Characteristics of an Abyssinian
Adult weight: - 6 – 10 lbs
Adult height: 8 to 10 in
Origin – Southeast Asia
Life expectancy: 9 – 15 years
It’s always smart to learn about a breed before adopting. The Abyssinian’s origins are mysterious—though believed to come from Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia), some theories trace them to Southeast Asia, India, or even Britain. Resembling the cats of ancient Egyptian art, Abyssinians are medium-sized, muscular cats with short, low-shedding coats in colors like ruddy, red, cinnamon, blue, or fawn. Their large ears and almond-shaped green or gold eyes add to their striking appearance. Now that you know the basics, let’s dive into the details!
What is the price of Abyssinian?
An Abyssinian has a social outgoing personality and is an active breed to own. They serve to be great companions as they crave attention and will often be found running around the house and climbing stairs.
Buying an Abyssinian: $500 - $2,000
The price varies depending on whether you’re looking for a companion or a show-quality cat. An Abyssinian typically costs $500 to $2,000, but show-quality cats can range from $1,500 to $4,000. Adoption is often a more affordable alternative.
Adopting an Abyssinian: $100 – $250
Abyssinian cats, often affectionately called “Abyss,” are admired for their striking looks and are among the top five most popular cat breeds in the United States. Several factors can influence their price, including age—younger kittens tend to be in higher demand and may cost more. You can also find Abyssinians through shelters or adoption centers, which is a rewarding and often more affordable option. If you decide to adopt, be sure to check out our cat adoption checklist to prepare for your new feline companion.
Monthly Costs for an Abyssinian Kitten
Diets: $10-$25
The dietary requirements of an Abyssinian depend mainly on the age, sex, and activity level of the cat. An Abyssinian doesn’t need more than half a cup of food daily. One can save money by buying cat food in bulk, be it wet food or dry food. You can add a few treats for a couple of dollars to spice things up. Some owners may decide to feed their cat home-cooked food, the cost of which may vary based on fresh ingredients. It's crucial to make sure that your pet has a balanced diet to help ensure their long-term health.
Grooming: $20-$50
The Abyssinian cat is a breed that does not require much grooming, so that’s one less thing to worry about. Their coats are quite low-maintenance and help make them more affordable for their owners. Once-a-month grooming sessions are good to help keep their coat maintained. Their grooming sessions can include ear cleaning, nail trimming and brushing.
Medical Costs: $20-$50
In the case of an Abyssinian cat, it’s recommended that pet owners take care of their tick and flea medication monthly. These treatments may cost up to $20 a month. Their medical expenses may vary based on health concerns. Abyssinian cats are prone to developing health conditions throughout their lives. Some of these conditions and their potential costs to treat can be:
Hip Dysplasia - $1500 - $4000
Dental Care - $100 - $300
Patellar Luxation - $400
Regular vet visits and preventive care can help maintain the health of your pet and this helps reduce medical costs over the long run.
Insurance: $20-$70
If you decide to purchase pet insurance, the cost can depend upon a few factors including the type of coverage, the age of the cat, and the insurance provider. On average, one can typically find an insurance plan for their Abyssinian cat at around $20 - $70 per month. These plans cover the eligible costs of the medical bills. Cat insurance is of utmost importance as it can financially aid the owner to help ensure they can focus on getting the best treatment for their pet.
One-time costs for an Abyssinian Cat
Initial Costs: $700-$2000
The initial cost of supplies for your pet depends on whether you adopted or purchased your cat; in case of adoption, it may be $50 - $150. In case of purchasing, it could be $800- $2000. Initial supplies like litter boxes, scratch posts, water bowls, cat toys, beds, etc. may cost between $50-$150.
Microchipping: $25-$50
We at Spot Pet Insurance recommend every pet parent get their pet microchipped. Learn why it's important to microchip a pet. The cost can vary between $25-$50. Aside from the initial microchipping cost, there may also be an additional fee for registering the microchip in a pet identification database.
Vaccines: $50-$100
Vaccination is necessary for kittens as they help them become immune to diseases and illnesses. Three vaccines are mandatory, including the feline panleukopenia virus (FVR/FHV-1), feline herpesvirus-1 (FCV), and feline calicivirus vaccines (FPV). The vaccines start at 6 weeks of age and should be continued until they are 16 weeks old. Learn about the importance of vaccinating a pet.
Miscellaneous: $100-$150
In the case of a cat as a pet, they can be rough with their belongings. It’s a good idea to budget for replacing these products occasionally, as a scratched object is no fun to look at. Pet training, pet sitting, etc., are some other expenses that may come your way. In case your pet suffers from any medical conditions, then those expenses can be added to this category as well. You should keep around $100-$150 aside for these miscellaneous expenses.
Lifetime Abyssinian Cost: $10,000 - $30,000
Now that we have given the breakdown of different costs associated with the Abyssinian cat, their average lifetime cost comes up to around $10,000-$30,000. These costs may vary depending on the health, age, food & dietary supplements, medical bills, etc. This estimated cost includes the purchase or adoption fee of $500 - $4,000, and cat supplies like toys, bed, crate, litter box, food, water bowls, etc., which may cost $500-$800. Other miscellaneous costs can be $100-$150. Health-related costs like vet visits, vaccinations, grooming, and diet may come up to $1000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Abyssinian cats rare? No, Abyssinian cats are not considered rare, as they consistently rank among the most popular cat breeds in the United States, although they may be uncommon to find for adoption outside of specialty rescues.
What is the average lifespan of an Abyssinian cat? The average lifespan for an Abyssinian cat is typically between 9 and 15 years, though some well-cared-for individuals have been known to live for 17 years or more.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Cat insurance can help provide financial assistance for covered veterinary care in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure that their pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:
Helps Cover Unexpected Veterinary Costs: Spot pet insurance plans help cover the eligible costs of unexpected veterinary treatments, such as emergency surgeries, X-rays, and prescription medications for covered conditions.
Customizable Plans: Choose your annual limit, reimbursement rate, and deductible from a range of options, and create the plan that will fit the needs of your pet and your budget.
Peace of Mind: With Spot pet insurance plans, pet parents can know that they can provide the best care for their pet with less worry about the cost.
To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.
Key Takeaway
The Abyssinian is an active, low-maintenance, and highly social cat known for its striking looks and love of climbing. While the initial cost of buying or adopting can range from $100 to over $4,000, the commitment extends to an estimated lifetime cost of $10,000 to $30,000. This budget covers necessary expenses like quality food, regular vet visits, and pet insurance to help manage potential hereditary health issues. If you are looking for an engaging, playful companion who prefers action over cuddles, the Abyssinian will be a rewarding addition to your home.
I’m Charlie: canine enthusiast with a knack for figuring out why my dog, Dallas, is more infatuated with tennis balls than me. My lifelong passion for dogs has created a dedication to help other pet parents better understands their furry family members!
