different gene.

You see, in non-Abyssinians, the red gene in cats is sex-linked, and only carried on the X chromosome. Females are XX, and males are XY, of course, so the Y doesn’t contribute to a cat’s colour. Red is also dominant, so if it’s present, no other colour can manifest…unless it’s on the other X in a female. So, a female can either be red-red, red-not red, or not red-not red. Males can only be either red or not-red. Red females, contrary to popular belief, aren’t “rare,” they’re just statistically less likely, since the chances to have a red female are shared with the chances to have a red-not red, or tortoiseshell, female. It’s a bit confusing, I know. Maybe that’s why the “red” in red Abyssinians isn’t really red. It’s definitely easier that way.

True sex-linked red does exist in Abys, but it’s not recognised by all registries; the CFA does not recognise it all. The true sex-linked red Abyssinian is bright orange with a red tail tip. It is important for breeders to know whether they have sex-linked red or non-sex-linked red as this will affect the breeding program. Where there is sex-linked red, there can also be tortoiseshells. Tortie Abyssinians do occur, but since the breed does not permit white, these are always brindled rather than “calico.” The combination of brindling and ticking can make it almost impossible to determine whether a female is tortie or not just from a visual inspection. Sometimes a female Abyssinian is only known to be a genetic tortie when she produces a mix of red and ruddy kittens!

Abys are Everywhere – Dr. Elsey’s Sneezing Kitten

How cute is this little guy? I found him at the top of the Catshows.US website when I went to enter the Seacoast Cat Show the other day.

I mean, how can you not follow that link to Dr. Elsey’s litter?

Abys in Need: Falstaff in Pittsfield, MA

Okay, everyone in New England who’s been wanting an Aby…I have a sweetheart for you!

“Falstaff is a purebred, neutered male red Abyssinian. He’s nearly 10 years old, but doesn’t know it. He’s athletic and figured out how to jump up onto the refrigerator where we kept his food. It’s no longer there, but we may need to keep it under lock & key!”

Hmmm…perhaps they should have named him something other than Falstaff; Abys have a way of living up to their names, so maybe Hostess Quickly nailed it when she said, “He hath eaten me out of house and home, he hath put all my substance into that fat belly of his…” Except this boy doesn’t look all that fat!

“Falstaff is located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, which is in the western part of the state. My daughter is out of the country for an extended time. My husband has a debilitating condition, and when he retires in June, 2015, we will sell the house & move to Florida.

Unfortunately, Falstaff has scratched up our furniture & window sills. When Falstaff was a kitten (he was born in our house), he scratched on a tower, which fell over on him. Since then, we’ve tried to interest him in scratching pads, boards, etc. He’ll have nothing to do with them. He enjoys chasing laser beams and paper balls.

We really don’t want to put him in a shelter if we can help it!”

If you are looking for an older (but by no means “old”) Aby with a lot of personality, contact Helen Came at hcameandall5@gmail.com.

Aby-a-Day – September 24: Wordless Wednesday (Le Petit Garçon)

Abys in Need: Abe in Atlanta

This adorable guy isn’t exactly “needy” but he does need a forever home!

He’s currently being fostered by The Tucker Farm with a batch of very interesting rescue dogs.

According to their Facebook page, “Our latest foster is a male Abyssinian cat. This guy was living outside for a few months before approaching a friend. We’ve been searching for his owners, but no leads so far. He is declawed on all 4 paws, so be certainly should not be outside. He has some serious dental issues that are making him quite uncomfortable, but he is starting to settle into our crazy household.”

He seems to have made himself right at home!

They think that he is 4 years old and he is not at all afraid of dogs.

Can you believe that, as of yesterday, there are still no applications to adopt this personable boy? The Tucker Farm is raising money to have his bad teeth extracted, but after that he should be ready for an Aby household to manage. If you’re interested in him, contact the Tucker Farm via their Facebook page or through their website.

Abys in Need – Red Female in Wilkes-Barre, PA

No name, no age…but definitely an Aby.

I got this via email and don’t have any more details than what’s below.

My name is Vickie, I’m a supervisor at the Luzerne County SPCA…located in Wilkes Barre, PA. We have an Aby (at the very least 95% Aby). We received her as a stray awhile ago. She’s shy and nervous and yet very sweet and loves attention.

She’s spayed and I’m hoping there’s a local rescue closer to our facility for placement. I don’t want to see her go to just anyone unless they’re familiar with the breed. I believe she’s a Ruddy, she’s rust/white. If you have anyone that I can contact please email or call the shelter at 570-825-4111.

