Abyssinian

The Abyssinian is sociable, super-inquisitive and extremely active. According to the CFA, it leaves no inch of its surroundings unexplored and is constantly on the move unless it's asleep. If it doesn't have enough toys, it invents its own. It loves solving problems; a closed door or cabinet is just another puzzle.

It's affectionate but doesn't linger in laps: it may settle in for a moment and then get right back to business. That's not a lack of love, it's an excess of energy. When it wants attention, it often lets you know with a gentle paw rather than its voice. According to the CFA, it's not particularly talkative and is good at getting its wishes across without much noise.

It adores high places and likes to survey its home from above. Well-socialized Abyssinians adapt easily to change, and some even enjoy outings on a harness. Vet-reviewed sources also note that many Abyssinians love water.

The Abyssinian suits people and families with an active household who enjoy playing with their cat every day and aren't expecting a calm lap cat.

The CFA suggests that quieter homes consider two cats instead of one. Vet-reviewed sources also consider the Abyssinian a good choice for first-time cat owners because it's easy to care for, as long as you can set aside time every day for play and mental stimulation.

The name comes from Abyssinia, the former name of Ethiopia. But according to the CFA, that doesn't mean the breed is African: the first Abyssinians shown in England had been imported from Ethiopia, and the name stuck. Because it resembles the hunting cats in ancient Egyptian art, it was long thought to descend from them; genetic research, however, points to origins along the Indian Ocean coast and in Southeast Asia. It was most likely brought to England by returning soldiers.

The first Abyssinian seen at a cat show was "Zula," exhibited at London's Crystal Palace in 1871. The breed reached the United States in the early 1900s and was among the original breeds registered by the CFA in 1906.

A medium-sized, slim but muscular cat with a gracefully arched neck that seems to stand on tiptoe. Its ears are large and cupped, and its eyes are almond-shaped and very expressive.

• Weight: According to PetMD, 8–12 pounds (about 3.6–5.4 kg).
• Coat: Short, dense and resilient. Each hair has light and dark bands of color, called "ticking," which gives the breed its wild, shimmering look.
• Colors: According to the CFA, the most popular is "ruddy," a burnished red-brown; cinnamon, blue and fawn also exist.
• Eye color: According to the CFA standard, gold or green; the eyes are accented by a fine dark line encircled by a lighter area.

Grooming is easy. According to the CFA, combing or brushing a few times a month is enough to control shedding, and rubbing the dry coat with a chamois cloth adds shine. Baths usually aren't needed.

• Dental care: The CFA notes that some breeders teach new owners how to brush their cat's teeth to help prevent problems like gingivitis. Getting a kitten used to toothbrushing with short, rewarding sessions is the easiest approach.
• Climbing space: Tall shelves and cat trees are a must; watching its home from above helps it feel at ease.
• Play: A few hunting games a day (wand toys, balls, fetch) and food puzzles channel its energy in a positive way.
• Safety: Curious and clever, it needs screens on windows and hazardous products kept in closed cabinets.

For more ideas, see our articles on playing with an indoor cat and cats and high places.

The Abyssinian doesn't need a special food; a complete, balanced cat food suited to its age is enough. The CFA says Abyssinians love their owners, their toys and "all food," so even an active cat benefits from measured feeding.

• Decide the daily amount with your vet based on your cat's ideal weight, and measure it.
• Serving part of the food in puzzles or hiding it around the house is a safe outlet for hunting instincts.
• Count treats as part of the daily food.
• Keep an eye on water intake: if your cat starts drinking noticeably more, tell your vet (see the kidney section below).

Some inherited diseases are well known in the Abyssinian, and several have DNA tests. The information below is for awareness only; ask your vet about diagnosis and treatment.

Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK deficiency)

A recessively inherited disease that makes red blood cells break down early and causes anemia. In a 2008 study by Kohn and Fumi that followed 25 affected Abyssinian and Somali cats, 11 never showed signs; in the others, signs started anywhere from a few weeks to 5 years of age: lethargy, diarrhea, pale gums, poor appetite, dull coat, weight loss and jaundice. In a 2009 study in Australia, 5% of 60 Abyssinians and Somalis were affected and 28% were carriers. A DNA test exists, and the CFA notes that breeders can now easily remove carriers from their breeding programs.

Progressive retinal atrophy (rdAc-PRA)

An inherited eye disease in which the retina slowly degenerates; it starts late and can progress to blindness. It was first described in Abyssinian and Somali cats. The disease appears in cats that carry two copies of the variant. In a 2022 study of more than 11,000 cats, the variant was found in 18 of the 167 Abyssinians tested. A DNA test exists. A second, early-onset form of PRA linked to a different gene has also been reported in Abyssinians.

Kidney amyloidosis

A disease in which abnormally folded proteins (amyloid) build up, mainly in the kidneys, and damage kidney function. According to Science for Animal Welfare (formerly UFAW), it's more common in Abyssinians than in most breeds and runs in families, but the mode of inheritance is unknown and there's no DNA test. Signs usually start between 1 and 5 years of age: drinking and urinating a lot, dehydration, a dull coat, gum inflammation, lethargy, poor appetite and weight loss. In a five-year follow-up study published in 2015, 7 of 14 cats in one cattery had the disease while none did in the other, suggesting it clusters in certain lines. Science for Animal Welfare advises against breeding from affected cats and from cats with severely affected close relatives.

Blood type

Barrs and colleagues write that type B blood is common in Abyssinians and Somalis worldwide, while in the large 2022 DNA study none of the 214 Abyssinians tested had type B. Because results can vary by country and bloodline, the safest approach is to have your cat's blood type tested before any transfusion or breeding.

We couldn't find large, recent lifespan data for the Abyssinian like the UK VetCompass studies. Vet-reviewed sources give a lifespan range of 9–13 years for the breed. That's a general range, not a precise average; well-cared-for cats can go beyond it.

Kidney health is one of the factors most likely to affect lifespan in this breed. A vet checkup at least once a year, blood and urine tests when recommended, a healthy weight and dental care are the most concrete steps.

• Consider a shelter: Purebred cats end up in shelters and rescues too. Follow breed groups and adoption listings.
• Ask the breeder: Request the parents' PK deficiency and rdAc-PRA DNA tests. Since amyloidosis has no test, ask openly whether kidney disease or early kidney failure has occurred in the line.
• Consider two cats: If you're out all day, a playmate eases an Abyssinian's loneliness and boredom. Our guide to introducing two cats walks you through it.
• Red flags: Steer clear of sellers who won't show you the mother, always have kittens available, can't provide paperwork or rush you.
• Registration: Rules vary by country; many places require or recommend microchipping. In Türkiye, owned cats must be microchipped and registered in the PETVET system. See our PETVET and microchip guide for details.