How Big Do Abyssinian Cats Get? Vet-Reviewed Average Weight & Growth Chart

Abyssinian cats have sleek, medium-sized bodies, beautiful, ticked coats, long, graceful legs, and slightly slanted eyes that are often green or gold. Their slightly rounded wedge-shaped heads and large ears add to their charm. They’re known for being active, fun, social, and great family companions.

If you’re thinking of adopting one of these wonderful cats, you may be wondering how big they get and if they have any unusual needs. Abyssinian cats generally weigh between 8 and 10 pounds when fully grown, and most are low-maintenance felines. On average they can live for anywhere from 12 to 15 years.

Abyssinian Breed Overview

The Abyssinian may be closely related to Ancient Egyptian cats. Abyssinian cats have ticked coats in various colors, including ruddy, cinnamon, and blue. They were first brought to the United Kingdom in the 1860s. They were introduced to North America in the 1900s, and their popularity skyrocketed in the 1930s.

Abyssinian cats love to engage and hang around their owners. They often have plenty of energy and require plenty of attention to be happy. Since they’re curious and intelligent, Abyssinian cats can let themselves into cabinets and get into all sorts of other mischief!

They thrive in environments with plenty of toys and activities to keep them busy. They’re usually more into playing than pure cuddling, but they often seek their favorite people out to interact.

Abyssinian cats are generally extremely interested in hanging out in high places. Some even perch on their favorite people’s shoulders to get better views. They can jump long distances and benefit from having many cat shelves and towers to enjoy.

Abyssinian Cat Size and Growth Chart

Abyssinian cats generally fall within a relatively limited size range when fully grown; most end up tipping the scales at somewhere between 8 and 10 pounds, which is close to average for domestic cats¹. Most healthy adult cats weigh between 8 and 12 pounds, but many perfectly healthy ones fall outside that range.

Kittens grow at their own individual rates, so regular veterinary visits are the best way to ensure they’re on track and hitting all their growth milestones. Abyssinian cats are likely to follow the growth pattern seen as most cats, which is reflected in the numbers below.

When Does an Abyssinian Cat Stop Growing?

Cats generally stop growing when they’re around 12 months old. However, some require a few more months to reach their true adult size. Most cats are completely done growing by the time they’re 18 months old, and by the time they hit 2, most have mellowed out and settled into adulthood.

Factors Affecting the Size of Abyssinian Cats

Good nutrition is essential for optimal kitten growth. During the first few weeks of their lives, kittens get everything they need from their mother’s milk. Weaning starts around three to four weeks when baby cats begin eating regular kitten food, and most are fully weaned by six to eight weeks of age. Kittens need lots of protein, calories, and the right balance of other specific nutrients to become their best selves. Most need to stick with foods formulated for kittens until they’re fully grown.

Kittens that eat too much while growing up can end up starting their young lives obese which can increase the likelihood of developing chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis and diabetes. Regular veterinary visits during kittenhood ensure cats meet their developmental milestones and are up-to-date on all the necessary vaccinations and other preventative healthcare.

Ideal Diet for Maintaining a Healthy Weight

High-quality commercial kibble and wet food ensure cats get all the nutrients they need in a package that considers their caloric requirements. Cats are obligate carnivores, so they require diets with animal protein, and they also need nutrients such as taurine, which is crucial for their eye health and immune function.

Cat food brands that have a statement declaring that the product meets the guidelines established by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) are designed to be total nutritional sources. Dry food often has many calories, which can result in weight gain if cats can help themselves. To keep things under control, consult the feeding guidelines on the pet food packaging to determine proper serving sizes and use a measuring cup to prevent overfeeding. Cats’ dietary needs change over time, so the type of food pets eat generally shifts as they age.

How to Measure Your Abyssinian Cat

Figuring out how much cats weigh at home is pretty easy, and a simple bathroom scale is all that’s needed. Take two measurements: one holding the cat and one without. After you subtract the smaller number, you’ll have your cat’s weight.

Cats’ lengths are measured from the nose to the base of their tails. To find out how tall a cat is, wait until they’re standing, then measure the distance from their neck to the floor. Girth, which is often required for accurate harness sizing, is essentially the cats’ chest circumference measured right behind their legs. For the most accurate readings, visit your veterinarian.

Conclusion

Abyssinian cats make stellar companions. They’re friendly, active, curious, and love spending time with their favorite people. They thrive in homes where they get lots of attention and people are frequently around. Abyssinian cats live for about 12 to 15 years and generally weigh around 8 to 10 pounds. Their coats are simple to maintain, and regular high-quality commercial cat food is all that most Abyssinians need to stay healthy.

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Featured Image Credit: Osetrik, Shutterstock