From wikipedia:

The Abyssinian /æbɪˈsɪniən/ is a breed of domestic shorthaired cat with a distinctive "ticked" tabby coat, in which individual hairs are banded with different colors. They are also known simply as Abys.

The source of the name is not because Ethiopia, formerly Abyssinia, is thought to be the original home of these cats, but because the first "Abyssinians" exhibited in shows in England were reported to have been imported to England from there. It's true origin — according to genetic studies — is likely to have been the coast of the Indian Ocean in parts of Southeast Asia and it's introduction to Abyssinia (and others) was through colonialists and merchants stopping through Calcutta.

Although regarded as comparatively obscure in the past as a breed compared to others, the Abyssinian ranked in 2016 among the top five most popular breeds by The Cat Fancier Association and The International Cat Association.

The breed's distinctive appearance, seeming long, lean, and finely colored compared to other cats, has been analogized to that of human fashion models. Personalitywise, the cats traditionally display active, curious attitudes in which they frequently follow owners around and encourage play. Their doglike characteristics also involve a particular sense of affection and desire for interaction. Abys have a distinctive wildcat look with their ticked coat and large erect ears. They are a highly social breed and can be demanding of attention. They do well in multicat households due to their social nature. Not a snuggly lap cat, Abyssinians are in constant motion, either exploring or playing.