Well, she’s definitely a purebred red/sorrel Aby, and she looks so scared and confused! If you’re in PA and need an Aby, here’s your chance! Contact the shelter and get this poor girl without a name out of there.

Abys in Need – Chile in Texas

Got this through one of my Aby rescue lists:

“My name is Beth Jones and I am helping a shelter in Pampa, TX that has three volunteers that work very hard to get babies to safety. There is an Aby there who is already neutered.

Here is what the staff has to say about him: Chile is a gorgeous red color with slightly crossed amber eyes……makes him sooooooo cute! Personality plus…..wants to be held while purring up a storm and rubbing his cheek to yours. However, needs to be the only cat.

Chile is around one year of age. Please let us know if there is an opening for him with you! Thank you for looking, Beth 580-583-7837.” Sounds like someone is about to get really lucky! Chile sounds like a super sweetheart!

Aby-a-Day – October 18: Cat show fashionista (Fashion Friday)

Today, on a special Fashion Friday, I wanted to show you this really adorable girl who came to see the show on Sunday and enchanted both my friend Molly and me.

Molly even let her cuddle with her boy Nik (Ch. Pentaclecats Nikolai of Tigerflower, who only needs 12 more points to get his Grand)! Molly herself followed a long New York fashion career – on staff at Mademoiselle and Glamour Magazines, freelance writing for Town & Country, wardrobe and speech writing for the Miss America pageants…no wonder they hit it off!

Sadly neither of us can remember her name! I did give her a blog card, so maybe she’s reading this and can help me out. Isn’t she adorable? She reminds me of Zooey Deschanel (in a good way, if you don’t happen to like Zooey Deschanel – which I do).

But what you can’t see in my photos (because I stupidly forgot to take any of them) are the fabulous black cat stockings she was wearing!

Truly one of the best-dressed cat show spectators I’ve ever seen! I just wish I could remember her name to give her a proper shout-out.

Found Sorrel/Red Boy in Surrey, UK

Someone in Britain is surely missing this handsome man! And just look at that tail! That’s not Photoshopped!

“He is around 12 – 18 months old, a neutered sorrel male, not microchipped and had no other means of identification. He turned up in a back garden around the middle of June, in Camberley, Surrey.

We brought him into foster care at the beginning of July and have named him Lisso. We have had him vet checked, he is in excellent health and has been well cared for. He is very affectionate, definitely a “people” cat…He plays well with the cats in the foster home, except for another young male who he terrorises!

As you can see from the photo he has a extremely long tail, which he seems unaware of, in that if he walks along a shelf, everything will be knocked to the floor by his tail!

If anyone does recognise him, we would be extremely grateful for any information regarding his background and original home. We will be rehoming him, but will be listing him with the Abyssinian Cat Club rather than using our normal methods. We are always careful with rehoming pedigrees, as they can fall into the wrong hands so easily,.

If anyone needs to contact me, it would be better to use my personal mobile no 07785 724194.

If you need any further info, please let me know.

Kind regards
   
Clare Burch
Operations Director”

I know I have some readers in the UK, and every little bit helps. I think this boy just decided to have an adventure and went on walkabout, but his humans are probably besides themselves with worry.

I’m not certain of the rescue he’s with, but I suspect he may be with Camberley & District Cats Protection; I don’t have an email, so if you think you know where he belongs, it’s probably best to phone the number above. I hope he finds his way home soon!

Abys in Need: Skyler in Davis, CA and Ramses in Kirkland, WA

Two new Abys have come up on the Aby rescue groups this week.

First we have Skyler, a lovely red Aby in my hometown of Davis, CA. Skyler is being rehomed through Angel’s alma mater, Purebreds Plus:

“As you can see Skyler is a beautiful 2 year old Abyssinian girl and she’s looking for a very special “forever” home. Skyler has very definite likes and dislikes. She really likes chicken and tuna but doesn’t particularly like salmon or shrimp. But she LOVES the dehydrated chicken that comes in those zip lock bags and she can hear the bag being opened from the other room. Her human Mom says she’s spoiled, but Skyler thinks she just has good taste.

Skyler is owned by a local Abyssinian breeder and she wants to very best for Skyler. Skyler isn’t happy in a multi-cat household. Skyler’s mom promised that she could go to her own home where there were no other cats. A small dog or a big one that’s kinda sweet and goofy like a Retriever, might be OK. Skyler is spayed and vetted.

If you might be interested in sharing your home with a young red Abyssinian girl who needs to be an only cat, contact Karen at (707) 301-6425 or by email at karpahler@yahoo.com if you have questions, or send an Adoption Application.

