The Abyssinian is a loyal friend who will always be by your side. These cats are interested in everything going on around them; they follow their people around and want to help with everything. The breed’s habits are surprisingly dog-like, and you can only envy an Abyssinian’s energy. A regal look, a predator’s grace, and a big, loving heart: how could you not fall for that combination?
What else can Abyssinian cats surprise you with? Is this breed hard to keep? How should you handle them? What should people who choose this breed be ready for? Our article answers all of these questions and more.
Abyssinian Personality and Traits at a Glance
| Affection for family | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★☆☆ |
| Health | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Playfulness | ★★★★★ |
| Vocality | ★★★★★ |
| Good with kids | ★★★★★ |
| Friendliness toward strangers | ★★★★★ |
| Ease of grooming | ★★★☆☆ |
| Gets along with other pets | ★★★★☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
Tolerance for being alone: 2
These cats don’t like being alone, so if you’re often away from home for long stretches, it’s a good idea to have another pet in the house.
Abyssinians are very people-oriented and love spending all their time with you. Yes, a curious, active pet will find something to do while you’re gone, but it will still feel uncomfortable.
Shedding: 3
The Abyssinian’s short coat sheds heavily when the cat is stressed.
During shedding season, use a deshedding tool. The rest of the time, the coat won’t be a problem; brushing your cat once a week with a natural-bristle brush is enough.
Activity level: 5
If you don’t like busy little “zoomers,” the Abyssinian isn’t for you. Choose a lazier breed, such as the Scottish Fold or the British Shorthair.
These cats are incredibly active. They love climbing high and perching up top, but they don’t like sitting in laps. They adore exploring everything. Whatever their owner is doing, they’re always somewhere nearby. Observant, curious, and very sweet, they’ll never let you get bored. They’ll watch TV with you, tracking the moving objects and actors, and “read” a book with you, following the movement of your eyes. Female Abyssinians are more active than males.
Vocality: 5
The Abyssinian is quite chatty and loves to meow and purr.
Its voice is sweet, soft, and thin, like a little bell. These cats like to “talk” to themselves as they stroll around the house. Their chatter is unlikely to annoy you. But they can be incredibly loud and persistent when they want to lure you out of the bathroom.
Good with kids: 5
The breed gets along wonderfully with kids of all ages.
They become nannies to babies, guarding their sleep for hours and calling the parents when the baby wakes up. With older kids, they happily play active games.
Attitude toward guests: 5
These active, curious cats quickly make friends with strangers and will happily meet them at the door.
Abyssinians see guests as one more thing to be curious about and explore. They show open interest in visitors and are pleased when newcomers pay attention to them.
Gets along with other animals and dogs: 4
These cats get along great with other pets (including dogs). They know how to build even, friendly relationships.
Busy people are advised to get a second pet. Companion animals keep the cat from getting bored while you’re away. With other pets, Abyssinians take on the role of leader. Birds and rodents are at risk.
Ease of care: 3
Abyssinians are easy to train, smart, and very clean. You won’t have any trouble caring for them.
The only thing to keep in mind is their incredible energy and love of heights. You’ll need to build or buy tall (floor-to-ceiling) cat trees or activity centers.
Intelligence: 5
Sharp intelligence and natural curiosity are the Abyssinian’s hallmarks.
These cats quickly understand what their owner wants. They can learn some of the tricks and commands that dogs usually perform. As is typical for cats, an Abyssinian usually chooses one person whose commands it will follow. At the same time, breed experts note that Abyssinians are especially demanding of their owners.
Health concerns: 2
The breed is prone to a number of rare genetic conditions, so it can’t be called healthy.
Many of these conditions can be detected with genetic tests, so ask breeders for the results when choosing a kitten. Read more about the diseases typical for Abyssinians in the “Health” section.
History of the Breed
The Abyssinian is an ancient breed. According to one theory, these cats have lived in Abyssinia (their homeland, now known as Ethiopia) for more than two thousand years. Images of cats resembling the Abyssinian have been found next to images of pharaohs.
Modern genetic data shows that the first cats of this breed appeared in the coastal areas of the Indian Ocean or Southeast Asia. British and Dutch merchant sailors may have brought them from there.
