Abyssinian Cat Breed Guide UK 2025: Price, Breeders, Personality & Care
Last Updated: October 2025 | UK Buyer’s Guide
Thinking about getting an Abyssinian cat in the UK? After 15 years working with cat breeds and running CatLives, I’ll give you the unfiltered truth about Abyssinian cat price, where to find reputable Abyssinian cat breeders UK-wide, and whether this high-energy breed is right for you.
Quick verdict: Abyssinians aren’t lap cats. They’re intelligent, demanding, and expensive (£300–£1,200+). But for active owners willing to invest time daily, they’re extraordinary companions.
Quick Facts: Abyssinian Cat at a Glance
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | Unknown (disputed—possibly Ethiopia, Egypt, or Southeast Asia) |
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 3.6–5.4 kg (8–12 lbs); females 2.7–4.5 kg (6–10 lbs) |
| Coat | Short, ticked, low-shedding |
| Colours | Ruddy, Sorrel, Blue, Fawn (+ Silver varieties) |
| Lifespan | 9–15 years (median ~10 years) |
| Temperament | Active, intelligent, NOT lap cats |
| Price UK | £300–£1,200+ (pedigree from registered breeders) |
| Best For | Active owners, multi-pet homes, experienced cat owners |
Abyssinian Cat Price UK: What to Expect in 2025
How Much Does an Abyssinian Cat Cost in the UK?
Breakdown by source:
| Source | Price Range | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| GCCF/TICA Registered Breeders | £800–£1,200 | Health tests, vaccinations, pedigree papers, breeder support |
| Non-registered breeders | £300–£600 | Limited/no health guarantees, no papers |
| Pets4Homes listings | £1,000–£1,200 | Varies by seller |
| Rescue/Adoption | £50–£150 | Vaccinations, neutering usually included |
⚠️ Warning: Prices below £300 often indicate backyard breeders or imported kittens without health screening.
Total First-Year Cost (UK)
- Kitten purchase: £800–£1,200
- Initial vet costs: £140–£190
- Neutering/spaying: £50–£100
- Setup (bed, tree, toys, carrier): £150–£250
- Pet insurance: £150–£350/year
- Food: £300–£500/year
- Annual vet checks: £100–£200
Total first year: £1,690–£2,790
Ongoing annual costs: £550–£1,050
Finding Abyssinian Cat Breeders in the UK
Reputable Abyssinian Cat Breeders UK by Region
England:
- Lincolnshire: Westford Cats (GCCF registered, show cats)
- London: Multiple breeders listed on Pets4Homes (verify licensing)
- Birmingham: 6+ listings on Pets4Homes (check GCCF registration)
- Manchester: Limited availability—check Abyssinian Cat Club directory
Scotland: Check GCCF breed clubs for Scottish breeders
Wales: Limited breeders—may need to travel to England
Northern Ireland: Very limited—consider reputable breeders in England
How to Find Abyssinian Kittens for Sale UK
Recommended resources:
- Abyssinian Cat Club (UK) – Official breed club with breeder directory
- GCCF Breeder Lists – Only GCCF-registered breeders
- Pets4Homes – Check seller reviews and licensing status
- Abyssinian Cat Association UK – Member breeder listings
❌ Avoid:
- Gumtree/Craigslist ads
- Unlicensed breeders
- Anyone offering “discounts” for cash
- Breeders who won’t let you visit
Red Flags When Searching “Abyssinian Cat Breeders Near Me”
- No health testing (PRA, PKD, amyloidosis)
- Kittens available immediately (no waiting list = suspicious)
- Multiple litters at once
- Won’t show breeding environment
- No GCCF or TICA registration
- Kittens under 12 weeks old
Green Flags of Best Abyssinian Cat Breeders UK
✅ GCCF or TICA registered ✅ Health testing documented ✅ 12-13 week minimum kitten age ✅ Breeding contract with guarantees ✅ Asks YOU detailed questions ✅ Lifetime breeder support ✅ 3–6 month waiting lists
Abyssinian Cat Personality: Are They Good Pets?
What Makes Abyssinian Cats Unique?
Let’s be clear: Abyssinians are NOT lap cats. If you want cuddles, look at Ragdolls or British Shorthairs.
