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Your Pet, Our Passion.

Abyssinian

Strikingly wild looking, the Abyssinian gives the impression of an extreme athlete who has just wandered in from the jungle. Lithe and long, with a lean, muscular build and moderately wedge-shaped head and large, almond shaped eyes, the Abyssinian is a supermodel of a cat. From the large ears, small oval feet and long slender tail, the Abyssinian is covered in a fine, short and glossy coat. 

Lifespan
9 - 15 years
Weight
2.7 - 4.5kg
Colours
Originally only seen in a sandy wild-cat reddish brown, the Abyssinian may now sport a variety of colours, see the GCCF and CFA websites for further details.
The need-to-know
  • Benefits from an experienced owner
  • Needs high-level of enrichment including simulated hunting games and interactive play
  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Independent but friendly
  • Slightly talkative cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • A bit of both indoor and outdoor space
  • Great family cat
  • Can be regularly left for a few hours
  • Great for a relaxed home
Generally healthy breed

Abyssinian cats can suffer from:
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency which is a disease that causes anaemia (death of red blood cells).
- Progressive retinal atrophy which is an inherited disorder where part of the eye degenerates and wastes away, which can result in blindess.
- Amyloidosis where proteins are deposited in the organs and tissues which can lead to organ failure.

Testing available:
- DNA testing for pyruvate kinase deficiency and progressive retinal atrophy which tests whether or not a cat has the potential to be affected by these conditions.

T. A. Niewold et al,'Familial amyloidosis in cats: Siamese and Abyssinian AA proteins differ in primary sequence and pattern of deposition', 1999, The Journal of Protein Folding Disorders

Personality

Whilst not a lap-cat, as this is not a feline to curl up and relax much, the Abyssinian is a very friendly, curious and inquisitive cat, who will delight in helping or supervising any activity you happen to be involved in. Owners will need to actively enjoy and be amused by a cat who wishes to get involved in household tasks, and be ready to play lengthy games to keep this cat happy and satisfied with life. 

Described as intensely loyal and playful, this is a cat who will require owners who are at home a lot of the time, you do not want an Abyssinian to amuse themselves without supervision!