Abyssinian — breed guide
A perpetual-motion shoulder cat for households that want a participant, not an ornament.
At a glance
- Group
- shorthair
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 3–5 kg (7–11 lb)
- Life span
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Short ticked coat with a wild, ruddy glow
Living with a Abyssinian
- Very high energy — built for work and long days out.
- Almost no grooming.
- Light shedding.
- Quick to learn.
- Quiet.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Generally content living with another cat.
- Suits apartment living, given its daily walks.
- A reasonable choice for a first-time owner.
- Handles warm weather well.
- Feels the cold.
Temperament
Busy · Athletic · Inquisitive
Health to watch
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Did you know
Often called the "clown of the cat kingdom" — Abys supervise everything you do.
Questions people ask
Is a Abyssinian good with kids?
Generally yes. Abyssinians are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Abyssinian good with other cats?
Usually yes. Abyssinians generally settle well with another cat, given a proper introduction and their own food, bed and tray.
How much exercise does a Abyssinian need?
Hours — this breed needs a job or a long day out.
Can a Abyssinian handle hot weather?
It copes well with warm days.
Leash Life keeps a Abyssinian's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.