Abyssinian
The Good
- Highly intelligent and trainable, perfect for interactive play
- Low-maintenance grooming with minimal shedding
- Excellent with children and other pets when properly socialised
- Naturally curious and entertaining companions
The Real
- Requires significant daily mental and physical stimulation
- Can become destructive when bored or left alone too long
- Not naturally cuddly - affection happens on their terms
- May dominate other pets and needs careful introductions
Gallery
Breed Overview
Meet the Abyssinian, often called the "Aby" - a cat that looks like it stepped straight out of an ancient Egyptian tomb painting. These medium-sized felines are the athletes of the cat world, combining striking beauty with boundless energy and razor-sharp intelligence.
What sets Abyssinians apart is their unique ticked coat, where each hair displays multiple colour bands creating that gorgeous salt-and-pepper appearance. But it's their personality that truly captivates - they're endlessly curious, always in motion, and seem to believe they're your personal assistant for every household task.
Don't expect a lap cat here. Abyssinians are affectionate on their own terms, preferring to supervise your activities from a high perch or "help" with whatever you're doing. They're brilliant problem-solvers who thrive on interaction and mental challenges, making them perfect for active households but potentially overwhelming for those wanting a more sedate companion.
These cats form strong bonds with their families and generally excel in multi-pet households, though they often prefer to be the boss. If you're looking for an engaging, interactive feline who'll keep you entertained while respecting your personal space, the Abyssinian might just be your perfect match.
History
The Abyssinian's origins are as mysterious and captivating as the cats themselves. While their name suggests Ethiopian roots (Abyssinia being the former name for Ethiopia), genetic testing tells a more complex story. These elegant felines likely developed along the Indian Ocean's coastal regions and parts of Southeast Asia, far from their namesake homeland.
The breed's connection to ancient Egypt isn't just romantic speculation - Abyssinians bear an uncanny resemblance to cats depicted in pharaonic tomb paintings and are mentioned in the Egyptian Book of the Dead as "sun cats" and "lapis lazuli cats of the horizon." Ancient Egyptians associated their character with Bastet, the goddess of joy and celebration.
The modern Abyssinian story begins in 1871 at London's Crystal Palace Cat Show, where a cat named Zula was displayed as having been imported from Abyssinia. Early Abyssinians even sported lynx-like ear tufts and striped markings on their legs, features that British breeders gradually refined away.
American cat enthusiasts began importing Abyssinians in 1900, though serious breeding programs didn't start until the 1930s. This timing proved fortunate - World War II nearly wiped out the breed in Europe, but the American population ensured its survival. Today, Abyssinians rank as the world's 7th most popular breed, even earning Hollywood fame in Disney's 1978 film "The Cat from Outer Space."
Traits & Characteristics
Abyssinian characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Abyssinians are generally robust cats with a lifespan of 9-15 years, but like all purebreds, they're prone to specific health conditions. The most significant concern is amyloidosis, where abnormal protein deposits can cause kidney or liver failure. Watch for increased thirst, urination changes, or yellowing of the eyes - these warrant immediate veterinary attention.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) can cause blindness in young kittens, while pyruvate kinase deficiency leads to anaemia and exercise intolerance. Reputable breeders should provide genetic testing results for both parents. Other concerns include patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation) and hip dysplasia, though these are less common.
Australian Climate Considerations:
During scorching Australian summers (35°C+), ensure your Aby has access to air conditioning or cooling mats, especially in inland areas like Alice Springs or Broken Hill. These active cats generate considerable body heat, so provide multiple water stations and watch for panting or lethargy. In humid coastal regions like Cairns or Darwin, ensure excellent ventilation to prevent heat stress.
Winter care varies dramatically across Australia - while Perth cats might need light heating, Melbourne and Canberra Abyssinians benefit from warm bedding and draft-free sleeping areas during those crisp 5°C mornings. Their short coats offer limited insulation, so heated cat beds are worthwhile investments for southern regions.
Regular veterinary checkups are essential, and pet insurance is highly recommended given potential genetic conditions. Many Australian insurers now cover hereditary conditions if you join before symptoms appear.
Abyssinians thrive on high-quality commercial cat food meeting Australian standards. Choose products labelled for your cat's life stage - growth formulas for kittens under 12 months, adult maintenance for 1-7 years, and senior diets for older cats. The nutritional demands of these active cats mean quality matters more than quantity.
Given their exceptional intelligence, puzzle feeders are brilliant for Abyssinians. They'll enthusiastically work for their meals, providing mental stimulation while preventing gulping. Many Australian pet stores now stock interactive feeding toys that challenge these clever cats while slowing their eating pace.
Feed measured portions 2-3 times daily rather than free-feeding. Active Abyssinians in Brisbane's heat might need more frequent, smaller meals during summer, while those in cooler Melbourne winters might prefer slightly larger portions. Always provide fresh water - these cats often prefer running water, so drinking fountains are popular choices.
Caloric needs vary based on age, activity level, and environment. An active young Aby in a Perth household might need more calories than a senior cat in air-conditioned Sydney comfort. Consult your veterinarian for personalised feeding recommendations, especially if your cat develops health conditions requiring dietary modifications.
Avoid overfeeding despite their active nature - obesity can exacerbate joint problems and other health issues. Monitor body condition regularly and adjust portions accordingly.
Abyssinians are wonderfully low-maintenance in the grooming department. Their short, dense coat requires only weekly brushing with a good quality slicker brush or grooming mitt. This removes loose hair, distributes natural oils, and provides bonding time - though remember, they'll participate on their terms!
