The Abyssinian personality: what everyday life with one is like

The Abyssinian is often described as a cat that never sits idle. Owners talk about intelligent, curious cats who are deeply devoted to their family: an Abyssinian wants to know what is happening in every room and to take part in every household task. Still, every kitten has its own temperament, so think of everything below as a typical portrait of the breed, not a guarantee.

Energy for the whole day

Abyssinians are among the most active breeds. They run, jump, climb and explore from early morning, and their quiet spells are usually shorter than those of many other cats. The US-based Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) describes them as busy cats who always have an agenda of their own. They calm down a little with age, but many stay playful well into their senior years.

In practice, a bowl and a bed are not enough for an Abyssinian. It needs:

• vertical space: a sturdy floor-to-ceiling cat tree, shelves and safe access to a windowsill;
• active play with you every day: feather wands, balls, a toy to “hunt”;
• puzzles for the mind: puzzle toys and feeders that make it work for its food;
• new experiences: a cardboard box, a paper bag with the handles cut off, toys moved to new places.

Without these, the energy finds another outlet: opened cupboards, trinkets knocked off shelves and night-time laps of the flat.

A clever explorer

Abyssinians learn fast, both the useful things and the ones you may not love. They remember where the treats are kept, how cupboard doors open and what the jingle of keys means. Many happily fetch a toy like a dog and pick up simple tricks for a reward.

It pays to put that cleverness to work. A short training session with treats a few times a week, a new puzzle, a game of “find the treat”: all of these tire an Abyssinian out as well as running around does, and they strengthen your bond at the same time. Rotating toys helps too: put some away for a week, and the return of an old ball becomes a small celebration.

Affectionate, but not a sofa cat

Abyssinians usually become very attached to their people: they follow you around, “help” you work at your laptop and meet you at the door. Yet they are rarely classic lap cats. The UK's Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) jokes that an Abyssinian comes to your lap only when it is completely worn out, because playing is always more interesting. These cats tend to show love through presence: staying close, touching you with a paw, rubbing their head against you.

The breed has a quiet voice. Abyssinians are not given to loud monologues and more often use a soft, melodic chirrup to greet you or invite you to play.

Children, other pets and time alone

With children who treat a cat respectfully, Abyssinians usually get on well: a child is simply another playmate. Teach children to play with a wand toy rather than their hands, and not to hold on to the cat when it wants to leave.

Abyssinians often make friends with other cats and calm dogs if introductions are gradual and supervised. For a family where nobody is home during the day, a second active cat can be a good solution, but it should be a considered decision, not a way to “entertain” the first one. Remember the hunting instinct too: birds, rodents and fish are best kept separate and securely protected.

Abyssinians do not like long stretches alone. If you are often out of the house for 10–12 hours, think about whether you can make up for it with an interesting environment during the day and attention in the evening.

An ordinary day with an Abyssinian

Like most cats, Abyssinians are most active in the morning and evening. A typical day might look like this: a morning inspection of the flat and a game before breakfast, a daytime nap in the warmest spot (often up high, on a wardrobe or the top level of the cat tree), then a fresh burst of energy in the evening when the family gets home. That is the best moment for 10–15 minutes of active play followed by a meal: the cat goes through a full “hunt” cycle and tends to sleep more calmly at night.

Who is an Abyssinian right for?

An Abyssinian is a good choice if you:

• want an active companion and are ready to play every day;
• enjoy watching a clever animal and teaching it new things;
• can set up a home with vertical space and secure screens on the windows.

It may be worth looking at another breed if you dream of a cat that lies on your lap for hours, if a perfectly tidy shelf matters to you, or if you are rarely at home.

Before choosing, ask the breeder about the temperament of the individual kitten: one may be bolder, another calmer. Find out more on the breed page and look for available kittens of this breed. If there are no kittens right now, join the waiting list.