Your guide to finding and caring for an Abyssinian in Albuquerque
Abyssinians fit Albuquerque's mix of older bungalows and Downtown lofts well, as long as there's something tall to climb. In a Barelas bungalow or a Casa District loft, an Aby will claim the top of the bookshelf and the best windowsill, then follow you from room to room. They're lively and sociable, so they do best with someone home a good part of the day. Sunny windows are easy to come by here, since the city sees sun most days of the year.
Find your forever Abyssinian
While we don't have enough cats near Albuquerque, keep in mind that many rescues may offer transport.
M, 0-6 mo., 1158 miles
Abyssinian, Bombay
F, 2 y., 1187 miles
Abyssinian
F, 3 mo., 1203 miles
Abyssinian
F, 3 mo., 1203 miles
Abyssinian
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 1209 miles
Domestic Short Hair, Abyssinian
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 1209 miles
Abyssinian, Domestic Short Hair
F, 3-7 y., 1214 miles
Abyssinian, Tabby
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 1214 miles
Abyssinian
F, 0-6 mo., 1214 miles
Abyssinian
F, 3-7 y., 1248 miles
Dilute Tortoiseshell, Abyssinian
The Abyssinian's short, ticked coat shows several bands of color on each hair, which gives it a warm, glowing look. Large ears and almond eyes add to a lean, muscular build, usually between 6 and 12 pounds. The breed was developed in Britain and is among the oldest recognized, though its name points to Abyssinia, now Ethiopia, and genetic research suggests ancestors from the Indian Ocean coast and Southeast Asia.
Abys are busy, curious and athletic, and many are affectionate without being lap cats. In Albuquerque's dry climate their light, close-lying coat needs little more than occasional brushing, so the bigger commitment is time: daily interactive play, climbing space and company. Like any cat, each Aby has its own personality, and some are shy or mellow.
Having an Abyssinian in Albuquerque
Abyssinians pair high energy and curiosity with a strong pull toward their people. In Albuquerque, that mostly means giving a clever indoor cat enough to climb, chase and watch, and planning for a few inherited health conditions.
Abys tend to be inquisitive, social and always on the move, often tagging along from room to room. Many show affection through play rather than lap time, and some are shy with strangers at first. In a city apartment, that means a cat who wants an audience. Personalities vary from cat to cat.
Plan on daily interactive play, such as wand toys and chase games, plus puzzle feeders and tall cat trees. In Albuquerque, a window perch that catches the sun gives an Aby hours of entertainment. A harness-trained cat can also take supervised outings, but indoor play does most of the work.
Abyssinians can inherit pyruvate kinase deficiency, progressive retinal atrophy, kidney amyloidosis and kneecap luxation, and gum disease is common. DNA tests exist for the first two, and a veterinarian can check the eyes, kneecaps and teeth at the first visit. Albuquerque's dry air is easy on coats, but fresh water matters year-round.
Abys do well in Albuquerque's apartments, lofts and single-story homes alike, because vertical space counts for more than floor area. Cat trees, shelves and window perches are essential. Keep them indoors or in a secure catio, since coyotes in the city can treat cats as prey, especially at night.
| 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* | $450 to $1,150 per year | $450 to $1,150 |
| Estimated yearly total (after year one) | $1,260 to $2,820 | |
Other costs are estimates and vary with size, age and health.
* Flea and tick prevention, a yearly dental cleaning allowance, litter, 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 currently have Abyssinians available.
Albuquerque's city shelters and nonprofit rescues care for thousands of animals every year, cats and kittens among them. Here are the rescues & shelters in the Albuquerque area where you can find Abyssinians and other cats available for adoption.
P.O. Box 90394, Albuquerque
3001 2nd St SW, Albuquerque
8920 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque
11800 Sunset Gardens SW, Albuquerque
615 Virginia Street SE, Albuquerque
Albuquerque
P.O. Box 3802, Albuquerque
PO Box 40189, Albuquerque
Albuquerque
Albuquerque
Albuquerque
Albuquerque
Yes, if you can offer daily play and company. Albuquerque's sunny windows give an Abyssinian plenty to watch, and the dry air is easy on its short coat. The trade-off is outdoor risk: coyotes can treat cats as prey and rattlesnakes are active April through October, so plan on an indoor life with a catio or harness outings.
Mostly yes, as an indoor cat. Summers are hot and dry, but only two or three days a year reach 100°F and nights cool off. About 93 nights a year dip to freezing, so an Abyssinian's fine short coat calls for warm bedding and sunny spots. Spring wind and dust and monsoon thunder are the other things to plan around.
No, pets can't ride ABQ RIDE buses, including the ART line on Central Avenue; only service animals are allowed. The Rail Runner doesn't allow pets either, permitting only service animals and carrier-sized comfort animals. For vet visits, plan on driving or getting a ride, with the cat secured in a sturdy carrier.
Yes, an Abyssinian can do well in an Albuquerque apartment or loft if it has vertical space and daily play. Prioritize a tall cat tree, wall shelves and a window perch. Keep balcony access secured, since Abys climb and explore, and check your lease for pet terms. Play sessions help burn off energy that could otherwise go into scratching furniture.
Very little. An Abyssinian's short, close-lying coat needs only occasional brushing, and Albuquerque's dry climate means little dampness or matting to manage. Dental care matters more, since gum disease is common in the breed. Grooming costs fall within the yearly Other figure, which also covers dental cleanings, litter and flea 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.
We have 1 rescue with Abyssinians available: FAT KATZ. You can see every rescue with Abyssinians available in the list above these questions, or scroll to the top to see the Abyssinians near Albuquerque.
An Abyssinian typically runs about $1,300 to $2,800 a year in Albuquerque, counting food, insurance, routine vet care and other costs such as litter, flea prevention and dental care. Insurance can be a larger line than for many cats because of the breed's inherited conditions. Adoption fees appear on each listing.
Looking for a different breed? Browse other cats available for adoption in Albuquerque.