The cats were brought to America from England in the early 20th century. Today, the breed is one of the five most popular cat breeds in the US. After World War II, the breed nearly disappeared in Europe, but determined breeders brought the Abyssinian back.
Today, the Abyssinian is recognized by all major international cat organizations, and its description is included in the TICA, CFA, and WCF standards.
Appearance
Abyssinians are medium-sized cats: petite, not very tall, muscular, and athletic. Their distinctive features are a rare ticked coat, their size, a predator’s grace, a regal posture, and a slender build.
WCF Breed Standard
- Body. Not large. Flexible and muscular.
- Head. A moderate wedge with slightly rounded contours.
- Muzzle. With a slightly curved, softly contoured profile.
- Neck. Slender and graceful.
- Ears. Large and wide at the base. Set wide apart. Rounded at the tips. Ear tufts and a thumbprint-like mark on the back of the ears are desirable.
- Chin. Firm.
- Nose. Moderate length.
- Eyes. Large and very expressive. Almond-shaped and set wide apart. Color ranges from amber to green, with black “eyeliner” around the eyes.
- Legs. Long and slender, with well-developed muscles.
- Paws. Oval and narrow.
- Tail. Long and thick at the base, tapering toward the tip.
- Coat. Short, very fine, and glossy. Lies close to the body. A small, dense, springy undercoat.
- Color. The standard recognizes 4 main colors: RUDDY, BLUE, SORREL (reddish-brown), and FAWN (like coffee or cocoa with milk), plus 4 silver varieties: BLACK SILVER, BLUE SILVER, SORREL SILVER, and FAWN SILVER.
- Weight. Females: 6.5–10 lb. Males: 9–12 lb.
- Height at the shoulder. Not specified by the standard. On average, males are 12–12.5 in and females 10–11 in.
- Lifespan. 15 to 20 years.
Abyssinian Cat Colors With Photos
As we mentioned, there are only four main colors in Abyssinian cats (photos below).
- Ruddy is the most common Abyssinian color. It has shades of ochre with dark brown or black. There are black markings on the face and the tip of the tail.
- Sorrel (or red) is completely different. Cats of this color have a reddish-ginger coat, with clearly visible chocolate-brown markings on the face and tail.
- In the blue color, the body has warm beige and gray tones, and the markings on the face and tail stand out in slate-gray shades.
- Fawn is a light brown color with darker markings (the color of cocoa or coffee with milk).
Living With and Caring for an Abyssinian
To be completely happy, an Abyssinian needs a warm, draft-free spot to rest and sleep, a big vertical activity center for active play, and lots of love and attention from its people.
What an Abyssinian Needs
It’s important to make your home as safe as possible for this extremely curious, active cat. Windows should have sturdy cat-proof screens, outside doors must always be closed, and all dangerous objects and cords should be securely put away. Abyssinians can climb and jump to any height, so “putting something away” means putting it somewhere truly out of reach, not just somewhere higher up.
Curiosity and the urge to explore everything can lead an Abyssinian to unpleasant habits like stealing. They may sneak food off your plate and eat it. They may also make off with something completely inedible or take a bite out of a houseplant or flowers from a bouquet. Be careful: don’t leave cats alone with dangerous substances, and get rid of any toxic plants.
To burn off their energy, Abyssinians need plenty of space where climbing is allowed. If you don’t set up a special activity center, they’ll climb on kitchen counters, jump onto the fridge, kitchen cabinets, and wardrobes. Always check the oven, washing machine, and microwave so you don’t accidentally turn on an appliance with a cat inside.
These cats demand attention. They love being close and may constantly wind around your feet. They move and change places so fast that you may think you have several cats in the house. Keep this in mind as you move around your home, and always check the rooms you’ve just left so you don’t accidentally shut your Aby in a closet.
In many ways, Abyssinians act like dogs. For example, they quickly get used to a collar and harness, and you can take them for walks outside. It’s best to walk your cat in your own yard. Letting an Abyssinian off the leash isn’t recommended because it isn’t safe: these cats are very curious, and there are so many dangers outside!
What Care Involves
The cat’s short, glossy coat doesn’t need special care. Brushing it weekly with a natural-bristle brush is enough. Make sure your grooming tools don’t have sharp parts; the Abyssinian’s skin is very delicate and easy to injure. During heavy shedding, you can also use a deshedding tool or a rubber grooming mitt to remove all the dead hair.
