With a strikingly wild appearance, the Abyssinian cat breed resembles an extreme athlete who has just emerged from the jungle. This popular cat is lithe and elongated, boasting a lean, muscular build, a moderately wedge-shaped head, and large, almond-shaped eyes, making the Abyssinian cat a supermodel among felines. Cat lovers admire the Abyssinian for its large ears, small oval feet, and long, slender tail, all covered in a fine, short, and glossy coat. Known as an active cat, the Abyssinian cat is perfect for those seeking a playful and energetic companion.

• Life Span 0-15 Years.
• Average Weight  2.7kg to 4.5kg
• Colours  Originally seen only in a sandy wild cat reddish brown, the Abyssinian cat breed now comes in a variety of colors.

1. Abyssinian cat thrives with an experienced owner
2. Requires extensive enrichment, including simulated hunting games and interactive play
3. Highly active and curious
4. Independent yet friendly
5. Moderately talkative
6. Medium sized cat breed
7. Needs grooming once a week
8. Benefits from a mix of indoor and outdoor space
9. Excellent family cat
10. Can be left alone for a few hours regularly
11. Ideal for a relaxed home environment

Abyssinian cats may experience the following health issues:

• Pyruvate kinase deficiency: a condition causing anemia due to the death of red blood cells.
• Progressive retinal atrophy: an inherited disorder leading to the degeneration of part of the eye, potentially resulting in blindness.
• Amyloidosis: a condition where proteins are deposited in organs and tissues, potentially leading to organ failure.

Testing is available for:

• DNA testing for pyruvate kinase deficiency and progressive retinal atrophy, which determines whether a cat has the potential to be affected by these conditions.

Although not typically a lap cat, as the Abyssinian cat breed is not one to curl up and relax often, it is a highly friendly, curious, and inquisitive cat. This popular and active cat breed takes great delight in assisting or overseeing any activity you're engaged in. Owners should genuinely enjoy and be entertained by a cat eager to participate in household tasks, and be prepared to engage in lengthy play sessions to keep the Abyssinian cat content and fulfilled.

Described as intensely loyal and playful, this is a cat breed that requires owners who are frequently at home an Abyssinian cat should not be left to entertain itself without supervision!

• Family friendly 3/5
• Playfulness 4/5
• Intelligence 5/5
• Likes Other Pets 5/5
• Grooming needs 2/5
• Shedding 3/5

Although named after the country now known as Egypt, the Abyssinian cat breed did not originate from Egypt. Studies by geneticists indicate that the most likely origins for this beloved cat breed are the coast of the Indian Ocean and parts of Southeast Asia. They acquired the name due to the first of these cats imported to the UK being brought from Egypt, and they do closely resemble cats depicted in ancient Egyptian paintings and sculptures. The Abyssinian cats were first exhibited in the UK in 1871 at Crystal Palace, and it appears that they were brought back to the UK following the departure of British troops from Abyssinia in 1868, possibly during or after the World War.

The Abyssinian cat would undoubtedly enjoy being an outdoor cat, given its friendly, active, curious, and strikingly beautiful nature. However, allowing them outdoor access poses risks, such as theft, and they are likely to become unpopular with neighbors. An outdoor Abyssinian may casually enter other people’s homes, supervise their activities, and help themselves to food and items that catch their interest. For these reasons, Abyssinians are often better suited as mostly indoor cats with access to secure cat runs or 'catios,' or ideally, a fully secure, cat-fenced garden.

If kept indoors only, extensive cat trees and jungle-gym equipment should be provided, and interior décor should be considered carefully. This is a cat that loves to be up high and will enjoy knocking things down from shelves and other surfaces. Therefore, accommodating the Abyssinian cat will require adjusting your home and lifestyle accordingly.

The Abyssinian cat needs ample space for exercise and play. Given their fondness for climbing and elevated spaces, providing extensive cat trees or an environment that allows them to satisfy this behavior is essential. They are highly inquisitive and trainable using positive reinforcement methods. It is recommended to engage them in training and enrichment games, encouraging them to work for some of their food to keep their minds and bodies active.

Each cat is unique, with its own specific preferences and dietary needs. However, as carnivores, every cat requires 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients varies depending on age, lifestyle, and overall health. Therefore, it's understandable that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different nutrient balance in their diet compared to a less active senior cat. It's also important to consider feeding the right quantity of food to maintain an 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines, as well as catering to individual preferences regarding wet or dry food recipes.

With its clean and short coat, the Abyssinian requires minimal grooming. A weekly check and polish with a bristle brush are usually sufficient. Notably, a greasy or scurfy coat can be an early sign of illness, making regular grooming essential for early detection.

As with all cats, regular vaccination and parasite control are recommended. It's crucial to discuss these matters with your vet.

If you enjoy a cat involved in everything you do, Abyssinians are bundles of fun! They aren't particularly loud, and although they are chatty, it's more of a quiet chirrup than a jarring yowl. However, living with an Abyssinian can be quite demanding. Think of them as cat shaped dogs, and you'll have a better idea of the attention they require. They are best suited to homes without children, or with children old enough to respect a cat's space and be relied upon to keep the cat indoors unless there is a secure outdoor space available.