Abyssinian vs Domestic Shorthair
The check that settles it
Ticked tabby moggies exist and are common. The Abyssinian's fine boning, large ears and complete absence of body markings separate it.
Confirming a abyssinian
- Ticked coat — no body stripes, spots or blotches, just agouti banding on each hair.
- Faint tabby markings remain on the face, and there is a dark spine line and tail tip.
- Large ears set wide, a modified wedge head and expressive almond eyes.
- Fine boning with surprising muscle.
Confirming a domestic shorthair
- Moderate in every dimension — no exaggerated feature anywhere.
- Any colour and any pattern. Calico, tortoiseshell, tabby and tuxedo are patterns, not breeds.
- No documented pedigree, which is what a breed actually is.
- Generally healthier and longer-lived than the exaggerated pedigree breeds.