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Abyssinian Cat Breed Information and Facts

This page is about the Abyssinian cat breed information and what it means to own one as a companion animal. If you are considering getting Abyssinian cat breed, this profile will be helpful in deciding whether or not they are right for you!

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Abyssinian cat profile picture
OriginEthiopia flagEthiopia
Other Names
What other names are there for the Abyssinian cat?
Abys
Price
What is the cost of a Abyssinian cat?
$900 to $1500
If you choose to purchase the Abyssinian cat, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and cat finder places. If you have a Abyssinian cat for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Abyssinian gets to a happy place.
Cost Of Ownership High
Breed Recognition The International Cat Association (TICA)Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA)American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA)

Abyssinian Size, Appearance and Physical Traits

Size
How big is a Abyssinian cat?
Medium
The medium-sized cats usually weigh 10-15 pounds and are 8-11 inches long from the nose down.
Weight
What is the weight of the Abyssinian cat?
Male: 8 - 12 pounds, Female: 6 - 8 pounds
Bite Force Weak Bite Strength: Less than or around 10 PSI
A weak cat bite strength, generally measuring less than or around 10 PSI, is often characteristic of smaller cat breeds like the Abyssinian or those with less-developed jaw muscles. Cats with weak bite strength pose a lower risk of causing significant harm during a bite. Nevertheless, understanding feline body language and proper socialization are vital for pet owners to prevent biting incidents. Cat enthusiasts researching gentle-biting cat breeds, feline bite force, or specific breeds like the Abyssinian will find this information valuable.
Body Type Foreign (Oriental)
Abyssinian have a slender, elongated body with a narrow chest and long legs. They often have a triangular head and large ears. Examples include the Siamese and Oriental Shorthair.
Ear Shape LargePointedWide-set
Eye Color GoldGreen
Hair Color and Pattern RuddyRedBlueFawn
Coat
What kind of coat does the Abyssinian cat have?
Shorthair
Leg Lenght Medium
Whisker Length Short
Musculature Lean
Head Shape Triangular
Toe Count 5 front4 back
Eye Shape And Orientation Almond-shaped
Night Vision
Paw Size Medium
Nose Structure Straight
Neck Length Medium
Fur Texture FineShortSilky
Bone Density Medium
Flexibility
High
Bone Structure SlenderFine
Tail Length Long and Tapered
Sleep Patterns ActiveLess Sleep

Abyssinian Special Abilities

Attention Span Long, focused and curious
Guarding Instinct Moderate
Protection Instincts Moderate
Climbing Ability High
Jumping Ability Excellent
Swimming Ability Poor
Water Affinity
Rescue Capability Poor

Abyssinian Health

Litter Size 3-5 Kittens
Special Needs ActiveIntelligentRequires mental stimulation
Breeding Requires experienced breeders, moderate litter size
Dietary Preferences High protein, low carbs
Solo Time Tolerance High
Noise Sensitivity Low
Genetic Diversity Low
Sensitivity To Changes
Medium sensitivity
Food Motivation Moderate
Feeding Schedule Twice a dayMorning and Evening
Maintenance Level Low
Exercise Needs High
Life Expectancy
What is the life expectancy of the Abyssinian cats?
14-15 years
Energy Level
How energetic is the Abyssinian cat?
The Abyssinian cat has a very high energy level.
Hypoallergenic
Are Abyssinian cats hypoallergenic?
No
Abyssinian cats don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing an allergic reaction. Some of the cat breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response.

Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the cat's skin) or saliva, not actually to cat hair.

