Abyssinian Guide
About the Abyssinian cat breed
Weight: Males 3 - 5 kg, females 2.5 - 4 kg
Wither height: 25 - 30 cm
Energy level: Energetic
Lifespan: 12 - 15 years
Social need: Great
Colours:Plain, with four basic colours: Venal (warm brown), Sorrel (cinnamon), Fawn (beige), and Blue. Chocolate and Lilac also occur in the breed.Health problems: Generally healthy, but can be prone to serious conditions like the inherited eye disease Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and the blood disorder Pyruvate Kinase deficiency (PK deficiency). This breed also has an increased risk of developing diabetes.
Personality of an Abyssinian
Abyssinians are an active, playful, and sociable breed. They love to be involved in everything, enjoying cuddles and playtime with both people and animals. They thrive with feline company, so a cat friend is highly recommended. Abyssinians need plenty of stimulation, activity, and challenges to stay happy and well. They are intelligent cats with a strong need for exercise and a love for hunting. They can adapt to both indoor and outdoor living, provided they have ample opportunities to roam. Their intelligence also makes them very trainable; for instance, they can easily learn to walk on a lead.
Looks and fur care of an Abyssinian
Abyssinian Appearance and Coat Care
The Abyssinian is a medium-sized, slender, and muscular cat, often likened to a mini-puma. Key features include large, expressive eyes, tufts on the ears, and their signature "ticked" coat. This ticked pattern means each hair shaft has two or more bands of colour, layered over a base colour, creating a unique, shimmering effect. The coat is short, fine, and soft, with minimal undercoat, making it very easy to care for. A weekly brush is usually sufficient to keep it in good condition.
Health problems in an Abyssinian
Health of the Abyssinian
Dental Health
Did you know your cat needs their teeth brushed? Daily brushing is the best way to prevent dental disease like periodontitis. You can find out more in our app. Periodontal disease is common in cats and often linked with FORL (Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions). While it can be a challenge, your cat can learn to accept tooth brushing with patience and tasty rewards. Our app course will guide you through how to do it.
Poisoning Dangers
Many common items can be toxic to cats, and you might not realise it. For example, certain plants are poisonous – find out which ones in the Lassie app. Other dangers include chocolate and rodenticides. Always store anything hazardous to cats where they absolutely cannot reach it.
