Abyssinian
One of the oldest known breeds, resembling the cats of ancient Egyptian art, the Abyssinian is a lithe, ticked-coated cat of boundless curiosity. Active, intelligent and people-oriented, it's often called the clown of the cat world. It suits engaged households that can offer climbing, play and company — an 'Aby' is busy, athletic and rarely sits still for long.
Picked for an Abyssinian
More picks ↓
Palm Tree Cat Scratching Post with Sisal Ball, 45cm
A 45cm sisal scratching post dressed as a palm tree, with a sisal scratching ball beside it and ball tracks set into the wooden base.
£22.99
Mushroom Cat Scratching Post with Ball Track and Feather
Two sisal scratching posts, one shaped like a mushroom, on a wooden base with a two-level ball track, hanging pom-poms and a feather on a spring.
£25.99
L-Shaped Cardboard Cat Scratcher with Ball Track, 58cm
An L-shaped scratcher with a 58cm upright cardboard panel, a flat cardboard base to stand or lie on, and two tracks with bell balls between them.
£20.99
140cm Cat Tree Tower with Condo, Hammock and Ladder, Grey
A 139cm grey cat tree with an enclosed condo, a hammock, a top lookout perch, a ladder and sisal-wrapped posts, on a 50 x 35cm base.
£49.99
Overview
One of the oldest known breeds, resembling the cats of ancient Egyptian art, the Abyssinian is a lithe, ticked-coated cat of boundless curiosity. Active, intelligent and people-oriented, it's often called the clown of the cat world. It suits engaged households that can offer climbing, play and company — an 'Aby' is busy, athletic and rarely sits still for long.
Good to know — a Abyssinian is moderately affectionate and prefers company most of the day. Every cat is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Abyssinian is moderately affectionate and good with children. They tend to be quiet and prefers company most of the day. As with any cat, give them space to retreat, teach children to handle them gently, and introduce them to a new home calmly.
- Families with respectful children
- People happy with an independent cat
- Homes where someone is around often
Energy & play
A Abyssinian is generally very high energy. They need plenty of daily play, climbing and enrichment — wand toys, puzzle feeders and tall cat trees help burn off that energy and prevent boredom.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is wash-and-go and shedding is low. The coat is generally easy to care for; an occasional brush keeps it tidy and cuts down loose hair. All cats benefit from regular nail checks and a clean, quiet place to groom themselves.
Cat grooming brushes for this coat →Feeding a Abyssinian
Cats are obligate carnivores, so a Abyssinian should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced cat food appropriate for its life stage — this provides essential nutrients like taurine that cats can only get from animal products. Portion to your cat’s ideal body weight and activity to avoid weight gain, and provide plenty of fresh water. Treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
A complete cat food, first
Cats are obligate carnivores and need nutrients — taurine among them — that they cannot make for themselves, which is what "complete" on a label means and why it is not optional. Treats should stay under about 10% of the day's calories.
An active cat
Abyssinians are high-energy and do better on several small meals than one big one — cats are grazers by design. A puzzle feeder or a portion hidden around the room turns eating back into hunting.
Water intake is the thing to watch
Cats evolved to take most of their water from prey and are not naturally big drinkers, so wet food does real work here. A fountain or a second bowl away from the food helps too.
Complete cat foods that suit a Abyssinian
Complete foods from our range, matched to a Abyssinian and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Whiskas 1+ Salmon Adult Dry Cat Food
Complete salmon dry food for adult cats in a practical 1.9KG bag
£12.39
Whiskas Kitten Chicken Dry Cat Food
Complete chicken dry food for kittens, available in several bag sizes
From£3.19
Felix as Good as It Looks Meaty Selection in Jelly
Twelve 85G pouches of chunks in jelly, in a selection built for a cat who changes its mind
£5.79
James Wellbeloved Grain Free Adult Dry Cat Food Turkey
A grain-free turkey dry food for adult cats, with potato rather than rice or wheat for carbohydrate
£24.65
James Wellbeloved Kitten Dry Cat Food Fish
Single-protein fish dry food for growing kittens, excluding common allergens
£21.79
James Wellbeloved Senior Dry Cat Food Turkey
A single-source turkey dry food for senior cats, formulated with added joint-care ingredients
From£21.79
James Wellbeloved Light Adult Dry Cat Food Fish
A lower-calorie fish dry food for adult cats managing their weight, with joint-support ingredients
£24.65
Whiskas 1+ Lamb Adult Dry Cat Food
Complete lamb dry food for adult cats in a practical 1.9KG bag
£12.39
Bella & Duke Cat Complete Chicken
A complete raw chicken meal for kittens, adult and senior cats, 98% chicken. Frozen 250g tub.