Please note that Skyler is not in a Purebreds Plus Cat Rescue foster home but residing with her owner in the North Bay who is placing her. Purebreds Plus Cat Rescue is helping facilitate the adoption of this cat. We take no responsibility for health and medical records of this cat. It is the responsibility of the owner and adopter to discuss this. Adoption fee applies.”

Then we have Ramses, a handsome 11-year-old blue Aby with a sad story:

“Ramses originally came to MEOW as an abandoned cat, found thin and emaciated in a backyard. Turns out Ramses has Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which interferes with digestion. This poor boy was starving to death! His disease is now well-managed with a special diet and an inexpensive oral steroid. Being able to absorb nutrients has made him not only healthier but also more active.

Ramses is a high energy, affectionate lap cat who loves people. He needs a home to run around in with a lap nearby for cuddling once he’s tired himself out. He is thrilled to be cradled like a baby, and even more thrilled if you let him give you kisses! Ramses can be dominant with other cats and would most likely do best as an only cat. He co-exists okay with most of the other cats in his foster home if they keep their distance.

Ramses is currently living in a foster home. To meet him, fill out an application (available at the MEOW website and at the shelter) and bring it to the shelter for an approval interview. After approval, we’ll put you in touch with Ramses’s foster parents. Please see MEOW’s website for adoption policies, shelter hours, and directions. DOB 10/01/2002.”

Aby-a-Day – November 12: Pretty in Pink (Hipstamatic Monday

Angel’s pink kitty wig just begged for Hipstamatic photos to be taken.

I love how the different films and lenses interpret the pink and Angel’s red/sorrel. They really seem to favour warm tones.

Of course, sometimes Hipstamatic doesn’t care if you’re snapping something colourful…

Angel is such an Aby at times. She seems to share the “not minding being dressed up” gene that Jacoby, Toki and Wiggy have.

Either that, or she’s just a super good sport.

This last shot was taken with the new Rock the Vote – Shout! film Hipstamatic just released a few weeks ago.

Abys in Need: Magnolia and Susana in NC Need a New Home (EDIT: Adopted!)

Edit: Good news! These two girls found a new home – together – this afternoon!

Thanks to Merry, Hobbes and Louie for this heads-up:

Two beautiful Abyssinian cats lost their owner in a fatal car accident and need a good, loving forever home. Magnolia is 4 and Susana is 2. They are both spayed and up to date on their shots. We would like them to go together but will entertain other options to get them into a good home.

(If I had to guess, I’d say Magnolia is the red/sorrel and Susana is the ruddy…)

Please call Phil at 919-619-6803 or email Storkman7@aol.com.

How sad! This is the sort of thing I always worry about with my kitties. I don’t know exactly where in North Carolina these two girls are, but I think they’re somewhere around the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine in Raleigh.

Aby-a-Day – October 9: Paw & (dis)Order: Case Closed (Cartoon Tuesday)

All’s well that ends well.

I couldn’t resist throwing in a David Caruso joke. Although, technically, he’s more of a Red than a Ruddy.

(Click cartoon to embiggen, or you can view all cartoons in Slideshow mode on Flickr.)

Abys in Need: Four older Abys looking for homes

In the past few days, I’ve gotten a few emails about Abyssinians looking for homes.

The first is Aries, a 10-year-old ruddy/usual boy in Annapolis, MD.

According to his human: He is a great cat, about 10 years old and very friendly towards humans. He’s not social with other cats at all, but loves human company. I have had him since he was 5 months old. My kids are all grown and I am planning on moving on to our sailboat this winter.

Aries is not taking well to living on the boat, so I took him back home. At some point in the upcoming couple months I need to figure out what to do. We really love the cat, but I am not keen on the idea of delaying my
sailing adventures for an unknown number years. Neither of the kids are in a position to take the cat in.

Aries is very healthy. He does have the common Aby dental issues and has about half his teeth. We brush them, but a year ago, the vet recommended removing quite a few. He has all his shots, and I can take him for a checkup before someone adopts him. The breeder was in southern Virginia, when I used to live there. I did not have a sales contract, and I don’t have her contact info anymore. I am most concerned about a good home. Attached is a photo of him I just took minutes ago, and a couple cute ones.

He likes ice cream, cream cheese, and looking in mirrors.

If you’re interested in Aries, contact Eric Epstein by email or call him at 410-575-4001

Next we have a red/sorrel girl, whose name was not included in the email. Her story is a bit sad: I live in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. In June I purchased a retired female Abysinnian from a breeder in Greensboro.

