The Abyssinian cat’s playful personality and curious temperament means they’re the perfect companion for cat lovers and busy families.
- Abyssinian cats are highly affectionate and loyal to their owners
- This breed loves to climb and needs plenty of exercise
- Grooming Abyssinians is easy, thanks to their short, fine coat
Abyssinian personality
In terms of their temperament, the Abyssinian cat is probably one of the liveliest domestic cats. They love to climb high and play. Though this cat loves being the centre of attention, it will also want to cuddle and be near their loved ones.
Another great characteristic of the Abyssinian cat is their ability to play nice. They get on great with other pets and adore getting attention from children without getting defensive.
If this cat is left on its own for too long, they may go looking for mischief and will happily turn the house upside down until they find something to keep them busy.
Did you know?
The first mention of the breed in the UK was at the Crystal Palace cat show in 1871.
Abyssinian cat
Abyssinian cat health facts
- Size: Medium
- Lifespan: 9-15 years
- Coat: Short fine coat that’s easily cared for
- Exercise: High. These cats tend to be very active
Abyssinian cat health problems
With the right care, the Abyssinian cat can stay healthy and happy most of their lives. However, they are susceptible to certain diseases, including:
- Chronic renal failure
Mostly common in older cats, chronic renal failure occurs when a cat’s kidneys begin to struggle to work properly. The symptoms include loss of appetite, vomiting and excessive thirst. Treatment can include medication, change of diet or, in extreme cases, surgery . If you’re worried about your cat, speak to your vet. - Retinal Atrophy
When a cat has retinal atrophy, the cells in their retina begin to decline, which can cause blindness. If your Abyssinian is having issues with their night vision, take them to your vet.
Abyssinian cat nutrition and exercise
More like dogs than other cats, the Abyssinian cat’s energetic personality means it requires plenty of exercise and attention. They love to climb and aren’t afraid of heights, so a garden filled with trees or an indoor climbing tower will help burn off their energy and keep them out of trouble. Find out more about how to pet-proof your home before bringing your cat home.
To match their active lifestyle, the Abyssinian needs a diet rich in protein. To avoid future issues with their kidneys, it is also beneficial to have a balance between dry and wet foods.
Abyssinian cat pet insurance
Health concerns about our pets can often take us by surprise. Pet insurance helps keep them as healthy, happy and full of life as possible. Costs will depend on your cats age, medical history and the type of cover you want. To find out more about how pet insurance policies are calculated, read our guide.
Make sure your Abyssinian cat is covered and get them back to their cheeky, mischievous selves in no time with cat insurance from LV=.
All content is created and approved by our in-house advisory board of experts.
LV= is not responsible for content on third party websites.