---
title: "Abyssinian Breed Guide: Size, Lifespan, Health Problems and Costs"
url: https://pawmultiverse.com/abyssinian-cat-breed/
description: "Abyssinian: PDSA figures for size, lifespan (12-15 years), health problems to watch, activity, grooming and cost, with the questions owners ask."
source: Paw Multiverse (https://pawmultiverse.com), free to cite with a link
---

# Abyssinian: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care

Published by Paw Multiverse (A.I.T. Multiverse Consulting Ltd) · Last updated 7 November 2026

Quick answer

PDSA, the UK veterinary charity, gives the Abyssinian an average weight of 4.5 kg and a lifespan of 12-15 years, and lists 4 breed-related health problems: renal amyloidosis, patella luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, pyruvate kinase deficiency. Estimated cost: £13,600 to £16,900 over a lifetime.

From PDSA, the UK veterinary charity. Not veterinary advice. Worried about your own pet? [See who to call](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Key facts

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Average weight | 4.5 kg (average) |
| Average lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Activity | Very active, loves climbing high, more likely to play than sit on a lap |
| Grooming | Minimal; they enjoy brushing mainly as interaction |
| Cost | £13,600 to £16,900 over a lifetime (pdsa estimate; average purchase price £600) |

Source: [PDSA, Abyssinian breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/abyssinian).

## Health problems to watch

PDSA lists these for the breed. A higher risk does not mean every animal will be affected; where a screening scheme or test exists, ask the breeder for the parents' results.

- renal amyloidosis (much less common now through selective breeding)
- patella luxation
- progressive retinal atrophy (genetic tests available)
- pyruvate kinase deficiency

Source: [PDSA, Abyssinian breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/abyssinian).

## Activity and grooming

PDSA describes the Abyssinian as very active, loves climbing high, more likely to play than sit on a lap. Grooming: minimal; they enjoy brushing mainly as interaction. Source: [PDSA, Abyssinian breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/abyssinian).

## Temperament

PDSA describes the breed as friendly, generally gets on with other pets after time to adjust, chats in a soft voice. PDSA advises asking breeders whether kittens have been tested where tests exist. Source: [PDSA, Abyssinian breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/abyssinian).

## Cost

PDSA's figure: £13,600 to £16,900 over a lifetime (PDSA estimate; average purchase price £600). These are minimums that leave out buying the animal and vet bills for illness or injury. More: [annual cost of owning a cat](https://pawmultiverse.com/annual-cost-of-owning-a-cat/) and [kitten first-year costs](https://pawmultiverse.com/cost-of-a-kitten-first-year/). Source: [PDSA, Abyssinian breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/abyssinian).

## Questions people ask

How long do Abyssinians live?

PDSA gives an average lifespan of 12-15 years.

What health problems do Abyssinians have?

PDSA lists renal amyloidosis (much less common now through selective breeding); patella luxation; progressive retinal atrophy (genetic tests available); pyruvate kinase deficiency.

How much does a Abyssinian cost?

PDSA's estimate: £13,600 to £16,900 over a lifetime (PDSA estimate; average purchase price £600).

## Sources

- [PDSA, Abyssinian breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/abyssinian), read 7 November 2026.

## Related pages

[All breed guides](https://pawmultiverse.com/dog-and-cat-breeds/), [everything for cat owners](https://pawmultiverse.com/cats/), [what cats can eat](https://pawmultiverse.com/can-cats-eat/) and [pet emergency: what to do now](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Keep reading

- [Norwegian Forest Cat](https://pawmultiverse.com/norwegian-forest-cat-breed/)
- [Devon Rex: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care](https://pawmultiverse.com/devon-rex-cat-breed/)
- [Dobermann (Doberman)](https://pawmultiverse.com/doberman-breed/)

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