As with other breeds, bathe Abyssinians only before shows or when they get very dirty. You can also bathe them during shedding season to speed up the process. Don’t bathe them unnecessarily, so you don’t wash away the protective oils in the coat. Some Abyssinians simply love bathing, though, and you can let them splash in a tub with their favorite toys.
Trim overgrown claws with special clippers once every 2 weeks. Do it carefully, cutting off only the curved, clear tip of the claw so you don’t damage the blood vessels. But don’t think regular trimming will break the cat’s natural instinct. Abyssinians need a scratching post, ideally several. They quickly learn to scratch where they should.
The breed is prone to periodontal disease, so from an early age, get your kitten used to tooth brushing with a special brush and the toothpaste your vet recommends. If you can’t brush daily, do it at least once a week. Dental treats that your cat can chew on also help. They clear soft buildup from the mouth; tartar is removed at the vet clinic.
Clean discharge from the Abyssinian’s eyes with a soft cloth or cotton pad moistened with warm water. Use a separate pad (or piece of cloth) for each eye. You can also use special eye rinses from a pet pharmacy. If you notice heavy or pus-like discharge, take your cat to the vet right away.
Check the Abyssinian’s big ears weekly. Clean away dirt and wax with a cotton pad or ball moistened with mineral oil. Don’t use cotton swabs to clean the ear, since they can injure it. Use ear drops for cleaning only after talking to your vet.
Abyssinians are very clean and won’t use a dirty litter box. So you’ll need to scoop it regularly and change the litter. For convenience, you can set up two litter boxes, so if one gets dirty, your cat can use the other. Cats of this breed are quick to litter train and don’t have accidents.
How Much Does It Cost to Keep an Abyssinian?
Owning an Abyssinian comes with an initial investment and regular monthly expenses. Before getting a cat of this breed, work out your budget carefully.
What to Buy Before Your Kitten Arrives
Essentials:
- Three bowls (for water, wet food, and dry food). Ceramic or stainless steel. Price: $10–$30.
- A litter box. Covered: $30–$80. Or with high sides: $15–$40.
- A natural-bristle grooming brush: $10–$20.
- A tall vertical scratching post: $40–$100.
- Toys. Don’t buy toys with feathers or other parts that can be torn off and swallowed; that’s dangerous and can cause an intestinal blockage. Price: $20–$60.
- A carrier. Fabric carriers and plastic carriers for small dogs won’t work; clever Abyssinians can easily get out of them. You need a hard plastic (enclosed) carrier with a metal door. Price: $30–$60.
- A bed. You can make one yourself or buy one for $20–$50.
Extras:
- A vertical activity center or cat tree with a scratching post. Price: $100–$450.
- Nail clippers. Price: $8–$15.
- A harness and leash, if you plan to walk your cat outside. It also comes in handy for vet visits. Price: $15–$35.
- Cat-proof window screens. Price: $30–$80.
- A deshedding tool (such as a FURminator). Price: $20–$40.
- A play tunnel. Price: $15–$35.
Beyond the initial costs, caring for an Abyssinian will cost $700 to $1,300 a year.
The final budget depends on the type of feeding, the brand of litter, the grooming products you use (shampoo, conditioner), and the cost of preventive vet care.
Health and Common Diseases
This active, athletic cat gives the impression of being perfectly healthy.
However, the breed is prone to a number of inherited conditions:
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency. This condition most often affects Abyssinian and Somali cats. Pyruvate kinase is an enzyme responsible for producing energy in red blood cells. Cats with this condition develop anemia. Signs include lethargy, loss of appetite, and yellowing of the skin. It’s detected with screening tests.
- Renal amyloidosis. This condition disrupts protein metabolism in the kidneys and leads to kidney failure. It shows up as digestive problems, with alternating diarrhea and constipation.
- Progressive retinal atrophy. A degenerative disease that leads to blindness. Typical signs: refusing to use stairs and fear of dark rooms.
- Luxating patella (dislocated kneecap). This inherited condition limits mobility. It varies in severity, and severe cases are treated surgically.
- Feline hyperesthesia syndrome. A neurological disorder in which the cat is constantly agitated and extra sensitive to pain. It reacts abnormally to touch.
