Abyssinian

Did you come here looking for a lazy, furry lapful of cat? Probably best to search elsewhere, because this one has a reputation for being the energizer bunny of the cat world. This is a cat that's constantly on the move and thoroughly enjoys exploring whatever it can find. You may walk into your kitchen and find your Egyptian friend sitting on top of the refrigerator, monitoring all family activity. They can also frequently be found chilling on windowsills, watching birds and other wildlife.

Tip: An Abyssinian will be eternally grateful if you add some verticality to your living room, for example by installing a multi-level cat tree or any other type of climbable furniture.

The personality of this breed can best be described as friendly, active, and highly adventurous. If you happen to already own an Abyssinian, you have likely discovered by now why they aren't exactly known for their calm demeanor. This is a breed with a highly dynamic and playful nature.

Abyssinians love interaction so much, that they will likely want you to involve them in every aspect of your life. Of course they will still enjoy their solitary moments like any other cat, but if they want your attention, there's a good chance they will continue to pester you until they get it!

Besides being energetic and extroverted, this is also an intelligent cat that loves to be challenged. If you decide to adopt this breed, we suggest picking up one or multiple feeder puzzles, as this cat will definitely appreciate having access to a few interesting toys and things to keep them occupied.

If you live in a smaller house like an apartment, investing in a treehouse with lots of levels and openings would be a good idea. Abyssinian prefer to climb vertically, so you need to go high up rather than spreading out with the treehouse. If you don't have room for a treehouse, another option is to install wall-mounted shelves so that they can jump from shelf to shelf and perch.

Finally, if you're having trouble keeping them entertained, this cat can easily be trained to walk on a leash, providing another possible outlet for their natural drive to explore.

Contrary to what their wild personality profile might suggest, the Abyssinian is excellent with children and known to quickly develop an emotional bond with their owners. This makes them excellent cats for adoption into big and busy families.

Tip: Being a true attention hog, this kitty often prefers to be the only cat in the household. But if you find yourself having trouble keeping up with their high demand for attention, a second cat may take some of the pressure off.

We have good news in the grooming department: the Abyssinian is considered lightweight as they are quite easy to care for. Their minimal shedding and short coat make grooming a lot more manageable than, say, your average long-haired breed. Once-a-week combing should be sufficient to keep their fur shiny and healthy, although you might need to groom more frequently during shedding season.

Still not sure if this is the right feline friend to add to your family? Let's go over some pros and cons:

Pros

This is a very easy-going, friendly, and social breed that mingles well with people, children, and other animals. Due to minimal shedding, the Abyssinian requires very little in terms of grooming and is an excellent choice for people who suffer from allergies. Their active personality is a great match for energized owners who seek a lot of stimulation in their lives.

Cons

These strong climbers need room to explore and play, so they are less suited to small apartments. While not necessarily reckless, they do require some supervision. If you and your family always have busy schedules, this breed's relatively high need for attention could become a burden. Make sure your family can provide enough stimulation, or you'll find this guy turning grumpy and depressed.

In short

If you want a cat that is intelligent, agile, and will keep you on your toes, then this is exactly the breed for you. As long as you have the time and energy to keep up with him, you'll find the Abyssinian an exciting family friend who's always up for some goofy games or a proper challenge.

If you’re thinking of adopting an Abyssinian, here's a few things to keep in mind:

• They are prone to an inherited disease called pyruvate kinase deficiency, which leads to red blood cell deficiency (anemia). Reliable tests are available, so you should definitely ask the breeder if your cat has been tested and whether they can share the test results.
• The Abyssinian is known to be extra susceptible to gingivitis and tooth decay, so maintaining dental hygiene is essential for this breed. Check out our guide for brushing cat teeth at home.
• Abyssinians can also suffer from amyloidosis, an renal disease that is thought to be hereditary. Other breeds susceptible to this disease are Siamese, Burmese, Tonkinese, Devon Rex, and Oriental Shorthair.
• Cats from this bred may also suffer from a condition known as progressive retinal atrophy, which causes progressive blindness. Since this can be tested, be sure to ask your breeder about this as well.

Sources:

• petmd.com
• https://icatcare.org/advice/pyruvate-kinase-pk-deficiency
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abyssinian_cat
• https://www.ufaw.org.uk/cats/abyssinian---amyloidosis
• https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/amyloidosis-in-cats

Frequently asked questions