Common Health Issues
Are Abyssinian cats a healthy breed?
High
Abyssinians tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Health Problems Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD)Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)Periodontal Disease
Climate Hot
Cold Tolerance High
Heat Tolerance High
Breeding Difficulty Medium

Abyssinian Characteristics and Personality

Common Vocalizations Quiet meows and chirps
Interaction With Other Pets Generally good, enjoys companionship
Facial Expression Alert and curious
Tail Behavior Flicks tail when excited
Explorer Instincts High
Attention Needs High
Protectiveness Moderate
Territoriality High
Independence High
Response To Commands High
Adaptability To Indoor Life High
Hunting Drive High
Play Style ActiveCuriousInteractive
Escape Tendencies High
Curiosity High
Hunting Skills High ⬆️
Reaction To Strangers Friendly
Stalking Behavior High
Aggression Level Moderate
Training Difficulty Moderate
Agility High
Travel Compatibility High
Activity
Highly Active
Compatibility With Other Animals HighFriendlyTolerant
Household Noise Tolerance High
Playfulness
Energetic Explorer. Abyssinian are extremely playful and energetic. They love constant stimulation, interactive play, and exploring their environment.
Trainability
Are Abyssinian cats easy to train? How hard is it to train an Abyssinian?
Highly Trainable: Abyssinian cat breeds are the most intelligent, responsive, and eager to learn, making them excellent candidates for training, obedience, and tricks. Examples of highly trainable cat breeds include Siamese, Bengal, and Abyssinian.
Lap Cat
Are Abyssinian cats lap cats?
Yes
This cat loves to sit on his owner's lap.
Temperament
What personality do Abyssinian cats have?
Active
Adaptability
Are Ragdoll cats adaptable?
Abyssinian cats adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Affection Level
Are Abyssinian cats more affectionate?
High: Abyssinian cats are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate cats toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy cats for those in need.
Child Friendly
Are Abyssinian cats good with kids?
The Abyssinian cat is a child-friendly breed. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Dog Friendly
Are Abyssinian cats good with dogs?
Dog-friendly: Abyssinian cats generally get on well with dogs.
Intelligence
Are Abyssinian cats intelligent? Are Abyssinian cats smart?
Outstanding: Abyssinian is one of the brightest cat breeds.
Social Needs
Are Abyssinian cats social?
Lots: this cat breed needs lots of social interaction.
Stranger Friendly
Are Abyssinian cats friendly to strangers?
Above-average: this cat breed gets on well with strangers.
Vocalization
Do Abyssinian cats vocalize?
Low
Low vocalization cats are a category of cats that typically make less noise than other cats. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including genetic disposition, health, or even personality. While some low vocalization cats may simply be quiet by nature, others may only meow when they are distressed or in need of attention. Low vocalization cats can make excellent pets for those who are looking for a feline companion that is relatively low maintenance in terms of noise.

Abyssinian Grooming

Seasonal Shedding Low
Grooming Tools Needed BrushNail ClipperComb
Dental Care High
High dental care needs cat breeds, including the Abyssinian, are more susceptible to a wide array of oral health challenges due to genetic factors, distinctive skull structures, or other breed-specific features. These feline breeds necessitate more attentive and frequent dental care routines to maintain proper oral hygiene and avert dental complications. Pet owners should prioritize consistent teeth brushing, professional dental cleanings, and veterinary dental check-ups to tackle potential issues like overcrowding, misaligned teeth, gingivitis, and periodontal disease in these high-risk breeds.
Grooming
How to groom your Abyssinian cat?
Low Maintenance
Occasional grooming is recommended to keep the Abyssinian coat in good condition.
Shedding
Do Abyssinian cats shed a lot?
Minimal
This cat breed sheds much less than the average. Brushing your cat daily will help remove loose hair before it gets on furniture or clothing. It is also recommended that you make sure your Abyssinian cat gets plenty of good quality food and water. A healthy diet will help keep your cat's coat in good condition and reduce shedding.

Abyssinian Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Energy Level: The Abyssinian cat has a very high energy level.
  • Adaptability: Abyssinian cats adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Affection Level: High: Abyssinian cats are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate cats toward their handlers.
  • Child Friendly: The Abyssinian cat is a child-friendly breed.
  • Dog Friendly: Dog-friendly: Abyssinian cats generally get on well with dogs.
  • Intelligence: Outstanding: Abyssinian is one of the brightest cat breeds.

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