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Abyssinian Cat
Cat Facts

Description of the Abyssinian Cat Breed

Generally speaking the Abyssinian is a medium sized cat that has the grace and elegance of a Panther. They are regal, athletic cats and as with most cats, the male is larger than the female.

The Abyssinian is a medium sized, slender, long-limbed, fine-boned cat with a muscular, athletic body and long tail that tapers to the tip. They have athletic, well muscled long and slim legs and oval-shaped paws. In the standing position it looks as though they are standing on tip toe.

The Abyssinian's head is described as a modified wedge-shape. A distinguishing feature on the Aby is the 'M' fur marking on the forehead. The Abyssinian cat has large, almond-shaped eyes and the eye color can be green, hazel or copper. Their large ears are alert, arched slightly forward (as though they are listening) and the tips of the ears are slightly pointed and the base of the ear is cupped and broad.

Abyssinian Cat Colors

The Abyssinian cat breed has a short, shiny and lustrous coat. The fur is described as ticked which implies that the hair shaft has alternating dark and light stripes or bands. Its coat resembles that of the original African Wild cats.

We will cover all the recognized colors accepted worldwide, but generally speaking there are 4 main colors:

Ruddy Abyssinian

This color is also called 'Usual' or 'Tawny' and refers to a Golden Brown (ruddy brown; burnt sienna) ground color and ticked with Black or Dark Brown. (Some people call it the red Abyssinian)

$© Theresa Fouche - Ruddy Abyssinian female kitten \"Angelicat', Owner Heila Brophy, Breeder Gill Burman$

Sorrel Abyssinian

This color is also referred to as a Rich Red (cinnamon or red copper) ground color with Chocolate-Brown ticking.

Blue Abyssinian

The ground color is a Warm Beige color, ticked with shades of a Deeper Blue-Gray (slate-blue).

Fawn Abyssinian

A Rose-Beige (light brown) ground color, ticked with a Deeper Fawn-color (i.e. light brown; cocoa brown)

fawn abyssinian cat

Other recognized colors:

Chocolate - Copper-Brown ground color; ticked Dark Chocolate

Lilac - Dove-Gray ground color; ticked Deeper Gray

Red - Apricot-Orange colored ground color; ticked Red

Cream - Cream ground color; ticked Deeper Cream

Silver - Silvery ground color, ticked Sorrel, Blue or Fawn

silver abyssinian cat

Abyssinian cats are not born with ticking, ticking usually appears once the Abyssinian kitten is around 6 weeks old.

To ensure that your cat complies with the cat breed standards pertinent to your country, contact one the all breeds of cat governing bodies, associations, councils or federations in your region.

Abyssinian Cat Personality

Abyssinian kitties are active, curious, strongly independent, extrovert, friendly and confident. They are always busy and on the move. Abys enjoy playing with their cat toys and keep themselves amused for hours. Despite their liveliness, Abyssinians can be loving, gentle and affectionate cats. They are very sociable and dislike being left alone. They are devoted to their owners even to the point of being possessive. They prefer being in a household of adults and older children.

They are natural athletes, or should I say gymnasts and enjoy climbing their cat trees and of course every cupboard and shelf - very little is out of their reach! They are one of a few cats that love to participate in family activities and love the game of fetch - even if it means that you're doing the fetching. They train their owners very well!!

This breed can be lead trained, which allows you to exercise your active friend as they do dislike being confined. The ideal setting for your Abyssinian is an enclosed yard where they can explore, hunt and exercise. Give them the space they desire.

The Abyssinian - a mixture of wild beauty, intelligence, playfulness and loyalty - what more could you want!

Abyssinian Cat Breed Information

Are they Child Friendly?	Yes, they are child friendly, but would do better with older children
Are they Animal Friendly?	Yes, they do get along with other pets, but prefer the company of dogs.
What home would suit them best?	These cats would not do well in an apartment where they are confined. They need an enclosed garden and space to exercise, hunt and explore. They are escape artists so you need to ensure that your garden is escape proof. It is preferable to have an enclosure that is covered on all 4 sides, including the roof. If your cat has direct access from your home to a large enclosure of this type it would be possible to allow access to the 'outdoors'
Cat Grooming	Abyssinians are low maintenance cat breeds as they have a minimal undercoat. Whilst your Aby will do its own grooming, a weekly brush or comb will help to maintain a healthy coat. A rub with a chamois leather cloth or a silk scarf will give their ticked fur a beautiful shine.
Cat Health Concerns	The Abyssinian cat is a robust, healthy breed, but some pure breed lines may have some hereditary health issues that could include: Renal amyloidosis (deposit of fibrils in the kidneys), Retinal atrophy (which causes impaired vision), Hypothyroidism, Gingivitis (gum disease), Patellar luxation (a condition where the knee caps slip), Lysosomal accumulation neuropathy, pyruvate kinase (which results in anaemia) It is always advisable to invest in health cat insurance for your pet and always adopt your Abyssinian cat from a reputable cat breeder.
Cat Food	The Aby does not require a special diet, but always buy the best cat food you can afford. For indepth information of cat food visit our cat nutrition pages. Provide your kitty with fresh water daily.
Average Weight	4 - 7.5 kg (8.8 - 16.5 lbs)
How long will my cat live?	The average life expectancy of Abyssinian cats is 9 -15 + years.