IN-DEPTH:  The Abyssinian Cavy

The Abyssinian cavy (or Aby for short) is the cavy with the permanent bad hair day. Grooming: The Aby needs occasional brushing (a toothbrush works fine).  You should brush from the middle of their rosettes outward.   Bathing is done as needed. Temperment: Aby cavies tend to be high-strung.  They have definate character but have the tendancy to be nippy.  These cavies are not for very young children because of their tendancy to bite.  As they get older, they calm down and bite less.  Abys also tend to bond to one person and are more independant.  Supposedly, they are the smartest cavies.  Satins are even more high-strung. Appearance: The body of the Aby cavy is covered in cowlicks called rosettes.  They have four running from their right side, across their back, and down to the left side.  They have two on their rump and one on each side of their hips.  There are also two on their shoulders and a moustache on their face.  They come in a variety of colors like Self (Red Self like Coco pictured above [minus the white paws]), Agouti, Tortoiseshell, and Brindle (black and red mixed).  They also come in Satin.  Satin cavies have hollow hair-shafts which gives them their shiny coat. Lifespan: It is said that Abys are the longest lived cavies but average 3-6 years.  They can live longer if well taken care of. Satins tend to have a shorter lifespan.

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