The Abyssinian is one of the most active, curious and athletic cat breeds. Lean and muscular, an Aby rarely sits still and burns a lot of energy. Here’s how to feed an Abyssinian kitten and adult so it stays fit and healthy.
Does an Abyssinian Need Special Food?
No cat breed needs a special food to be healthy. Like any cat, an Abyssinian needs a complete and balanced food (labeled as meeting AAFCO nutrient profiles in the US, or as a “complete” food under FEDIAF guidelines in the UK) that suits its age, weight, activity and health. Some brands make breed-specific foods, and they can be a convenient choice, but a good-quality complete food for the right life stage works just as well. Because Abyssinians are so active, they generally do well on a food rich in good-quality animal protein.
Feeding an Abyssinian Kitten
Abyssinian kittens are very energetic and need a complete, energy-dense kitten food with plenty of protein, offered as several small meals a day.
- when you bring your kitten home, keep feeding the food it ate at the breeder or shelter for the first week or two, then switch gradually;
- feed a complete kitten food (or an “all life stages” food) until about 12 months old;
- kittens under 6 months usually need three to four meals a day; from 6 months, two to three meals a day is usually enough;
- always provide fresh water;
- don’t give cow’s milk, which can cause diarrhea.
Read more about feeding a kitten.
Feeding an Adult Abyssinian
Most adult Abyssinians stay lean because they’re so active, but neutered or indoor Abys can still gain weight. Keep an eye on body condition and adjust portions. Puzzle feeders and food-hunting games suit this clever breed well.
- feed measured portions, using the feeding guide on the pack as a starting point, and adjust to keep your cat at a healthy weight (you should be able to feel the ribs easily);
- include some wet food every day to help with hydration and urinary health;
- keep treats to no more than 10% of daily calories;
- weigh your cat regularly and see your vet for an annual checkup;
- if your cat has been spayed or neutered, its calorie needs will be lower. Read more about feeding a spayed cat and a neutered male cat.
Health Issues and Diet
- Gum and dental disease, which is common in Abyssinians. Brush your cat’s teeth regularly and get regular dental checkups. Read more about gingivitis in cats.
- Renal amyloidosis, an inherited condition that affects the kidneys; see your vet if your cat drinks more, urinates more or loses weight.
- Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), inherited conditions that responsible breeders test for.
If your cat has a health condition, your vet may recommend a specific or prescription diet. Don’t give supplements or change to a prescription diet without your vet’s advice, and see your vet if your cat’s appetite, weight, thirst, stools or coat change.
What About Homemade Food?
Homemade diets are very difficult to balance and are often missing essential nutrients, such as taurine and calcium. If you want to feed homemade food, use a recipe formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Never feed your cat foods that are toxic to cats. Read more: foods cats should never eat.
Read more about the Abyssinian breed and what to feed a cat.
