The Abyssinian, also known as “Aby,” is a medium-sized cat with a short coat and a lean but muscular body. They are known for being playful, incredibly active, and friendly. However, if you are considering bringing one of these cats into your family, you may wonder how long they live. We will discuss the lifespan of the Abyssinian and everything that can affect their quality of life.
Abyssinian Cat Average life span
The average lifespan of an Abyssinian is 9–15 years, but they have also been known to live longer than 15 years with proper care and attention. Of course, there are some factors beyond your control, such as inherited health problems. But there are many parts of cat care that you have complete control over, such as their environment and nutrition.
How to Care for Your Abyssinian Cat for Longevity?
Abyssinians are one of the oldest cat breeds, possibly related to the cats of ancient Egypt. Or they may have come from east Asia. Whatever the true story, these cats clearly share a long history with humans. So, it probably isn’t a big surprise that these are relatively healthy cats because breeders have worked hard to select the healthiest cats to pass on their genes.
It may seem that the average lifespan of Aby varies greatly, with some living for nine years while others exceed 15. So, let’s look at all the things that can affect the lifespan of your Abyssinian.
Feeding and Diet
Feeding your Aby a proper diet will help ensure they have the proper fuel to support them. Your Abyssinian will need a meat-based diet, which will give them the energy they need to play, chase, and climb to their heart’s content.
Ideally, their diet should be at least 26% protein and 20% fat 1. You want to limit the number of extra calories you eat because they can lead to weight gain and obesity, which can, in turn, lead to various health problems like diabetes. and joint issues. It’s also important to deliver a diet based on your cat’s specific needs, age, and activity level. If you’re confused about where to start, contact your veterinarian.
Environment
The Abyssinian is also known as “Aby-silly-an” because they are incredibly energetic and always up to something. They love to be up high, so expect to see them sitting on a shelf or countertop. A smart purchase is the tallest cat tower you can find.
As a smart breed, investing in mentally stimulating games is also a good idea to keep them occupied. This is especially important if you plan to leave them alone for longer periods of time. Often, they can’t do it on their own, so hide some treats around the house for them to find or leave extra toys. If your Abyssinian is bored, they can become destructive.
Care
Abyssinians are relatively low maintenance pets because they have short coats and tend to shed less than other breeds. A weekly brushing will help remove debris, dandruff, and loose hair. You should also check their ears weekly for debris, dirt, or any signs of infection. Never stick anything in your cat’s ear; use a soft cotton ball or cloth to remove dirt or waxy build-up.
As with any cat, taking care of your Aby’s dental health is important. Daily brushing is the most beneficial to prevent plaque and remove tartar. At the very least, you should brush your cat’s teeth once a week and have regular veterinary dental checkups to help prevent dental disease. Additionally, you will need to trim their nails two to three times a month, but the timeframe for each cat will be different.
Training
Thanks to their intelligence and curiosity, Abyssinians are considered one of the most trainable breeds. You can also teach them to do tricks or walk using positive reinforcement techniques.
They can be trained to solve puzzles, jump through a hoop, and run agility courses. Training may seem irrelevant to your cat’s lifespan, but keeping this intelligent kitty’s mind occupied is essential for their mental health.
Taking care of your health
Abyssinians are generally healthy, but there are some conditions they may be prone to. This does not mean that they will definitely get something on this list; it just means there may be a higher probability, so it’s important to know them.
- Patellar luxation: This inherited condition results from the patella coming off (kneecap) or dislocating from its normal position (luxates).
- Toothache: It is believed that more than half of all cats over 3 years of age have some type of dental disease that can affect the cat’s diet.
- Progressive retinal atrophy: It is a degenerative eye disease that can result in blindness.
It’s important to stay current with your scheduled vet visits, because the earlier a problem is caught, the better the outcome. Furthermore, if you are concerned about your cat’s health, talk to your veterinarian.
The Life Stages of an Abyssinian Cat
There are six stages of Abyssinian life. Since they can live more than 15 years, there is a final stage that not everyone can reach but has the potential. Knowing what to expect from each stage can give your Aby the longest, happiest life possible.
1. Kitten (Up to 1 Year)
Abyssinian kittens are full of energy and love to play. This combination can cause accidents, so make sure you supervise your kitten. Introduce a grooming routine and vet visits early so they get used to them and aren’t worried about both as an adult. This is also the best time to introduce them to children, other people, and pets.
2. Junior (Up to 2 Years)
A young cat is like an adolescent human. They are still full of mischief and will test your boundaries at this age. Make sure you get plenty of playtime and invest in toys to keep their minds and bodies active.
3. Adults (Up to 6 Years)
You’ll notice that your Abyssinian still retains some kitten-like characteristics well into adulthood. They will continue to be curious about their environment and you will need to encourage good behavior with positive reinforcement. Abys are incredibly agile, and with a need to please their owners and spend as much time with them as possible, they are likened to small, agile dogs.
4. Mature Adult (Up to 10 Years)
You may notice that your Abyssinian is starting to slow down, and some minor health conditions may creep in. You may also notice changes in their behavior and weight, so encourage movement and be mindful of how much and what they eat.
5. Senior (Up to 15 Years)
They will be less active and won’t want to play as much as they did, even if you tempt them into something they used to want to do.
This requires a change in their environment and activities. You can adjust the portion sizes of their food, because they won’t burn as much energy and switch them to a senior formulated diet. Additionally, provide comfortable places for them to rest and make sure you are on time with your vet visits.
6. Geriatric (15 Years and above)
Not all cats make it to this stage, and it’s truly an honor to love a cat this long. They’ll sleep better and probably be happier when you’re with them because they won’t lose their love for being around you. Make sure your Aby is eating and drinking enough and that their litter box is accessible.
How to Tell the Age of Your Abyssinian Cat
If you have adopted your Abyssinian, you may need to take an educated guess at their age. Your vet may be able to give you a more accurate prediction based on certain behavioral and physical scores.
Ways to estimate a cat’s age include:
- Eyes: Around age six or seven, you may notice some clouding. This will become more obvious when the cat is around 10 years old.
- Grooming habits: Cats are picky about grooming, and you’ll notice that younger cats will have a clean coat while older cats may be less diligent. This may be because they gain weight as they age or develop arthritis, making it more difficult to reach places that were once easy to reach.
- Teeth: Kittens have deciduous (baby) teeth which are replaced by adult teeth around the 6 month mark. An older cat’s teeth also often show general wear and tear, such as tartar and plaque.
- Weight: As an incredibly active race, the Aby are at their strongest when they are in their prime. As they age, they may move less and be more prone to obesity.
Conclusion
The Abyssinian typically lives 9 to 15 years, but some have been known to live longer. A cat’s lifespan is affected by many factors, such as inherited health problems, lifestyle, nutrition, and environment. It’s important to keep up to date with scheduled vet visits, as your vet can catch many issues early. With proper care and attention, you can be sure to have your Aby with you for a long time!
Featured Image Credit: Darya Lavinskaya, Shutterstock