- Psychogenic alopecia. A behavioral disorder in which the cat licks and plucks at itself so much that it loses fur and develops dermatitis.
Besides genetic conditions, Abyssinians are prone to the following diseases:
- Periodontal disease. These cats tend to develop gum disease early. Careful oral care and regular vet visits are important.
- Allergies. The Abyssinian is an allergy-prone breed, often reacting to food.
Of course, you can’t completely protect your pet from genetic conditions. But you can, and should, ask breeders for genetic test results. This lowers the risk of getting a kitten with poor genetics.
To reduce the chance of other diseases, keep up with parasite treatments, stick strictly to the vaccination schedule, and give your pet high-quality, balanced food.
On average, preventive care will cost $300 to $600 a year.
In the first year, budget for spay or neuter surgery for your Abyssinian kitten: about $150–$500.
Feeding
You can feed Abyssinians natural foods or commercial cat food. It’s best to choose one type of feeding right away so you don’t experiment with your cat’s digestive system. Both types have their pros and cons.
Raw and Homemade Diet
A natural diet doesn’t mean food from your table. It’s a specially designed, balanced diet that contains all the micro- and macronutrients and vitamins your cat needs to grow and develop. Animal protein should be the foundation of the diet; in the wild, cats eat only protein.
What an Abyssinian’s diet should include:
- Raw meat: chicken, turkey, lean beef, rabbit. Freeze the meat in a deep freezer for at least 3 days first. Before serving, thaw it at room temperature and cut it into pieces.
- Tripe and chicken necks. Serve the necks raw, pounded with a mallet first.
- Ocean fish. Serve fish 1–2 times a week, cooked and boneless.
- Quail eggs (raw), 1–2 times a week.
- Vegetables, cooked and raw. You can give carrots, beets, zucchini, pumpkin, broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, bell peppers, and green peas.
- Fermented dairy: cottage cheese (0–1% fat), plain unflavored yogurt, and fat-free kefir.
- Fruit: apples, pears.
- Fresh greens: lettuce, beet and turnip greens.
- Brewer’s yeast.
- Dried kelp.
- Vitamin and mineral supplements, chosen for your cat’s age and physical condition.
The daily portion is calculated individually for each cat based on its weight, age, activity level, and health. The average formula is 7–7.5% of the cat’s body weight.
This diet may cost $50 to $80 a month.
Important!
Abyssinians have unusual tastes in food. Offer them a bit of avocado, melon, or watermelon, and they’ll appreciate the treat.
Commercial Cat Food
If you choose this type of feeding, go for high-quality super-premium and holistic foods. They have well-designed ingredients, a good balance of protein and fat, and all the necessary minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. Cheap economy brands can seriously harm your pet’s health. The ideal protein content in commercial food is no more than 35%.
Recommended brands available in the US:
- Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin, for allergy-prone cats;
- Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Duck, a single-protein formula based on duck;
- Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original, a high-quality super-premium dry food;
- Royal Canin Indoor Adult.
Calculate the daily portion individually, following the instructions on the package; it depends on your pet’s weight, age, and activity level. On average, Abyssinians need 1.6–2.3 oz of dry food a day. Split this amount into two meals (morning and evening).
Food will cost about $25–$55 a month.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Abyssinians live as house cats?
With good living conditions, sound genetics, and proper care, Abyssinian cats can live up to 20 years.
How much do adult cats and kittens weigh?
Adult cats weigh an average of 10–12 lb. By 6–7 months, a kitten reaches up to 75% of its adult weight.
Do they like being held?
These cats love spending time with their owner, but don’t expect an Abyssinian to sit in your lap for hours. They prefer a more active lifestyle. Don’t force them into your arms; it won’t end well. The most they’ll give you is sitting next to you.
Can they live outdoors?
The Abyssinian, like all other cat breeds, isn’t meant to live outdoors. But these cats can happily go for walks on a leash.
How aggressive is the breed?
Abyssinians are very impulsive and active. Add sexual frustration to that temperament, and you can get an explosive mix. That’s why vets recommend spaying or neutering if you don’t plan to breed.
Do they like to scratch and climb?
The Abyssinian is a bundle of energy. They always need to climb onto something, preferably something high. They probably won’t climb your curtains; that’s what bookshelves, tables, and cabinets are for. They take to a scratching post well if trained from a young age. Without proper training, they’ll scratch rugs and couches.
