Abyssinian Cat Breed Information

The Abyssinian is one of the oldest pedigree cat breeds and one of the most distinctive in build and behaviour. It is a lithe, athletic, ticked-coat cat that looks lifted from an ancient Egyptian tomb painting, and behaves like a small terrier in fur. Adults are 2.5 to 4.5 kg with a lean body and large alert ears.

The ticked coat is the breed’s signature: each hair carries multiple bands of colour, producing a shimmering effect that changes with the light. The four main colours are ruddy (the original “usual”), sorrel (warm red), blue and fawn, with silver added more recently.

Personality and behaviour

Abyssinians are busy. They greet visitors at the door, follow their humans around the house, climb everything, and inspect every household event. The breed is openly affectionate but not lap-bound; an Aby would rather sit beside you and watch than curl into a sleeping ball.

They are highly trainable. Clicker work, fetch, harness walking and recall are all routine. The breed is curious enough to test taps, doors, drawers and bags.

They get on well with respectful children, other cats and confident dogs. The breed prefers a feline housemate when the household is regularly empty, and pairs naturally with another Abyssinian or a Somali.

The surprise for new owners is the breed’s vertical orientation. Abys want to be on top of the bookshelf, the wardrobe, the curtain rail. Cat trees, shelving and high windowsills suit the breed.

Care and grooming

Coat care is among the easiest of any pedigree cat. A weekly rub with a rubber mitt manages the small amount of shed and gives the coat a polished look. Bathing is rarely needed.

The real care commitment is structured play. Plan on at least 45 minutes of interactive play daily, plus puzzle feeders, vertical climbing space, and rotation of toys. A second active cat handles the rest of the breed’s social needs through the working day.

Indoor vs outdoor in New Zealand

Indoor or catio. Abyssinians have a high prey drive, are physically capable hunters, and the standard NZ wildlife and SPCA NZ containment case applies. The breed’s curiosity and athleticism mean roaming Abys range further from home than most cats, increasing exposure to traffic and theft. NZ Aby breeders consistently advise indoor or catio living.

Where to find an Abyssinian in New Zealand

The NZCF and Catz Inc breeder directories list NZ-registered Abyssinian breeders (NZCF Abyssinian breeders, Catz Inc Abyssinian). Expect a three to seven month waitlist for kittens, NZD 1,200 to 2,800. Ask whether parents have been DNA-tested for PK-Def and PRA-rdAc, and ask about the breeder’s experience with renal amyloidosis in their lines.

Abyssinian-specific rescues are rare in NZ. Adults occasionally appear at SPCA NZ and all-breed cat rescues, often surrendered when the energy and attention demands prove too much for the original household. Adoption is around NZD 150 to 350.

Insurance and lifetime cost

The Abyssinian’s claim profile centres on PK-Def-related anaemia in untested lines, occasional renal amyloidosis in middle age, and PRA. Reputable breeders DNA-test for the major heritable conditions. Ask insurers about cover for hereditary conditions and PK-Def specifically. Lifetime cost is mid-range for a pedigree cat, with low grooming and food costs offsetting the structured-play time investment. Plan $250 to $400 a month all-in.