An Abyssinian Cat sitting on their owners lap

Abyssinian Cat Insurance, Care and Health Advice

Where the Abyssinian breed came from is a bit unclear. It was first believed that they originated in Abyssinia (now Ethiopia), but that they also resembled the cats of Ancient Egypt. The breed is now thought to have come from the coast of the Indian Ocean and parts of southeast Asia. It’s claimed that the first Abyssinian cat (called Zulu) was brought to the UK from North Africa by British soldiers in the 19th century.

Abyssinians have distinctive ‘ticked’ coats with bands of colour and are a popular breed. They’re intelligent, playful and make great companions. This breed guide will give you all the information you need to look after your Aby cat.

Abyssinian Cat Facts

Cat breed type icon
Type
Domestic
Cat breed lifespan icon
Lifespan
9 - 15 years
Cat breed size icon
Size
Medium
Cat breed weight icon
Weight
3 - 5kg
Cat breed height icon
Height
20 - 25 cm
Cat breed temperament icon
Temperament
Lively, affectionate and intelligent
Cat breed exercise icon
Exercise
15 mins 3x a day
Cat breed grooming icon
Grooming
Low maintenance

Is an Abyssinian Right for Me?

If you welcome an Abyssinian cat into your home, be prepared for an energetic and playful bundle of fun. They like to be busy and need plenty of space to explore and climb. These extrovert cats are good with children, multi-cat households and cat-friendly dogs and will want to be fully involved in family life. If their owner is out at work all day, they might need a companion to keep them entertained.

They don’t need much grooming but can like a lot of attention. If you’re looking for a lap cat, Abys may not fit the bill as they might not sit still for long! One thing’s for certain, life won’t be dull with an Abyssinian.

An Abyssinian kitten sitting in a basket

What are Abyssinian Kittens Like?

Abyssinian kittens are born with dark coats that lighten as they get older. Kittens are full of energy and will want to play endlessly. But make sure that they have been socialised properly from an early age to ensure that they grow into confident and happy adults.

An Abyssinian lying in their cat tree

Life with an Abyssinian

Abyssinians need physical and mental stimulation to keep them from becoming bored and getting up to mischief. It's a cat who loves lots of interactive play will be needed to keep these felines content. They love human company, and you’ll find them great fun to have around. They can be talkative with a sweet chirrup sound.

Caring for Your Abyssinian

As Abyssinians are very active cats, you won’t need to worry about them putting on too much weight. If you get an Abyssinian kitten from a breeder, ask which kitten food they’re used and how often to feed them. Keeping to the same feeding schedule will help avoid any tummy upsets. If you want to change to a different brand, it’s best to do it gradually and keep to the recommended portion size on the package.

Abyssinians have short coats that don’t need much attention. But they’ll enjoy a weekly brush or comb. You can also wipe their coats with a damp chamois leather cloth to make their coats gleam.

Aby coats come in a variety of colours. The most common is ‘usual’ or ‘ruddy’ where the basecoat is a red-brown colour with dark coloured ticking. Sorrel, blue or fawn are also popular colours. 

Graceful and athletic, Abyssinians love to jump and climb. They’ll enjoy having a high perch or cat tree, ideally by a window, so they can watch their surroundings from up high. Also, provide a scratching post and an enclosed space outside such as a catio so that they can explore in safety.

They’re intelligent and easy to litter or toilet train. They enjoy puzzle toys and can pick up various tricks such a fetch.

Abyssinian Cat Insurance

Everypaw’s Lifetime Cat Insurance could be just the cover you’re looking for when it comes to your Abyssinian. We have a range of cover levels to choose from, so there’s plenty of choice to find the one that suits you both best. All of our policies also come with additional benefits as standard, including Complementary Treatment and help towards Finding Your Cat if they become lost or stolen.

We also have Petcall, a vet helpline that’s available to you where you can speak to RCVS qualified vets and vet nurses about your Abyssinian’s health, care and well-being. Any time you need to chat, they’ll be there for you.

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Common Abyssinian Cat Health Problems by Vetstream

The Abyssinian is a healthy and robust breed. Along with the usual health problems that can be associated with ageing, the breed can be affected by some inherited conditions. Everypaw has teamed up with veterinary experts Vetstream to help you spot any signs of these.

Abyssinian cats can be affected by PK deficiency, an inherited enzyme deficiency that affects red blood cells causing anaemia. Luckily, the anaemia is usually mild and can be managed. As it’s caused by an inherited genetic mutation, there’s no cure but a genetic test can identify cats that carry the gene.

Affected cats and those that carry the gene shouldn't be bred from to prevent the condition being passed on. Ask your breeder if their cats have been DNA tested and are negative for the gene responsible for the condition.

Abyssinians can also be affected by retina degeneration. This is another inherited disease. Unfortunately, there’s no cure and the condition leads to blindness. DNA testing for the gene mutation allows affected cats to be identified, these cats shouldn’t be used for breeding.

As a result of gene testing, this condition is no longer a common problem like it was in the past.

Abyssinians have a higher risk of patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap (patella) slips out of place. If mildly luxated (dislocated), the patella can be moved back in place but if it’s severe, surgery may be needed.

Renal Amyloidosis is another inherited disease that can affect Abyssinians. In this breed abnormal protein deposits (amyloid) build up in the kidneys. This can lead to kidney failure. The condition is progressive but there are few treatment options.

Quick Abyssinian Cat Q&A

Yes, Abys are very friendly. They thrive on interaction and play with humans and other pets in the family.

Yes, but always make sure that their outdoor space is safe and secure. They’re very curious and love exploring. A catio can allow them to be outside but kept safe in an escape-proof enclosure. They enjoy being independent and spending as much time as they can outdoors.

Abys usually live to the age of 15 years, but some have been known to live to be over 20.

Yes, Abyssinians enjoy the company of dogs providing they’re cat friendly.

That’s All You Need to Know About Abyssinians

With their distinctive ‘ticked’ coat and extrovert personality, the Abyssinian is great fun to have around. Intelligent, sociable, and energetic, Abys want to be involved in whatever's going on! They love to jump and climb and play. Their short coats need little grooming, but these cats thrive on attention. If left alone all day, it might be wise to get a sibling or companion cat to keep them out of mischief.

Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Felis.

Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.

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