What Abyssinians ARE:
- ✅ Extremely active (30+ minutes play daily required)
- ✅ Highly intelligent (learn tricks, open doors, problem-solve)
- ✅ People-focused (follow you everywhere)
- ✅ Social with other pets
- ✅ Soft, quiet voices (less vocal than Siamese)
What they’re NOT:
- ❌ Cuddly
- ❌ Content being alone 8+ hours
- ❌ Low-maintenance
- ❌ Tolerant of being held
Do Abyssinian Cats Make Good Pets?
YES if you:
- Work from home
- Have other pets
- Enjoy interactive play
- Want an intelligent companion
- Have vertical space (cat trees essential)
NO if you:
- Want a lap cat
- Are away 10+ hours daily
- Are a first-time cat owner
- Prefer low-maintenance pets
Learn more about cat behavior and bonding.
Abyssinian vs Other Popular Breeds
Abyssinian vs Somali Cat
| Feature | Abyssinian | Somali |
|---|---|---|
| Coat | Short | Long |
| Grooming | Weekly | 2-3x weekly |
| Personality | Identical | Identical |
| Price UK | £800-£1,200 | £900-£1,400 |
| Shedding | Moderate | Higher |
Verdict: Somalis are long-haired Abyssinians. Same personality, more grooming.
Abyssinian vs Bengal Cat
| Feature | Abyssinian | Bengal |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | Very high | Extremely high |
| Vocalization | Quiet | Very vocal |
| Price UK | £800-£1,200 | £1,000-£2,500 |
| Wild appearance | Moderate | Strong |
| Good with kids | Yes (supervised) | Yes (supervised) |
Verdict: Bengals are more intense and vocal. Abyssinians slightly calmer.
Abyssinian vs Siamese
| Feature | Abyssinian | Siamese |
|---|---|---|
| Vocalization | Soft, quiet | Very loud |
| Social needs | High | Extremely high |
| Price UK | £800-£1,200 | £400-£900 |
| Lap cat | No | Somewhat |
Verdict: Siamese more cuddly and vocal. Abyssinians more independent.
Abyssinian vs British Shorthair
| Feature | Abyssinian | British Shorthair |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | Very high | Low |
| Temperament | Active, playful | Calm, placid |
| Grooming | Weekly | Weekly |
| Price UK | £800-£1,200 | £800-£1,500 |
| Good for flats | If enriched | Excellent |
Verdict: Complete opposites. BSH for calm homes, Abyssinians for active owners.
Abyssinian Cat Care: What You Need to Know
Do Abyssinian Cats Shed?
Yes, moderately. Short hair means less visible shedding than long-haired breeds like Maine Coons, but they do shed.
Managing shedding:
- Weekly brushing (see our cat grooming guide)
- High-quality diet
- Regular vet checks
Despite short coats, hairballs can occur.
Are Abyssinian Cats Hypoallergenic?
No. No cat breed is truly hypoallergenic. All produce Fel d 1 protein (the allergen). Short coats may reduce allergen spread slightly, but allergic individuals will still react.
Abyssinian Cat Health Problems
Breed-specific concerns:
- Renal Amyloidosis (MOST SERIOUS)
- Genetic kidney disease
- Familial trait
- Most affected cats survive <1 year after diagnosis
- Prevention: Breeder screening essential
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Genetic eye disease
- Causes gradual blindness
- Genetic testing available
- Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD)
- Blood disorder causing anaemia
- Genetic testing available
- Dental Disease
- Higher predisposition than other breeds
- Daily tooth brushing recommended
Read our comprehensive cat wellness guide and cat skin problems resource.
