Short-haired breeds
Abyssinian: personality, life span and weight
The Abyssinian is a short-haired breed with a ticked coat, where every hair carries bands of colour, and a lithe body. It is among the most active and curious of all cats.
- Curious
- Athletic
- Loves playing with people
Abyssinian at a glance
- Adult weight
- 3–5 kg
- Life span
- 12–15 years
- Shedding
- low
- Activity
- active
- Origin
- Named after Ethiopia (formerly Abyssinia) and developed as a breed in Britain
- Coat
- Short "ticked" coat, with bands of colour on each hair
Abyssinian personality
It would rather join in whatever you are doing than sit on a lap. It spends the day climbing and exploring and gets bored when left alone for long. It is clever and learns simple games and training quickly.
Coat care and daily care
Brushing once a week is enough for the coat, but it needs somewhere to spend its energy: a cat tree, a window seat and daily hunting games. Gum disease is fairly common, so start tooth brushing early.
Health problems Abyssinian keepers should know
- Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiencyAn inherited disease that causes anaemia. A genetic test can confirm it.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)An inherited disease in which sight slowly fades. It is worth checking that the parents were tested.
- Renal amyloidosis and gum diseaseWatch water intake, breath and changes in gum colour.
These are problems reported relatively often in the breed. It does not mean every cat will have them. If a symptom worries you, see a vet.
Real Abyssinian photos from cat keepers
Photo tip It moves fast, so use burst mode. With the light behind the cat, the colour bands in the coat glow gold.
There are no public records yet. Your cat could be the first.
Add my cat and start a diaryAbyssinian questions and answers
- How long do Abyssinian cats live?
- An indoor Abyssinian typically lives about 12–15 years. Weight control, regular check-ups and indoor living all make a difference.
- How much does an adult Abyssinian weigh?
- A fully grown Abyssinian usually weighs 3–5 kg. Males tend to be larger than females, and a body shape where the ribs can be felt lightly matters more than the number.
- Do Abyssinian cats shed a lot?
- Shedding is low. Short "ticked" coat, with bands of colour on each hair. Brushing once a week is enough for the coat, but it needs somewhere to spend its energy: a cat tree, a window seat and daily hunting games. Gum disease is fairly common, so start tooth brushing early.
- What is the Abyssinian personality like?
- It would rather join in whatever you are doing than sit on a lap. It spends the day climbing and exploring and gets bored when left alone for long. It is clever and learns simple games and training quickly.