Which cat breed takes its name from the historical name for Ethiopia?

The Abyssinian cat breed takes its name from Abyssinia, the historical name formerly used for Ethiopia.

The name reflects an old belief that the breed originated in Abyssinia, although modern genetic research points to a more complex history involving cats from coastal regions around the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. Early imported cats with the breed's distinctive appearance were associated with Abyssinia in nineteenth-century Britain.

Abyssinians are recognized for their short, close-lying coats and agouti, or ticked, hairs. Instead of each hair having one solid color, many individual hairs show alternating light and dark bands. This produces a warm, subtly wild appearance.

The Somali is the long-haired variety associated with the Abyssinian, but it is a separate recognized breed. The Egyptian Mau is another naturally spotted breed, while the Siamese is a colorpoint breed; neither name refers to Ethiopia. Historical naming therefore explains the Abyssinian's label, not a confirmed single birthplace.