Paired with a colorful coat, a lean muscular body, and high levels of intelligence, the Abyssinian cat will keep you on your toes. This breed of cat is extremely inquisitive and performative, so you will find yourself laughing often and closing many cupboard doors. If you’re looking for a low-key and docile cat, you won’t find that in the Abyssinian.
The Abyssinian is not an overly large cat breed, which makes climbing and mischief-making a lot easier (as well as a lot sneakier). These cats need stimulation throughout the day and enjoy entertaining their family members, awarding them the reputation of class clown.
If you want a lively, intelligent, elegant, and affectionate kitten, the Abyssinian has likely crossed your mind. Can you handle this high-spirited feline? Keep reading to find out if the Abyssinian cat is right for you.
| Abyssinian cat | ...at a glance |
|---|---|
| Personality | Energetic, intelligent, adventurous |
| Life expectancy | 9-15 years |
| Weight | 6-12 lbs |
| Coat & colors | Short, dense; red, ticked tabby |
| Energy level | High |
| Affection level | High |
| Friendliness | High |
| Shedding level | Low |
| Required grooming | Low |
Overview of an Abyssinian cat
The Abyssinian cat is considered a small to a medium-sized cat. They have long, slender, and muscular bodies, but their light weight makes them agile and quick.
Though small, their personalities are very large; they’re the center of attention in their households. This cat might look like a mini-mountain lion slinking around your house, but fret not! It's just your Abyssinian.
Weight
The lightweight Abyssinian cat has high activity levels and doesn't spend too much time lying around. A female Abyssinian cat will typically weigh between 6 and 9 pounds, while a male is 7 to 12 pounds.
Length
The Abyssinian is quite long and slender, appearing larger than they actually are. Most Abyssinian cats will range from 12 to 16 inches long from the tip of their nose to the end of their tails.
Coat
The Abyssinian coat is medium-short in length and dense to touch. It is very soft and fine and comes in a few different coat colors. Their ticked tabby coat is known for its ruddy or reddish-brown bands of color, but they can also feature coat colors such as chocolate, cinnamon, blue, lilac and fawn.
The eye color of an Abyssinian will usually be gold or green, a beautiful contrast from their coats.
Lifespan
The Abyssinian cat is generally a healthy breed and easy to care for as an indoor cat. They stay active and have a hearty appetite, which helps to maintain their weight. With proper care and nutrition, they can live between 9 and 15 years.
History of the Abyssinian Cat
Like many ancient cat breeds, it’s difficult to pinpoint when the Abyssinian cat that we know and love today originated. There are several legends and lores around this breed, so it’s up in the air.
Based solely on their names, it’s possible that they originated in the country Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) and were the cats depicted in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. These cats were thought to be the manifestations of gods and goddesses and were favored by the pharaohs.
While they look similar, there is no written documentation showing further similarities between the cats depicted in hieroglyphics and the current-day Abyssinian. Other people believe that the cat was created in England by breeding silver and brown tabbies.
Some genetic testing has reasoned that the Abyssinian cat breed’s ancestors likely came from parts of Southeast Asia along the coast of the Indian Ocean, brought over by British and Dutch traders. Other accounts say that British soldiers in the 19th century brought them back from North Africa in the Abyssinian War.
Like many other cats, the Abyssinian breed was almost decimated during World War II, and British breeders worked to save the breed. When the cat was transported to American shores, they flourished and gained popularity.
Today the Abyssinian breed is very popular and well-loved by families all over the world. If you’re up for a lively and fearless cat taking over your home, this might just be the kitty for you.
Price of an Abyssinian cat
Abyssinian cats are an incredibly popular breed due to their striking looks and engaging personalities. As such, they can be quite expensive to buy.
A purebred Abyssinian kitten from a reputable breeder typically costs between $500 and $1200, depending on the lineage, coat color, and other factors. This price can climb if you're looking at Abyssinians with show-quality traits, which can range from $1200 to $1500.
If you're considering adopting an adult Abyssinian from a rescue or shelter, the cost can be considerably less, typically ranging from $100 to $200. This is a wonderful option, as it gives a home to a cat in need and is more affordable.
However, remember that the initial cost of acquiring your Abyssinian is just the beginning. There are ongoing costs associated with cat ownership that must be taken into account, including food, litter, toys, grooming, and boarding or pet-sitting costs. Routine veterinary care is another significant cost to consider, as annual check-ups, vaccinations, preventative treatments for fleas and worms, and unexpected health issues can add up.
Overall, it’s safe to say that while Abyssinians can be more expensive to acquire than other breeds, their loyal companionship, playful nature, and striking appearance make them well worth the investment for many cat lovers.
Characteristics
The Abyssinian cat appears relatively slender, with thin-boned legs and a short coat. They have long tails that are the same length as their bodies, which adds to their long and lean wildcat look.
Abyssinian cats have wedge-shaped faces with bright green or gold almond-shaped eyes. They have semi-large ears that are pointed and alert at all times. This adds to the illusion that they are constantly listening to your every move, and well, they might be.
