Cat breed · Shorthair
Abyssinian
A tireless, elegantly ticked cat that investigates everything and rarely sits still for long.
Medium12–16 yearsSoutheast Asia / Indian Ocean coastCan suit apartments
Breed characteristics
- Group
- Shorthair
- Origin
- Southeast Asia / Indian Ocean coast
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 3–5 kg (6–10 lb)
- Height
- 20–25 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–16 years
- Coat
- Short ticked coat
- Temperament
- BusyInquisitiveAthleticInvolved
History
Brought to Britain in the nineteenth century; genetic evidence points to Indian Ocean coastal origins rather than Ethiopia.
Appearance
Lithe and muscular with a warm ticked coat in ruddy, sorrel, blue or fawn.
Exercise and activity
Several daily play sessions plus high shelves and climbing routes.
Care and grooming
Minimal grooming; the challenge is providing enough vertical space and stimulation.
Health considerations
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Renal amyloidosis
- Patellar luxation
- Gingivitis