Abyssinian Cat Lifespan
Official range: 9-15 years Reality: UK studies show median lifespan ~10 years (shorter than many breeds)
Maximizing lifespan:
- Regular vet checks
- Quality diet (see cat nutrition)
- Genetic health screening
- Pet insurance recommended
Abyssinian Cat Diet
Requirements:
- High-protein diet (meat-based)
- Scheduled meals (not free-feeding)
- Quality wet or dry food
Resources:
Abyssinian Cat Adoption UK: Rescue Options
Where to Adopt Abyssinian Cats UK
Rescue organizations:
- Cats Protection – Occasionally have Abyssinians
- RSPCA – Rare but possible
- Breed-specific rescues – Contact Abyssinian Cat Club
- GCCF breed club contacts – May know of cats needing rehoming
Adoption fees: £50-£150 (includes vaccinations, neutering)
Why adopt:
- Lower cost
- Adult personality established
- Give a cat a second chance
- Still get breed characteristics
Pros and Cons of Abyssinian Cats
Abyssinian Cat Pros:
✅ Low grooming needs – Weekly brushing sufficient ✅ Intelligent and trainable – Learn tricks easily. ✅ Social with other pets – Great in multi-pet homes ✅ Beautiful appearance – Striking ticked coat ✅ Entertaining – Always active and amusing ✅ Healthy overall – With proper breeding ✅ Moderate shedding – Less than long-haired breeds
Abyssinian Cat Cons:
❌ NOT lap cats – Won’t cuddle for hours. ❌ Very high energy – Exhausting for some owners ❌ Expensive – £800-£1,200+ initial cost. ❌ Genetic health risks – Amyloidosis, PRA, PKD ❌ Need daily engagement – 1-2 hours minimum ❌ Can’t be alone long – 4-6 hours maximum. ❌ Destructive when bored – Will find entertainment. ❌ Shorter lifespan – Median ~10 years
Frequently Asked Questions About Abyssinian Cats
How much is an Abyssinian cat UK?
£800-£1,200 from GCCF/TICA registered breeders. Non-registered breeders charge £300-£600 but lack health guarantees. Rescue adoption costs £50-£150.
Where can I buy an Abyssinian cat in the UK?
- Abyssinian Cat Club UK – Official breeder directory
- GCCF breeder lists – Registered breeders only
- Pets4Homes – Verify licensing and reviews
- Westford Cats (Lincolnshire) – Established breeder
Are Abyssinian cats rare in the UK?
Moderately rare. They’re not as common as British Shorthairs or Persians, but reputable breeders exist. Expect 3-6 month waiting lists for kittens.
Do Abyssinian cats like to cuddle?
No. They’re affectionate and bond strongly but prefer being near you rather than on your lap. Not suitable if you want a cuddly cat.
Can Abyssinian cats be left alone?
Maximum 4-6 hours with enrichment. Beyond that, they need companionship (another cat or mid-day visits). Not suitable for people away 10+ hours daily.
Are Abyssinian cats good with dogs?
Generally yes. Their confident, playful nature translates well to dog relationships with proper introductions.
What is the best cat breed for families in the UK?
If you want active, intelligent cats: Abyssinians. If you want calm, cuddly cats: Ragdolls or British Longhairs.
Abyssinian cat vs Burmese: which is better?
Burmese are more cuddly and less active. Abyssinians are higher energy but more independent. Depends on your lifestyle.
Training and Enrichment for Abyssinian Cats
Abyssinians excel at training due to high intelligence. Resources:
Common Behavioral Issues
Excessive Energy
Solution: More play, puzzle feeders, companion cat
Litter Box Problems
Solution: Rule out medical issues, clean daily
See: Eliminating cat urine odours
Health Supplements for Abyssinian Cats
Creating the Perfect Abyssinian Cat Environment
Resources:
Understanding Abyssinian Behavior
Serious Health Conditions to Watch For
Best Alternatives to Abyssinian Cats
Similar Energy Levels:
- Bengal Cat – Wild appearance, extremely active
- Ocicat – Spotted coat, playful
- Savannah – Tall, athletic
- Siamese – Vocal, social
For Lower Energy:
- Ragdoll – Actually cuddly
- British Shorthair – Calm, independent
- Persian – Genuinely lap cats
Final Verdict: Should You Buy an Abyssinian Cat in the UK?
Get an Abyssinian if: ✅ You work from home ✅ You want an active, intelligent companion ✅ You can afford £800-£1,200+ initial cost ✅ You have 1-2 hours daily for engagement ✅ You have or plan to get another pet
Don’t get an Abyssinian if: ❌ You want a lap cat ❌ You’re away 10+ hours daily ❌ You’re a first-time cat owner ❌ You have a tight budget ❌ You prefer low-maintenance pets
About the Author: As Editor-in-Chief of CatLives with 15+ years experience, I provide fact-checked, practical advice for UK cat owners.
Explore More Breeds: Browse our complete UK cat breeds guide