Is this breed hypoallergenic?
No. The idea that Abyssinians are hypoallergenic is a myth. Before getting a kitten, make sure you’re not allergic to it.
Does the coat need grooming?
The Abyssinian’s coat is short, soft, and glossy. To keep your pet looking beautiful and well-groomed, the coat needs care. It’s easy: brush it with a natural-bristle brush once or twice a week, and daily during shedding.
What eye colors do they have?
An Abyssinian’s eye color fully develops at 10–12 months. In some cats, the final shade appears only at 2–3 years. Eyes can be yellow, amber, light green, or green.
Is the breed prone to heart disease?
No. The breed has a number of genetic conditions, but heart disease isn’t among them.
At what age do they stop growing?
On average, males and females stop growing at 12–15 months. By then, they’ve reached their adult weight and their final eye color. The coat color keeps developing until 1.5–2 years.
How do they feel about water?
Abyssinians are one of the few breeds that like water. Kittens enjoy splashing in a tub with toys, and adult cats may even shower with their owner.
Reviews From Abyssinian Owners
Tatiana: “I bought my Abyssinian from breeders who, it seems, never even let the kittens out of their cages. Maybe that’s why my Kysya is so grateful that I rescued her from that ‘captivity.’ She’s unusually affectionate and very dignified. She isn’t picky about food and eats both natural food and commercial food. I’ve found only one flaw in my beloved Kysya: she can’t stand other animals around, so with an Abyssinian at home, a puppy or a second cat is out of the question.”
Vladimir: “Abyssinians are ‘perfection squared.’ This feline god of beauty has lived with us for a year and a half, and I can now give an informed opinion about the breed. The breed is smart: our cat learned to use the litter box very quickly. The breed is sensitive, in the sense of having a sensitive stomach. Food is a problem. He won’t eat dry food, and regular food gives him either a rash or vomiting. Otherwise, he’s the perfect cat, friendly and affectionate.”
Marusya: “He’s literally a cat-dog. He’s ready to do laundry, clean, type, and watch football on TV with you. You can always talk to an Abyssinian; you just need to understand what he’s trying to say with his meow. It’s a pity he usually doesn’t sit in your arms; he lasts for literally one or two strokes. But he sleeps only under a human blanket. Some people might not like that, but our family loves this elegant hot-water bottle.”
Abyssinian Kitten Price
An Abyssinian kitten’s price depends on its looks, color, purpose (breeding or companion), and pedigree. In the US, a kitten from a registered breeder typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000. Kittens in rare colors can cost even more.
What Affects the Price of a Kitten
A kitten’s price depends mostly (85%) on its class:
- SHOW: kittens with breeding rights that compete in shows. Price: from about $2,500.
- BREED: healthy kittens with no genetic conditions and good traits; they can be shown. These cost about $1,800–$2,500.
- PET: companion cats. These cost about $1,000–$1,800.
Besides class, the price depends on the kitten’s looks, bloodline, health, and sex.
Important!
Female kittens usually cost more than males.
Where to Buy an Abyssinian Kitten in the US
Think about why you want the cat. If you plan to breed, buy only Abyssinian kittens with papers, from reputable breeders or catteries. If you want a cat for your home, you can find a cheaper one, but it’s still best to buy from the same breeders or catteries.
Start with the breeder directories:
- CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) Find a Breeder – https://find-a-breeder.cfa.org/;
- TICA (The International Cat Association) breeder listings – https://tica.org/find-a-cat/find-a-cat-breeder-listings/.
Some US Abyssinian catteries:
- Abystocratic (Fairfax, Virginia; TICA) – https://abystocratic.com/;
- Cedarwood Cattery (Altona, New York; CFA and TICA; also breeds Somalis);
- Dakkarai Abyssinians (Southern California; CFA and TICA).
Similar Breeds
If you’re not sure whether to get an Abyssinian kitten, take a look at other breeds. Bengal cats are very similar to Abyssinians in their energy level and dog-like habits. And many people can’t tell Somali cats from Abyssinians at all. They really do share many personality traits.
Sources:
http://www.vetstreet.com/cats/abyssinian#1_0rlcvc6j
