Abyssinian

Abyssinian

Short coat · Ethiopia (Abyssinia)

Abyssinians are slender, athletic cats with ticked coats that give them a wild, ancient look. They are endlessly curious, playful, and need lots of mental stimulation.

Breed Statistics

9–15 yrs
Lifespan
3–5 kg
Weight
45 min/day
Exercise
Low maintenance
Grooming

Temperament

  • Curious
  • Playful
  • Active
  • Independent
  • Intelligent

Daily Calorie Range

160–260 kcal/day

For an average adult Abyssinian. Adjust for weight, age, and activity level.

5 Facts About the Abyssinian

  1. 1

    Abyssinians are believed to be one of the oldest cat breeds — resembling ancient Egyptian cat art.

  2. 2

    Each hair has alternating bands of color — a pattern called ticking.

  3. 3

    They are often called the 'clowns of the cat world' for their playful antics.

  4. 4

    Abyssinians dislike sitting still and will explore every inch of their environment.

  5. 5

    They were first brought to Britain from Abyssinia (Ethiopia) after the 1868 Abyssinian War.

Abyssinian Age Calculator

Enter an approximate date if you're unsure.

More Abyssinian Guides