Looking for a family friend for your cat? The Somali cat has the same genetic stock but sports long hair. This long-haired breed has a fluffy, fox-like tail and a full ruff around the neck, giving them an even more wild and exotic appearance.
Personality traits
Curious
Abyssinian cats are well-known for their lively and curious nature. They are independent creatures that love to explore their surroundings. Their curiosity often leads them to investigate every corner of their environment, so don't be surprised if you find your Abyssinian in the most unexpected places.
Friendly
Despite their independence, Abyssinians are also quite friendly and affectionate. They’re fairly social cats that enjoy interacting with their human companions, although they prefer to do so on their own terms. They are not the type of cat that will constantly meow for attention, but when they're in the mood for affection, they will happily accept cuddles and scratches.
Energetic
One of the key traits of Abyssinians is their high energy level. They love to play and are always on the move. This makes them an excellent companion for other energetic pets in the house. Whether it's a cat or a dog, your Abyssinian will enjoy having a playmate with a similar energy level.
When playtime comes around, they can usually find ways to entertain themselves, but they love when their family gets involved. Pulling a toy on a string, playing fetch, or even just tossing crumpled balls of paper at your Abyssinian will satisfy their activity and attention requirements from you. Puzzle toys are great for the highly intelligent “Abys”.
While Abyssinians certainly have an energetic nature, they also know when it's time to relax. They may not be the type to curl up on your lap, but they will certainly enjoy lounging next to you on the couch. They appreciate quiet moments of companionship just as much as their playtime.
Attention seeker
The Abyssinian cat wants your attention and will do anything for it. They will play games with you, get into your cabinets, and climb to the tallest points in your rooms.
Owning a cat tree or having dedicated perching spots will make your Abyssinian very happy. If you’re looking for a chill and laid-back cat, you will not find that in the Abyssinian.
Though not typically vocal, they will exude a deep purr while receiving pets from a loved one. Similarly, while you are trying to enjoy a meal, your Abyssinian will be very engaged, purring and demanding more of their favorite cat food.
Essentially, the Abyssinian is a breed full of contradictions. They are independent yet affectionate, energetic yet calm, curious yet content. This unique combination of traits makes them a fascinating and rewarding companion for any cat parent.
Caring for this breed of cat
Even though they need a lot of attention and playtime, the Abyssinian is otherwise a low-maintenance cat. They don’t require intense grooming, as their short, glossy coats don’t shed a lot.
The Abyssinian’s ears are pointed, making it easier for dirt and debris to build up and risk infection. You should monitor their ears for signs of infection, including odors and red or inflamed ears. If you see signs of build-up, whether wax or dirt, you can clean their ears with a soft cotton cloth. Avoid using a cotton swab, as this could damage their ear structure.
While the Abyssinian is not as picky as other cats might be, they still prefer a clean litter box. If you can keep up with an Abyssinian, you’re probably a naturally busy or energetic person who can’t be home 24/7.
That’s where a self-cleaning litter box like Litter-Robot comes in handy. Your Abyssinian’s litter box will always be clean for them, and you won’t spend time scooping.
Possible health issues
The Abyssinian is generally healthy. They may have endured thousands of years on this planet and can easily adapt to new feats. Still, like any other cat, health problems may arise, so it’s important to know what to look for.
Periodontal disease is very common among cats, but can be treated with brushing at home or dental cleanings at your vet.
Additionally, your Abyssinian cat could face patellar luxation, a condition that dislocates the kneecap. This condition can be genetically inherited or caused by physical trauma, but it effectively weakens the ligaments and muscles around the kneecap. Surgery can be performed to help strengthen the ligaments, but it’s a long recovery process, and keeping your Abyssinian still for that long can be quite the task. A lap cat they are not.
Abyssinians are also prone to anemia from pyruvate kinase deficiency. Additionally, you'll want your vet to keep an eye out for amyloidosis and progressive retinal atrophy. Regular vet check-ups and proactive monitoring can help catch these conditions early and ensure your Abyssinian stays healthy.
Adopting an Abyssinian cat
This domestic kitty has been a cat show favorite since taking third at the First Crystal Palace Cat Show in 1871. They are a winner in the show ring and a winner in our hearts.
Adopting an Abyssinian will bring you lots of fun, playtime, and laughter. If you want a companion that will be loyal and loving to you while also bringing energy and joy to your life, the Abyssinian cat might be the one for you.
When given proper care, love, and attention, the Abyssinian will become a family favorite. Just a heads up: You might need to buy some extra storage for your phone because your camera roll will soon be flooded with adorable videos and pictures of all your Abyssinian cat’s antics!
Remember that Abyssinian cats are highly sought after and you can expect to pay between $500 and $1200 for an Abyssinian kitten from a reputable breeder.
Sources:
- Abyssinian | Breed Of Cat | Britannica
- Dental Disease In Cats | VCA Animal Hospitals
- Luxating Patella | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Erythrocyte Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PK Deficiency) | UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory
- Why did Ancient Egyptians Love Cats? | UCL Researchers in Museums
- Somali | VCA Animal Hospitals
