Abyssinian cats, also known as ‘Abys’, are never happier than when in human company and are an affectionate and playful breed. They have a lot of love to offer their human companions and, once they feel comfortable and safe in your home, won’t hesitate to show their buoyant personality traits.
Facts & advice
Abyssinian
A playful friend who loves human company
Vital stats
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| Size: | Medium |
| Coat: | Short and dense |
| Life span: | Up to 15 years |
| Temperament: | Mischievous, intelligent, loving |
Abyssinian personality & temperament
The Abyssinian cat’s personality is chatty and inquisitive, and they make lovely feline companions for both pets and children.
- The Abyssinian might look graceful and petite, but their personality is more boisterous than their regal bearing suggests.
- These cats also have a surprisingly good temperament with dogs as well as humans – despite their well-known cautious streak. However, every pet is an individual so make sure you introduce your Abyssinian to other pets carefully and on their terms.
- Abyssinian cats are quietly chatty with an appealing chirpy voice and won’t be shy about reminding you it’s dinner time.
- While Abyssinian cats are content in their own company for short periods of time, they are happiest in company – long spells alone aren’t recommended.
- They might not be lap cats, but Abys usually adore people and can make fantastic companions. They are well suited to households with older children who are able to recognise if a cat needs their own space.
- Abyssinian cats often retain a kittenish character throughout their life. They love to play games, especially with cat toys. They respond well to praise and can surprise you with their talent for tricks.
Abyssinian food & diet
This active breed requires a high-protein diet to keep them going.
- While you may be asking yourself what Abyssinians cats eat, there’s no specific cat food for this pedigree breed – but a regular high–protein, grain–free diet is best, as advised by your vet.
- Abyssinians are a slender breed who often work off their dinner through their active play.
- Abyssinian cat diets, as with the diet of any cat must be appropriate for age and life-stage. The best food for Abyssinian cats will differ between kittens and senior cats in line with their nutritional needs.
- All cats are obligate carnivores, which means the best diet for your Abyssinian will be meat–based.
Abyssinian grooming & coat care
Abyssinians have a short, sleek coat that is relatively low maintenance, but they’ll love to bond during grooming sessions!
- Abyssinian cat coat colours range from chestnut reds to cinnamon browns and striking blues.
- The Abyssinian cat coat is short and dense. Each hair is striped along its length, giving the coat a layered look and a slightly shimmering effect.
- Brushing once a week is usually sufficient, though this loving breed will likely enjoy the extra attention grooming brings if socialised to it as a kitten – and it’s a great way to bond with your cat!
- Grooming sessions are also a great opportunity to look for fleas, lumps and bumps, and any skin issues to catch any problems early on.
- There are plenty of options for cat grooming brushes and kits online – but remember that not all cats like the same treatment, and you may find that you need to change tack to keep your pet comfortable.
- Like all cats, it might also be necessary to trim your cat’s claws if they get too long, especially in older cats. Vet nurses can clip claws or show you how – and you can watch a video for grooming tips here.
Abyssinian training & behaviour
Quick to learn and fun-loving, Abyssinian cats love toys and games, are rewarding to train and require a lot of play and mental stimulation.
- This active and intelligent breed will thrive with an owner who has lots of time to play and interact with their cat.
- Lively games, toys and plenty of interactive play will keep this intelligent and curious breed content. If you’re looking for a calm lap–cat, the Abyssinian isn’t for you – they love to play, learn tricks, and can even be quite the performer.
- Abyssinian cats respond well to praise and positive reinforcement techniques, such as clicker training. They can even be trained to go on walks and taught to fetch - much like dogs can.
- Strong, active and athletic, Abyssinian cats love to climb and stretch. Some height in their environment is crucial and access to outdoor space would be hugely beneficial for them.
- The Abyssinian cat temperament means they are curious, which can lead to friction with locals as they explore their neighbourhood. These factors have led Abyssinian cat owners to think about contained outside areas like cat runs or ‘catios’, especially as Abyssinians are accomplished hunters.
Common Abyssinian health conditions
As a cat owner you will want what’s best for your pet’s health so they can live a long, happy life. Like all breeds, Abyssinians are prone to certain health conditions. To help you be more aware and prepared for these potential ailments if they should arise, we have put together information on the health issues that we see the most in Abyssinians.
Like most breeds, Abyssinians may suffer from gum and dental disease during their lifetime. Gum disease occurs when some (or all) of a tooth’s deep supporting structures become inflamed. This begins when food, bacteria and minerals accumulate along the gum line, leading to the build-up of a brown scale known as tartar. When this undermines the gum the condition is called gingivitis. Eventually, small spaces can form between the gums and the teeth creating pockets of space for bacteria to grow, resulting in what is known as periodontal disease. The bacteria from infected gums can spread around the body and damage the liver and kidneys. This condition can be prevented with basic routine care such as feeding cats dry food and brushing their teeth, helping them to lead a normal, pain-free life.
