The Abyssinian is an elegant and curious cat with an athletic body and exotic looks. In this article, you’ll learn all about its history, personality, and health.
Meet the Abyssinian
This breed is a real feast for the eyes. The stunning Abyssinian is often called a "mini puma" due to its athletic build, long legs, and large eyes. But it's not just their looks that stand out — their curious and friendly personality makes the Abyssinian a highly desirable cat.
History of the Abyssinian cat
The name "Abyssinian" might make you think of Ethiopia, and its appearance may hint at Egyptian roots, but the true origin of the Abyssinian lies in Southeast Asia. So how did it end up in Europe? It's believed that British traders brought these striking cats to Europe in the 19th century, drawn by their unique appearance.
You might not expect it, but the Abyssinian is one of the oldest recognized cat breeds. It was exhibited in 1871 at a cat show at Crystal Palace and officially recognized in 1882. During the two World Wars, the number of Abyssinians decreased significantly. Today they are more common, though still not widely known.
Personality of the Abyssinian
Their large eyes and pointed ears already say a lot — Abyssinians are friendly and curious. They are affectionate and like to stay close to their humans. They value attention and form strong bonds with their owners. You might even feel like you have a shadow, as the Abyssinian will follow you around the house.
If your Abyssinian is often alone, it might be a good idea to get a second cat. However, there needs to be a real bond, as they don’t enjoy too much chaos or too many other animals. Still, no company compares to that of their human. Abyssinians are intelligent, so they need plenty of mental stimulation.
Appearance of the Abyssinian cat
The Abyssinian has an athletic build with long legs, a graceful neck, and a slim tail, making it a relatively lightweight breed. Their large eyes are usually green, light brown, or amber-grey, surrounded by a dark outline that completes their striking look. Their hearing is excellent, thanks in part to their large ears.
The nickname "mini puma" comes not only from their sleek, athletic bodies but also from their exotic looks. They’re not common in the Netherlands, making them true head-turners in any neighborhood.
Abyssinian coat colors
The Abyssinian has a silky coat with very little undercoat. Their fur is both unique and special — each hair is banded with two to four stripes, a pattern known as “ticking.” This is a key part of the breed standard and is especially visible around the face, legs, and tail.
Their coat color develops around six weeks of age and is fully established by two years. The colors are quite distinctive. Breeders mainly focus on blue, fawn, ruddy (wild color), and sorrel. A dark stripe also runs along the back and hind legs of the Abyssinian.
Health of the Abyssinian
Unfortunately, the Abyssinian is prone to several genetic conditions. PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) is one such illness, which eventually leads to blindness. Fading Kitten Syndrome also occurs more frequently in this breed. It’s caused when kittens inherit incompatible blood types from their parents and is often fatal.
Another condition is PKE (Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency), which can lead to anemia. Although it can't be cured, blood transfusions may help. If your cat is limping or walking strangely, it could be due to patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecaps shift out of place.
Buying an Abyssinian cat — What’s the price?
Interested in getting an Abyssinian? Expect to pay between €750 and €1000. Price depends on factors like pedigree, age, and gender. It’s a rare and relatively unknown breed, so for that price, you’re getting a truly unique companion.
As with any cat, buying from a certified and professional breeder is essential. They pay close attention to both socialization and health. While some genetic diseases are common in Abyssinians, careful breeding can reduce or even eliminate the risk. If you’d prefer to adopt, consider visiting your local shelter — you might find the perfect new friend waiting for you there.
