Abyssinian Cat

Size

Small to medium, with males weighing 7 to 10 pounds and females

weighing 6 to 8 pounds

Coat

Medium

Color

Ruddy, red, blue, fawn

Abyssinians are highly intelligent and intensely inquisitive.

They love to investigate and will leave no nook or cranny
unexplored. They’re sometimes referred to as “Aby-
grabbys” because they tend to take things that grab their
interest. The playful Aby loves to jump and climb. Keep a
variety of toys on hand to keep her occupied, including
puzzle toys that challenge her intelligence.

Temperament
Seemingly always in motion, she’ll slow down occasionally to curl up next to you on the couch or in
bed. Although independent, she does best with another Aby companion to match her high activity
levels while you’re away. Abyssinians love attention from you and respectful children and get along
well with cat-friendly dogs, as well as other pets, like large parrots and ferrets.

Characteristics
The Abyssinian has a wedge-shaped, yet rounded head with broad ears and almond-shaped eyes in
shades of gold or green. Her body is muscular and athletic, but slim, and supported by fine-boned
legs.

Lifespan
9 to 15 years
 Colors
Abyssinians have what is known as a “ticked” coat, which alternates light and dark bands of color on
each hair shaft. The warmth glow of their coat resembles wild cats like cougars. The coat comes in
four primary colors: ruddy brown, red, blue and fawn. Some associations permit additional colors,
however.

Shedding
Weekly grooming is sufficient to maintain your Aby’s coat, but you may need more frequent brushing
and bathing during shedding seasons to remove the loose hair faster.

Health
Although responsible breeders do their best to test for and eliminate genetic health problems, cats
may still develop certain diseases or conditions. Abyssinians may have a higher risk for the
following:
 Early periodontal disease
 Hyperesthesia syndrome
 Patellar luxation
 Progressive retinal atrophy
 Pyruvate kinase deficiency
 Renal amyloidosis

Choosing the Best Food for Abyssinian

Cats
Feeding your Aby a high-protein cat food such as Purina Pro Plan True Nature Adult Grain Free Natural
Salmon & Egg Recipe will support her activity levels so she has plenty of energy to play throughout
the day. 
To explore other products for your Abyssinian, see our Product Selector.

Choosing the Best Food for Abyssinian

Kittens
Your Abyssinian kitten needs a complete and balanced kitten food like Purina Pro Plan True Nature
Kitten Grain Free Natural Chicken & Egg Recipe to support her development and growth during her first
year of life.
 History
An Abyssinian was first exhibited in 1871 at the Crystal Palace cat show. She took third place. There
are no records of her origin, but her owner said she had been imported from Abyssinia (now
Ethiopia) during the war. Although this story gives the breed its name, genetic tests have suggested
Abys originated from the coastal regions of Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean, brought to Europe
by British and Dutch traders.

They were first imported to the U.S. in 1900, but a breeding program wasn’t implemented until the
1930s when more Abyssinians were imported from Britain. Only a dozen or so of the cats survived
the decimation of World War II in Europe, but thanks to their import to the U.S., the breed bounced
back and has steadily grown in popularity.

Facts
 Some call Abys “Cats from the Blue Nile”, believing they’re the sacred cat of Egyptian
Pharaohs.
 Others believe the breed was created in Britain by crossing silver and brown tabbies with
“ticked” coats.
 The Somali is a longhaired Abyssinian.