£3.65
James Wellbeloved Hairball Adult Dry Cat Food Turkey
Single-protein turkey dry food for cats, with natural fibres to reduce hairballs
£24.65
James Wellbeloved Kitten Dry Cat Food Turkey
A single-source turkey dry food for growing kittens, with rice for carbohydrate rather than wheat
£21.79
Purina One Kitten Chicken
Chicken kitten food with added DHA, and a feeding guide from 6 weeks to a year
From£6.65
Pros & cons
The good bits
- Lively, curious and engaging — wonderful for owners who want an active cat
- Short ticked coat is easy to care for and low-shedding
Things to consider
- Needs plenty of climbing, play and stimulation or it gets bored
- Rarely a still lap cat — happier on the move than curled up
Similar breeds
Bengal
A striking, wild-looking and highly active breed that needs lots of play, climbing and mental stimulation.
View breed guide →Savannah
A tall, wild-looking hybrid (originally serval cross) — strikingly athletic, highly intelligent and almost dog-like, but very demanding.
View breed guide →Siamese
A sleek, intelligent and intensely people-focused breed that is famously talkative and forms strong bonds.
View breed guide →Sphynx
A hairless, warm-skinned and famously affectionate breed that is sociable, attention-seeking and full of character.
View breed guide →Frequently asked questions
What is the Abyssinian cat's temperament and personality like?
Abyssinians are active, intelligent and intensely curious cats. They are playful, agile climbers who love to explore high places and stay busy, and they form strong bonds with their owners. Often described as people-oriented rather than lap cats, they prefer to be involved in everything you do. They thrive with stimulation, company and plenty of opportunity to play.
Are Abyssinian cats good as house cats?
Yes, Abyssinians can live happily indoors provided they have enough enrichment. As lively, athletic cats they need climbing space, scratching posts, puzzle toys and regular interaction to avoid boredom. A dull, under-stimulated environment doesn't suit them. With vertical space and an engaged household, they make rewarding indoor companions.
Do Abyssinian cats get on well with other pets and children?
Generally yes. Sociable and energetic, Abyssinians often enjoy the company of other cats and cat-friendly dogs, and their playful nature suits older, considerate children. As with any cat, introductions should be gradual and calm, and children should be taught to handle them gently. Their active streak means they prefer households that can match their energy.
How much grooming does an Abyssinian need?
Very little. Abyssinians have a short, fine, close-lying coat that is easy to care for. A weekly brush or gentle stroke to remove loose hairs is usually plenty, along with routine nail trims, ear checks and dental care. They are low-maintenance on the grooming front compared with longhaired breeds.
How much exercise and stimulation do Abyssinians need?
A lot, by cat standards. Abyssinians are among the most active breeds and need daily play, climbing and mental challenge to stay content. Interactive toys, cat trees, window perches and games with their owners all help. Without enough outlet for their energy and intelligence, they can become restless or mischievous.
How long do Abyssinian cats live?
Abyssinians typically live around 12 to 15 years, and often longer with good care. Lifespan depends on genetics, diet, weight, dental care and regular veterinary attention. Choosing a kitten from a breeder who health-tests their cats, and keeping up routine check-ups, both help support a long and healthy life.
What health issues are Abyssinians prone to?
Abyssinians can be predisposed to certain inherited conditions, including a form of kidney disease, an inherited blood disorder (pyruvate kinase deficiency) and some eye conditions, as well as dental disease. Responsible breeders screen for known issues, so ask about health testing. Regular vet checks and good dental care help, and your vet can advise on the right monitoring.
How much does an Abyssinian kitten cost in the UK?
Prices for Abyssinian kittens vary by breeder, pedigree and region, so check current UK prices with registered breeders. Factor in ongoing costs too, including quality food, insurance, enrichment toys and routine veterinary care. Buying from a reputable breeder who health-tests their cats is worth prioritising over finding the lowest price.
Are Abyssinians good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide they are tolerant and sociable in a family home. Always teach children to handle cats gently and give the cat space to retreat.
Are Abyssinians affectionate?
Moderately affectionate. Abyssinians enjoy attention but also like their own space.
Are Abyssinians vocal?
Quiet. They are generally quiet and undemanding about it.
How much grooming does an Abyssinian need?
Wash-and-go; shedding is low. The coat is generally easy to care for with the occasional brush.
Can Abyssinians be left alone?
Prefers company most of the day. They strongly prefer company and can become stressed or lonely if left for long periods — a feline companion or a less empty house suits them better.
Are Abyssinians energetic or playful?
Very high energy. They need plenty of daily play, climbing and enrichment to stay happy.
Recommended for your Abyssinian
Picked for an Abyssinian — with their typical need for fresh-water options, a cosy bed, scratching posts.
Cat Face Cardboard Accordion Scratcher Toy with Bell Ball
A small corrugated cardboard scratcher that stretches like an accordion into a tunnel or a ring, with a cat face on each end and a bell ball to chase.
£9.99
Scratch & Play Cat Set
A mushroom scratching post with ball track and feather plus an L-shaped cardboard scratcher with its own ball track.
£42.49
Scratch Post & Lounger
A palm-tree sisal scratching post and a cardboard lounge box with five reversible pads to scratch and nap on.
£39.49
Bestpets Sleep & Play Cat Scratcher
A combined scratching post and plush bed in one compact, space-saving design
£23.99
Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual cat.
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Every cat is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet cats in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet.