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Abyssinian cat

Abyssinian Cats for Adoption in Philadelphia, PA

Your guide to finding and caring for an Abyssinian in Philly

Abyssinians suit Philly's rowhouses well, because a cat that climbs everything gets plenty out of a tall, narrow home. In a Queen Village rowhouse with steep stairs or a Powelton Village apartment carved out of an older house, an Aby will claim the top of the bookshelf and the landing window within a week. They're busy, social cats that want a person nearby and daily play with a wand toy. If your workdays are long, think about a pair.

173 Abyssinians available in Philadelphia and nationwide

Find your forever Abyssinian

While we don't have enough cats near Philadelphia, keep in mind that many rescues may offer transport.

Abyssinians Available for Adoption Near Philadelphia

About the Abyssinian breed

The Abyssinian is a medium, lean, muscular cat with a short ticked coat, large ears and almond eyes. Each hair carries several bands of color, which gives the coat its warm glow. The breed was developed in Britain, and despite the name, genetic research points to ancestors from the Indian Ocean coast and Southeast Asia rather than Ethiopia.

Temperament is the draw and the challenge. Abys are curious, athletic and clever, and they tend to follow their people around, supervising everything. They're affectionate, but usually not lap cats. Expect daily interactive play, climbing space and company. The grooming is easy, though inherited conditions such as pyruvate kinase deficiency and retinal degeneration are worth knowing about before you commit.

Weight
6–12 lbs
Height
8–10 in
Lifespan
9–15 yrs
Temperament
Active, Curious, Playful, Social
Shedding
Low to Moderate

Owning an Abyssinian in Philadelphia

Having an Abyssinian in Philly

Abyssinians pair nonstop curiosity with an easy-care coat and a strong need for company. Their energy, social habits and inherited health risks decide whether one fits your routine, and each cat's personality still varies.

Temperament

Abyssinians are inquisitive, energetic and sociable, often following you from room to room and joining every chore. Many show affection through play and attention rather than lap time, and some are shy with visitors at first. In a busy Philly household they usually enjoy other cats and gentle children, though every cat's personality differs.

Exercise Needs

Plan on daily interactive play, such as wand toys, fetch and chase games, plus puzzle feeders to keep their minds busy. Tall cat trees and wall shelves satisfy the urge to climb, which matters in a small rowhouse or apartment. Without enough activity, many Abys get restless and invent their own mischief, like opening cabinets.

Health Considerations

Abyssinians can inherit pyruvate kinase deficiency, which causes anemia, and progressive retinal atrophy, which leads to vision loss. Kidney amyloidosis, kneecap luxation and gum disease also appear in the breed. A veterinarian can check the teeth, eyes and kneecaps and talk through DNA testing. Yearly checkups and regular tooth care help catch problems early.

Living Space

An Abyssinian can do well in a Philly apartment or a multi-story rowhouse as long as it has vertical space. Cat trees, window perches and wall shelves matter more than square footage. Keep it indoors or on a secure catio or balcony. Homes where someone is around often, or with a second cat, suit these social climbers.

What it costs to own an Abyssinian in Philadelphia

ExpenseTypical costPer 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 dental cleaning allowance, litter, toys, scratchers and cat trees, and occasional brushing for a short coat.

Abyssinian cat

Adopt an Abyssinian in Philadelphia.

Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below have cats available in and near Philadelphia.

Rescues and Shelters in or near Philadelphia

Philly's shelters and rescues care for thousands of animals each year, and the ones listed below are part of that community. Here are the rescues & shelters in the Philly area with cats available for adoption, worth asking whether an Abyssinian is coming in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can adopt an Abyssinian in Philadelphia, and no breed restrictions apply because Pennsylvania law bars local rules aimed at a specific breed. Cats aren't licensed here, but any cat over three months old must be vaccinated for rabies. Your landlord's lease may set its own pet rules, so read it before you adopt.

Yes, an Abyssinian can live happily in a Philly apartment or rowhouse. These cats care more about vertical space than floor area, so a tall cat tree, window perch and wall shelves go a long way. Plan on daily play sessions, and consider a second cat or a home where someone is around often.

Yes, as long as your Abyssinian rides in a standard, sturdy carrier. SEPTA allows pets only in carriers that don't obstruct others, and the animal can't be disruptive. Abys are medium-sized cats, so a roomy carrier works well. Practice at home first, since a curious, active cat may protest a crowded Broad Street Line car.

Philly's climate works well for an indoor Abyssinian. Winters bring about 77 freezing nights a year, and this short-coated, lean cat will want warm beds and sunny perches. Summers reach roughly 30 days at 90°F or above, so keep air conditioning or fans running and offer cool, shaded resting spots indoors.

Very little. An Abyssinian's short, close-lying coat needs only occasional brushing, which also helps with light shedding. Philly's humid summers don't change that much, but a quick weekly check for fleas and ticks is smart, especially if your cat walks on a harness. Dental care matters more than coat care for this breed.

An Abyssinian can be a great fit if you want an interactive, social cat and have room for climbing. They do well in rowhouses and apartments here, but they dislike long stretches alone. If you're out most of the day, a second cat or a work-from-home schedule helps a lot.

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.

Expect roughly $1,260 to $2,820 a year for an Abyssinian in Philly. Food runs about $25 to $50 a month and pet insurance about $30 to $60 a month. Routine vet care is typically $150 to $350 a year, and other costs such as litter, parasite prevention and supplies add $450 to $1,150.

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