Many Abyssinians genuinely enjoy water, so don't be surprised if yours wants to investigate your shower or bath. Monthly baths aren't necessary unless they've gotten into something messy, but some Abys actually request them. Use lukewarm water and cat-specific shampoo if bathing becomes a regular activity.
During Australian shedding seasons (spring and autumn), increase brushing to twice weekly. The good news? Abyssinians shed minimally year-round compared to longer-haired breeds, making them excellent for Brisbane apartments or Melbourne townhouses where excessive fur might be problematic.
Check ears weekly for debris or wax buildup - particularly important in dusty Australian conditions or for outdoor-access cats. Clean with a soft cloth and veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner if needed. Never use cotton swabs, which can damage delicate inner ear structures.
Coat Specifications:
- Coat Length: Short, dense, and close-lying with silky texture
- Coat Colours: Ruddy, red, blue, cinnamon, chocolate, fawn, and lilac with distinctive ticking
- Coat Patterns: Solid base with agouti ticking - each hair has 3-4 colour bands
- Hypoallergenic: Somewhat - lower dander production and minimal shedding help some allergy sufferers
Abyssinians are among the most trainable cat breeds, combining high intelligence with genuine enthusiasm for interactive activities. They excel at learning tricks, walking on harnesses, and even basic obedience commands. Start training early using positive reinforcement - these cats respond beautifully to treats, praise, and play rewards.
Harness training is particularly rewarding for Australian Abyssinian owners. Many adapt quickly to exploring secure gardens in suburbs like Adelaide's foothills or Melbourne's outer areas. Always supervise outdoor time and ensure your garden is escape-proof - these athletic cats can scale impressive heights and squeeze through surprisingly small gaps.
Mental stimulation is absolutely crucial. Puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys, and rotating toy collections prevent boredom-related destructiveness. Cat wheels are increasingly popular among Australian Aby owners, particularly in apartments where space is limited. These allow for high-energy exercise regardless of weather - perfect for stormy Brisbane summers or chilly Canberra winters.
Vertical enrichment is essential - install cat trees, wall shelves, or climbing posts reaching ceiling height. Abyssinians love surveying their territory from above, whether that's a Surry Hills apartment or a Darwin suburban home. Provide multiple high perches near windows for optimal entertainment value.
Social enrichment matters too. These cats thrive with companions - another cat, a dog, or simply consistent human interaction. If you work long hours, consider adopting two Abyssinians or introducing a compatible playmate after proper introduction protocols.
Who is an ideal owner?
The perfect Abyssinian owner appreciates an interactive, intelligent companion who participates in daily life rather than simply occupying space. You're ideal if you enjoy engaging with your pet through play, training, or simply having a curious supervisor for household tasks.
Active professionals working from home in cities like Perth or Sydney often find Abyssinians perfect companions - they're content to "help" with computer work from nearby perches but don't demand constant attention. Shift workers appreciate their adaptable schedules, while retirees enjoy their entertaining antics and social nature.
Families with school-age children are excellent matches, as Abyssinians typically love interactive play and tolerate (even enjoy) the controlled chaos of family life. However, they're equally suited to child-free households where they can be the centre of attention. First-time cat owners often succeed with Abyssinians due to their relatively straightforward care requirements.
Housing flexibility is important - while they adapt to apartments well, they need adequate vertical space and mental stimulation. Melbourne apartment dwellers should ensure body corporate approval and consider noise implications of their active nature. Rural properties offer ideal exploration opportunities, though secure outdoor access is essential given their curious, adventurous personalities.
You're not ideal if you want a cuddly lap cat, prefer low-interaction pets, or can't commit to daily play sessions. Frequent travellers should arrange reliable pet care, as these social cats don't thrive with minimal human contact.
Interesting facts about the Abyssinian
Interesting Fact
Ancient Egyptians called Abyssinians "sun cats" and associated them with the goddess Bastet
Interesting Fact
Each hair on an Abyssinian's coat has at least 3-4 different colour bands, creating their unique ticked appearance
Interesting Fact
They were nearly extinct in Europe after World War II but survived thanks to American breeding programs
Interesting Fact
Abyssinians often prefer running water and may request to share your shower
FAQ
While Abyssinians are very social and affectionate, they're not typically cuddly lap cats. They prefer to show affection by following you around, sitting nearby, or occasionally perching on your shoulder when they choose to.
Yes, Abyssinians are among the pricier cat breeds in Australia, typically costing between $1,400-$4,200 AUD from reputable breeders. Factor in ongoing costs like quality food, veterinary care, and pet insurance for genetic conditions.
Abyssinians are relatively quiet cats who communicate more through chirps and trills than traditional meows. They're not silent, but they're much less vocal than breeds like Siamese or Burmese cats.
Abyssinians can thrive in Australian apartments, particularly in cities like Melbourne or Sydney, provided they have adequate vertical space, daily interactive play, and mental stimulation. Check body corporate pet policies before committing.
Weekly brushing is sufficient for most Abyssinians, increasing to twice weekly during Australian shedding seasons (spring and autumn). Their short coats are naturally low-maintenance compared to longer-haired breeds.
Yes, Abyssinians typically excel with children and other pets when properly socialised. They're patient with kids and often enjoy the activity level of busy households, though they prefer to establish themselves as the household leader.
Abyssinians need extra cooling during extreme Australian heat (35°C+). Provide air conditioning, cooling mats, and multiple water sources. Watch for signs of heat stress, particularly in inland areas or during heatwaves.
Yes, despite their active nature, Abyssinians are excellent for first-time owners due to their straightforward grooming needs, general health, and responsive personalities. Just be prepared for their high energy and intelligence requiring daily engagement.