I had previously owned Burmese cats. I fell for how beautiful the cat was but did not realize Abys are not lap cats. Also, the breeder assured me I could move her back and forth between my home in Asheville and my home in Chapel Hill; but that is not true at all. I have no choice but to go back and forth every couple of weeks for several days at each home; so I must find another home for the cat. Also, I am leaving for China next month and must find a home for her as soon as possible.

I have taken good care of her. Last week I took her to the vet to have her teeth cleaned due to severe gingivitis and stomatitis. She had to have 10 of her teeth removed, and that has stopped her drooling. She had not had proper dental care in the cattery. The vet was shocked at her lack of dental care but is confident that the problem has been addressed and will discuss her health records with any potential new owner.

Since I brought her back from the vet, she seems angry and afraid of me. I have always been gentle with her except the morning I took her to the vet. It was hard to catch her to get her in her cage. And she got upset. There had been no previous upsets. She wants to hide under the bed or sit on the screened porch. Sometimes she will want me to pet her; then she will run away as if she thinks I am a threat.

I have been so careful with her, and I have never had this situation with previous cats. I really feel bad about this situation, because I really like her. The cat is five years old. She is beautiful, and I am sorry I cannot keep her.

If you’re interested in this pretty girl, contact John Presley by email or call 828-337-1638.

Finally, Chris with Merrydancer Abyssinians posted this note on my Aby list: I have someone in London who had a Black Silver and a Ruddy/Usual from us in 2007, needing to rehome them – both neuter boys. Does anyone know of anyone looking for two adult boys? Their names are Beau and Bae.

I don’t have a photo of these guys, but you can see other Abys from Merrydancer on the website; if you want to know more about them, send Chris an email.

Photos of Ramsey at HOME

Just got some photos of Ramsey safe at home with his human and his dog:

“Pictures of Ramsey from this morning with Matt, on his regular bed, and with his dog, Buddy.”

I love that Ramsey has this huge, cushy bed, and his dog sleeps on the floor!

A Happy Ending! Ramsey has been found!

Wonderful, great good news! Ramsey has been found! Here’s the email from his human, Matt:

Please relay this message to all who contributed in our search!

I’d like to update everybody one last time, by saying that WE HAVE RAMSEY, AND HE’S ON HIS WAY HOME!

I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every person who has guided, aided, and advised us along our journey to get our Aby back. I’m at a loss for words when I think about how quickly and effectively I received loads of information and hands out to help when I was in need. This community is truly amazing, and I’ve never seen anything like it before. You’re all wonderful people who took precious time out of your day to help a family in need, and it makes it especially worth it that he’s alive, healthy, and most importantly, back with us. Your advice truly worked…we had no idea what we were doing, and we may have never gotten him back if not for the constant thoughts, advice, and prayers from members of this community. I know I will probably never meet many of you in person, but I extend a very big hug to each and every one of you for helping get our little friend back. I love Ramsey with all my heart, and I could never give up on finding him. He was lost for almost 7 days, 300 miles from his home, in a desolate, sleepy town filled with predators such as coyotes, bobcats, foxes, stray cats, guard dogs, snakes, mountain lions, hawks, and a major highway. This is a story of epic proportions, and best of all, a happy ending. Ramsey will be home from his trip in 1 hour, and I look forward to sleeping soundly in my bed tonight knowing he’s safe and back with us. Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart. You are all extraordinary people, and I will never forget you. I vow to help any pet owner in need from now on, by whatever means I can, because without people like you, I may have never gotten him back.

Thanks again, and PS, photos will be up tomorrow [on Facebook] after he has settled a bit.

– Matt

I have to say, I’m relieved, too! I know if Jacoby ever did anything like that, I’d be frantic.

I also thought you’d like to read some of the reactions that were sent to the Aby Rescue list by others who have been following Ramsey’s story:

“YEAH !! so, so happy and relieved for you. was thinking of him (and you) daily. My Aby once fell out of a 6th story window in NYC and I looked day and night for him, so I could feel your pain (he was found and barely injured ) sleep tight!” – Basinger01

“So happy you hsve Ramsey back. I know how I would have felt had been my Aby. There was little I could do in Massachusetts but send prayers hopeful thoughts I’m just you have him back.” – Janeanne

“This has been my entertainment, its so nice when a book has a happy ending. Welcome home Ramsey!” – Gayle

“I was silent online, but cheering everyone on to find him. Truly wonderful news…Thanks to Matt for not giving up!” – Vicki

“I have followed this from day one. I would be lost without my Abys. I am so happy for you! Can’t wait to see pics. Do you have a Facebook page? Would love to be friends.” – Rebecca

“I have to tell you my story: I gave my male Aby, Delta, to my ex-husband. He moved from Seattle to San Mateo, CA, to his sister’s home (Delta and I had not been together for over a year). My ex let Delta out of his carrier in the car and forgot. When he arrived at his sister’s house, Delta jumped out of the car and ran away in a stange neighborhood.

