With a lean, elegant look, the Abyssinian cat strongly resembles the cat statues of Ancient Egypt. They’re a striking breed with exotic gold and cinnamon coats and large, expressive eyes on a slender frame.
Abyssinians are active cats, but it’s easy for them to become over- or underweight. A fully grown Abyssinian cat can weigh between 6-12 pounds. Knowing what to expect from your Abyssinian kitten’s growth can help you ensure they have the ideal nutrition to grow strong and healthy.
Abyssinian Cat Overview
The Abyssinian Cat is a domestic short-haired cat with a distinctive ticked tabby coat. They are sociable and attentive cats that shed minimally. These medium-sized cats are around six to 12 pounds and extremely active. Often compared to dogs, Abyssinians love to spend time with their owners and demand attention. They do well in homes with present owners and other cats, though they are rarely snuggly lap pets. Typically, these cats are on the go and exploring.
Though rarer than some other domestic breeds, Abyssinians are officially recognized by major cat breed associations like The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), The International Cat Association (TICA), and the Canadian Cat Association (CCA).
Abyssinian Cat Weight and Growth Chart
Abyssinians are tall and slender cats. They are usually about 8-10 inches tall, and around 8-12 pounds, with males being slightly larger than females.
| Age | Male | Female |
| 3 Months | 3-4 pounds | 2.5–3 pounds |
| 6 Months | 4–6 pounds | 3.5–5 pounds |
| 9 Months | 6–8 pounds | 5–7 pounds |
| 1 Year | 8–12 pounds | 6-9 pounds |
When Does an Abyssinian Cat Stop Growing?
Like some other cat breeds, Abyssinians grow quickly and reach their mature height between 10 and 12 months of age. They grow the fastest during their first six months.
Factors Affecting the Size of Abyssinian Cat
Though Abyssinians will likely fall within the range of 6-12 pounds as an adult, several factors can affect their adult size:
- Breed: Full-blooded Abyssinians are likely to be around the same size, but an Abyssinian with large parents or mixed with other cat breeds may be larger or smaller.
- Sex: As mentioned, male Abyssinians are often larger than females by a few pounds and inches.
- Nutrition and Activity: Nutrition and activity have a big impact on your kitten’s growth and weight. If you neglect exercise or overfeed an Abyssinian, a naturally lean cat, they could end up larger than the average of the breed. Conversely, an underfed Abyssinian may not reach its full height or weight.
Ideal Diet for Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Kittens should be fed a high-quality kitten food until they reach about 10 or 12 months of age. After that, your cat’s needs will vary based on their metabolism and activity level. You will need to monitor your cat’s intake to ensure they don’t become under- or overweight. Obesity is a common problem in house cats, and Abyssinians have long, lean bodies with lithe frames that can struggle under excess weight.
How to Measure Your Abyssinian Cat
If you want to track your cat’s height and weight for comparison, you can measure height using a seamstress tape from the ground to the top of the shoulder. For weight, a gram scale is helpful to keep track of a kitten’s weight changes until adulthood, after which a standard scale should be fine. One of the simplest ways to weigh your cat is by standing on the scale with your cat, then standing on the scale alone and determining the difference.
Weight ranges are a good guideline to see if your cat is healthy, but a body condition score is more important than the actual number on the scale. The ideal body condition for your cat is a well-proportioned body with slight fat covering the ribs, a visible waist that’s not pronounced, and minimal abdominal fat. If you have any questions about your cat’s healthy weight, talk to a vet.
Need veterinary advice but can't get to the clinic? Catster recommends PangoVet, our online veterinary service. Talk to a vet online and get the answers and advice you need for your cat without having to leave your living room — all at an affordable price!
Conclusion
Abyssinian cats are a graceful breed that loves to play, run, and interact with their owners and other pets. Though they’re generally healthy and low maintenance, Abyssinians live their best lives when they’re given plenty of exercise and quality nutrition to support their energy needs.
Understanding your cat’s expected growth rate and how to maintain the ideal weight is an important part of keeping these cats in optimal condition. If you have any concerns about your cat’s diet, be sure to consult with a vet.
See Also:
- Black Abyssinian Cat: Pictures, Facts & History
- How Big Does a Cornish Rex Get? Vet Reviewed Weight & Growth Chart
Featured Image Credit: Darya Lavinskaya, Shutterstock
Abyssinian Cat Overview
