Your guide to finding and caring for an Abyssinian in Denver
Abyssinians fit Denver's apartment buildings well, as long as they have somewhere high to climb. In a Capitol Hill condo or a Union Station loft, a tall cat tree by the window gives this curious, athletic cat both a view and a workout. Abys like to follow their people around, so they do best when someone's home a fair amount or a second cat is there for company. Plan on a few wand-toy sessions every day.
Find your forever Abyssinian
While we don't have enough cats near Denver, keep in mind that many rescues may offer transport.
M, 3-7 y., 815 miles
Abyssinian, Tabby
F, 9 y., 836 miles
Abyssinian, Domestic Short Hair
F, 6 mo., 850 miles
Abyssinian
F, 8 y., 908 miles
Abyssinian
F, 4 y., 908 miles
Abyssinian
F, 4 y., 908 miles
Abyssinian
F, 4 y., 908 miles
Abyssinian
F, 3 y., 908 miles
Abyssinian
F, 3 y., 908 miles
Abyssinian, Extra-Toes Cat / Hemingway Polydactyl
M, 3-7 y., 908 miles
Bengal, Abyssinian
The Abyssinian is a medium, lithe, muscular cat with a short, fine coat in which each hair carries several bands of color, a ticked look that gives the breed its glow. Large, cupped ears and almond eyes add to the alert, wildcat-like expression. Despite the name, genetic research points to origins along the Indian Ocean coast and Southeast Asia, and the breed was developed in Britain. Most adults weigh 6 to 12 pounds.
Abys are busy, inquisitive and social, and many follow their people from room to room instead of settling into a lap. In Denver, that means a home with climbing space, daily interactive play and company works best. Their light shedding keeps cleanup simple, though they aren't hypoallergenic. Inherited conditions such as pyruvate kinase deficiency and retinal degeneration are worth discussing with a veterinarian.
Having an Abyssinian in Denver
Abyssinians pair high energy and sharp curiosity with a strong attachment to their people. Climbing, play and company matter more than square footage, and a few inherited health risks are worth knowing about before you adopt one in Denver.
Abys are inquisitive, social and playful, and many shadow their owners through the day. They're affectionate on their own terms rather than lap cats, and some are shy with strangers at first. In a busy Denver household they often thrive, but a cat left alone through long workdays may get bored. Each cat's personality varies.
Plan on daily interactive play with wand toys, fetch and puzzle feeders, plus tall cat trees for climbing. Denver's cold winters and spring snowstorms keep many days indoors, so a window perch and several short play sessions spread through the day help. A secure catio or harness walks can add safe outdoor time.
Abyssinians can inherit pyruvate kinase deficiency, progressive retinal atrophy and kidney amyloidosis, and gum disease and kneecap problems also show up. DNA tests exist for some of these, so a veterinarian can advise on screening. Denver requires rabies vaccination for cats over 6 months, and regular dental care and checkups help catch problems early.
Abys do well in apartments, condos and houses alike, since vertical space matters more than floor area. In a Denver rental, a sturdy cat tree, window perch or wall shelves give them room to climb. Keep them indoors or in a secure catio, and plan for company if the household is empty most of the day.
| Expense | Typical cost | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Food | $25 to $50 per month | $300 to $600 |
| Pet insurance | $30 to $60 per month | $360 to $720 |
| Routine vet care | $150 to $350 per year | $150 to $350 |
| Other* | $465 to $1,165 per year | $465 to $1,165 |
| Estimated yearly total (after year one) | $1,275 to $2,835 | |
Other costs are estimates and vary with size, age and health.
* The $15 Denver cat license, litter, flea and parasite prevention, a dental cleaning allowance, toys, scratchers and cat trees, and occasional brushing.
Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below have cats available in and near Denver.
Denver's municipal shelter and nonprofit rescues care for cats of every age, and these are the ones listed here. Here are the rescues & shelters in the Denver area with cats available for adoption, worth asking whether an Abyssinian is coming in.
Yes, an Abyssinian can live comfortably in a Denver apartment. Climbing space matters more than floor area, so a tall cat tree, window perch or wall shelves keep this athletic cat busy. Plan on daily wand-toy play and company, since Abys dislike long stretches alone. Confirm that your building allows cats and any limits on wall-mounted furniture.
Yes, you can own an Abyssinian in Denver by following the same cat rules as everyone else: a city license, rabies vaccination and spay/neuter once a cat is six months old. Keep an ID tag and microchip current, since the Denver shelter sees about 46% more strays in the week after July Fourth fireworks.
An Abyssinian can be a great fit for Denver if you're home often or can offer a companion cat. They're active and social, which suits a household that enjoys daily play. Winter weather keeps many days indoors, and this climbing, indoor-friendly cat has plenty to do there. It's a weaker match if you're away for long days.
Yes, Abyssinians can handle Denver winters as indoor cats. Their short, fine coat gives little insulation against 19°F average lows, so keep them inside with warm bedding and a sunny window perch. Winter afternoons often warm into the mid-40s, which makes for comfortable play at home. Wipe paws if the cat has touched salt or ice melt.
Yes, but only in a carrier. RTD prohibits animals on vehicles other than service animals and small pets in carriers. An Abyssinian's 6 to 12 pounds should fit a properly sized carrier. On commuter rail, keep the carrier on the floor or your lap, not on a seat. Check current rules and fares with RTD before you ride.
Very little. An Abyssinian's short, close-lying coat needs only occasional brushing, perhaps weekly, to remove loose hair. Denver's dry air and cold winters don't change that, though a quick wipe of the paws helps after salty sidewalks. Professional grooming isn't usually needed, so grooming adds little to the Other cost line, which mostly covers litter, dental care and parasite prevention.
Abyssinian is pronounced ab-ih-SIN-ee-un, with the stress on the third syllable, SIN. The name refers to Abyssinia, the historical name for Ethiopia. Many owners simply shorten it to Aby, pronounced AB-ee. You may also hear the breed's ticked coat colors called ruddy, cinnamon or sorrel, blue and fawn.
An Abyssinian is a medium-sized shorthaired cat breed known for its ticked coat, in which each hair has bands of color that create a warm, glowing look. It has large ears, almond-shaped eyes and a lean, muscular body. Developed in Britain in the 1800s, it is one of the oldest recognized breeds and is famous for being active and curious.
Yes, Abyssinian cats shed, but usually only lightly to moderately because of their short, close-lying coat. Shedding may increase seasonally. Combing or brushing a few times a month controls loose hair, and a damp cloth or chamois rubbed over the coat adds shine. Sudden heavy shedding or bald patches should be checked by a veterinarian.
Budget roughly $55 to $110 a month for food and insurance, plus $150 to $350 a year for routine vet care and $465 to $1,165 for everything else, including litter and the Denver license. That works out to about $1,275 to $2,835 a year. Emergencies and illness cost extra, and insurance can help with them.
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