When he told me, my heart broke. I was also mad at my ex, but what could I do? A later call from him verified that Delta was in the area but would not come to him. That’s when i drove to San Mateo, sat on the curb and sang and talked to him. He never forgot my voice, he never forgot how much he was loved, and he came to me because I pretended to ignore him. Delta lived with me for 5 more years. I’m glad your story has a happy ending.” – ArlyRedWine

“What great news!! I have thought of Ramsey all this week, praying that he would be found safe. I am sure he and his family are extremely tired today. Many thanks to you and all others who spread the word about Ramsey.” – Marsha

“God, I love a happy ending, and that one was especially scary due to those circumstances. Bless you all, and Matt, you and your family are great, you didn’t give up. Best wishes!” – Gary

“Amazing story and thanks to all who had a hand in getting Ramsey back to his family.” – Barbara

So, yay! Ramsey is safe and sound, with all 9 lives intact!

Abys in Need: Update on Ramsey

Good News! I just got this email about a half hour ago:

RAMSEY WAS SPOTTED!! He’s healthy and OK. He walked into somebody’s house, and the owners cat had him cornered in a room with his tail in the air and back arched. The owner picked him up and said he was fine and took him out to his sealed off barn so he wouldn’t get out, then went to get water and food for him, and he jumped out the only window again. But just knowing he’s alive, and well…..such a relief. He was literally 200ft from where we lost him.

The owner of the house he walked into did not know he was a missing cat, but knew he was a pet since his harness was still on. I posted flyers at the post-office, and wouldn’t ya know it. The owner went in today to pick up his mail, saw the poster, and called me.

Heading up there tonight to find him again. My parents are already on their way, and are hopeful he will come out to his calls since he seems to be more confident in walking about at night. I just hope he isn’t too confident and wandered off, though it seems he also ate half the chicken we left for him on Monday night.

Any suggestions given the current circumstances are appreciated!

Lost in an unfamiliar place, scared, hungry…and marching into someone’s house? Yeah, that sounds like an Aby. I hope they manage to capture him soon, though…it makes me so nervous to think of him out there in the wild.

Aby-a-Day – August 30: Does she or doesn’t she?

I got this wonderful soft, floppy stuffed kitty and was amazed to see how closely its colour matched Angel’s fur.

For the record, it is incredibly difficult to find stuffed toy kitties with short hair that are solid mahogany or caramel brown with no white or tabby markings.

I was very pleased with this kitty, needless to say.

Angel…somewhat less so.

But she’s adaptable.

Other People’s Abys – Calendar Cats

It seems like it’s been a while since we’ve had a Page-a-Day Calendar cat, doesn’t it? Well, meet Dixie from Pound Ridge, NY:

Abyssinians have become wildly popular, in part because of their unique beauty (they are depicted in Egyptian artworks), and in part because of their personalities. “Abys,” as they are affectionately known, are athletic and playful, but also extremely loving toward their owners.

Can’t argue with that assessment! However, this isn’t the only calendar Aby for July. There was also another red/sorrel featured on July 8th, but since that happened on a Sunday (and my Page-a-a-Day Cat Calendar is at work), I missed posting Samson from Cincinnati’s photo until now.

I love his little cowboy hat!

Abys in Need – 10 year old red/sorrel girl in Florida

I don’t know a whole lot about this girl…All the email said was:

“We have a 10+ yr old spayed and declawed girl who needs a home ASAP. Please let me know as the shelter is maxed with cats.”

Isn’t she a sweet-looking girl? She really reminds me of Angel. I don’t know her name or what happened to her nose, though. She is being kept at the Seminole County Shelter in Sanford, Florida. You can contact Mary Beth Lake by email or call 407-665-5206.

However, it appears that she at least has a foster home; I just got a second email from another person which said:

“I am working with Mary Lake to see if we can get her released to Purrs and Whiskers Shelter. I will pick her up tomorrow and shelter her in my home until we can get her adopted.”

If you know of a home for an older Aby, let me know and I’ll pass the word along.