Infections are caused by viruses and bacteria and can be transferred from cat to cat through bite wounds. When cats fight (which is common outside of their normal social group) they often bite each other, transferring harmful viruses and bacteria into the soft tissue, which can become infected. Puncture wounds are often not obvious, but can result in fever and lethargy. Antibiotics, pain relief and sometimes lancing of the abscess is required to resolve the infection. Viral infections such as feline leukaemia and FIV (cat AIDS) are not curable, although feline leukaemia is easily prevented by a simple vaccination.
Abyssinians, like other cats, can suffer from problems in the lower respiratory tract (the trachea and the lungs). Feline asthma, for example, occurs when allergies and irritants cause the lower airways (bronchi) and lungs to become inflamed and sensitive. Symptoms include coughing and wheezing. While asthma is not curable, it is manageable with various long-term medications including tablets, injections and even inhalers.
The Abyssinian, like all cats, can suffer from problems affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The GI tract is a long, winding tube that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus, with various twists and turns along the way. Conditions such as gastroenteritis caused by infections (like feline enteritis), poisoning or an obstruction within the bowel (due to the cat eating string, for example) commonly cause vomiting and/or diarrhoea. Treatment depends on the exact cause, but prompt intervention usually results in a full recovery.
Cats’ kidneys are responsible for filtering the waste products from their blood into their urine. Abyssinians may be affected by kidney disease caused by infections, blockages, tumours or toxins (especially licking anti-freeze) as well as age related changes. Chronic kidney disease occurs when the kidney function deteriorates gradually over a period of time. Treatment depends on the cause and the extent of damage, but usually begins by flushing the kidneys using intravenous fluids, followed by special diets and medications. Unfortunately kidney disease is irreversible, but with the right support many cats can enjoy a reasonably normal life.
What to know before you buy or rehome an Abyssinian cat
The Abyssinian cat personality is friendly and outgoing – that, combined with their attractive appearance, can make them prime targets for thieves.
- Keeping Abyssinian cats indoors is possible, but will need careful planning with thought for stimulation, sufficient resources, climbing and exercise.
- Due to their intelligence, outdoor space is recommended to stimulate them and keep their days exciting.
- Abyssinian cats can make great companions for other pets, if they are well-socialised and equally matched, as well as older children who can understand their cat’s body language.
- People with demanding jobs or travel schedules should probably think twice before getting an Abyssinian kitten due to the breed’s need for company.
- The Abyssinians intelligence and boisterous nature can translate to mischief – so make sure your cupboards are secure before bringing home an Abyssinian cat!
Abyssinian frequently asked questions
It is rumoured that the Abyssinian cat breed came to Britain via Ethiopia in the 1860s, but you can trace its DNA all the way back to Southeast Asia.
The Abyssinian cat is one of the oldest breeds of domestic cat, appearing strikingly similar to the cats in Egyptian hieroglyphics. They closely resemble mummified cats found in ancient tombs. The sand–coloured coat of the ‘Usual’ or ‘Ruddy’ Abyssinian makes them fit for Ancient Egypt.
Abyssinian cats have been a favourite at cat shows for 150 years; according to YouGov, this gorgeous breed is ranked number 16 of the UK’s favourite cat breeds. They come in a large variety of colours, including the Silver series.
Abyssinian cats are among the most ‘canine’ of cats – their ability to fetch, learn tricks and their tendency to follow to heel lead many owners to liken them to owning a dog. This might be helpful in understanding whether they’d be the best breed of cat for your home – if you’d prefer a quieter, more cuddly cat, why not look at the British Shorthair or Birman?
Yes! Abyssinian cats love human company. They are clever, playful, stubborn and funny. They can even get depressed when they feel like they’re not getting the attention they deserve, so it’s important anyone considering this breed as a pet has the time to spend with their pet.
Abyssinian cats are often nicknamed ‘Abys’ by their owners. Their playful nature means they have been called ‘the clowns of the cat kingdom’.
Abyssinian insurance considerations
Abyssinians sometimes suffer with certain health conditions and may require treatment. Petplan cat insurance offers peace of mind that they will always be protected.
We always offer these things as standard:
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy & pet therapies
Along with physiotherapy, which is covered within the Vet Bills benefit, we also cover Pet Therapies like herbal medicine, homeopathy and acupuncture. You can also claim for hydrotherapy, up to £500 per illness/injury in dogs and cats (no additional limit for rabbits).
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