Abyssinian

The cat that never sits still

Also known as: Abyssinian cat · Aby · Abby cat · Ruddy Abyssinian

Abyssinian, a medium cat from Ethiopia (photo 2)

Abyssinian, a medium cat from Ethiopia (photo 3)

Abyssinian, a medium cat from Ethiopia (photo 4)

Abyssinian, a medium cat from Ethiopia (photo 5)

Abyssinian, a medium cat from Ethiopia (photo 6)

Photos: Burkhard Mücke (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Nickolas Titkov from Moscow, Russian Federation (CC BY-SA 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons.

Breed profile

23–30 cm(9–12 in)Height at the shoulder

3–5 kg(7–11 lb)Adult weight

12–15 yearsLife expectancy

60 min of play a dayDaily play

GroupWild-looking

OriginEthiopia / United Kingdom

SizeMedium

CoatShort, fine and ticked (each hair with bands of colour)

ColoursRuddy (usual), red (sorrel), blue, fawn and their silver versions

HypoallergenicNo

Breed dates from1868

Estimated cost in Spain*€860–1,190 a year

* An estimate for Spain in 2026 (food, litter, vet and insurance), based on the size, grooming and health needs of the breed, not on measured costs of individual cats.

What it is like

According to the best-known story, the first Abyssinian, Zula, reached England in 1868 with a soldier returning from the war in Abyssinia, present-day Ethiopia. Genetic studies point rather to an origin on the coast of the Indian Ocean and in South-East Asia, but the name stuck. Its hallmark is the ticked coat, with no stripes or spots, which makes it look like a small puma. It is one of the most active, curious and athletic cats: it explores every corner, climbs to the highest point and wants to be involved in everything. It is not a lap cat, but it is very affectionate in its own way. It meows little and softly.

Coat colours and patterns

Colours and patterns that are common or accepted in this breed. Each page explains where the colour comes from, the myths around it and other breeds that have it.

Tabby Pattern · Tabby, Striped cat

Ticked or agouti Pattern · Ticked tabby, Abyssinian tabby

Cinnamon and fawn Colour · Cinnamon, Sorrel

All cat coat colours and patterns →

Temperament

RestlessCuriousCleverAffectionate

Activity

5/5

With children

4/5

With dogs

4/5

With other cats

3/5

Ease of learning

5/5

How vocalless is better

2/5

Sheddingless is better

2/5

Brushing needsless is better

1/5

Health robustness

3/5

Indoor and flat life

3/5

Copes with being alone

2/5

For first-time owners

3/5

the more, the better the less, the better

Care

Easy coat: a mitt once a week. What it asks for is stimulation: tall scratching posts, shelves, hunting toys, puzzle feeders and play time every day. It learns tricks and walks on a harness. If it is alone for many hours, it is better with another active cat. Check its gums and teeth every few months. It is a born climber: protect fragile objects on high shelves and put netting on windows and balconies.

Health

Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK-def) and two forms of progressive retinal atrophy: rdAc (CEP290 gene), recessive and late-onset, and rdy (CRX gene), dominant and early-onset; there are DNA tests. Familial renal amyloidosis, and gingivitis and periodontitis are common. Ask for the parents' PK-def and rdAc results.

General information about tendencies in the breed, not a diagnosis. Any symptom should be checked by your vet.

Health problems to watch for

These are described more often in this breed. It does not mean a Abyssinian will have them, nor that a moggy is free of them: they are worth knowing about and discussing with your vet.

Infectious diseases Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) A disease that appears when feline coronavirus, which is very common and harmless in the gut, mutates inside the cat. Kidneys and urinary tract Chronic kidney disease A slow, irreversible loss of kidney function and the classic disease of older cats. Skin and coat Feline atopic dermatitis An allergy to things in the environment such as house dust mites or pollen. Eyes Progressive retinal atrophy An inherited disease in which the retina gradually degenerates until the cat goes blind. Inherited Mouth and teeth Tooth resorption The cat’s own body gradually destroys the structure of a tooth. Mouth and teeth Periodontal disease Plaque and tartar that inflame the gums and destroy the bone holding the teeth in place. Inherited breed conditions Pyruvate kinase deficiency An inherited defect of the red blood cells, which have a shorter life and break down. Inherited

The A to Z of cat diseases →

Fun facts

An Abyssinian called Cinnamon was the first cat to have its genome sequenced in detail, in 2007.

Zula, supposedly the first Abyssinian in England, appears in a book from 1874.

The Somali is its semi-longhaired version.

Its usual ruddy colour recalls the cats in ancient Egyptian paintings, although that does not prove an Egyptian origin.

Frequently asked questions

How big does a Abyssinian get?

An adult Abyssinian usually weighs 3–5 kg (7–11 lb) and stands about 23–30 cm (9–12 in) at the shoulder, which makes it a medium cat.

How long does a Abyssinian live?

Its usual life expectancy is 12–15 years. Living indoors, being neutered and having regular vet check-ups make the biggest difference.

Is the Abyssinian hypoallergenic?

No. It produces the usual cat allergens. If someone at home is allergic, spend time with the breed before deciding and talk to an allergist.

Is the Abyssinian good with children?

Usually yes: it tends to be patient and sociable with children. As with any cat, teach children to let it walk away when it has had enough.

How much play does a Abyssinian need?

As a guide, 60 min of play a day. Its activity score is 5 out of 5: short daily play sessions with a wand toy work better than one long one.