Frequently Asked Questions
How big do Abyssinians get?
Neutered adult males are usually approx 5 kg and spayed adult females are usually approx 4 kg.
I am trying to choose the breed that is right for me, what are Abyssinians like?
Abyssinians are affectionate, busy, playful, people cats that like to be part of the family. Don't expect them to sit on the couch and look pretty or stay in one room and only come out when you want them to. They love to interact with their owners and really enjoy snuggling up with you in bed at night.
How often do Abyssinians shed their fur?
They usually shed their fur seasonally.
What is best to use to keep shedding to a minimum?
We use a Shedeze deShedding tool regularly which is great for removing the loose undercoat without damaging the radiant topcoat. Another alternative is a flea comb which can be purchased from your local pet store.
My partner and I work full-time, should I consider having two kittens?
Yes, it is really nice for the kitten to have company. When we got our first pet kitten we soon realised how much they enjoy the company of people and other animals, and then decided that we should get another one.
Can I come and visit before I decide if the breed is right for me?
We welcome all potential kitten owners to visit the kittens from the age of four weeks (view only visit until the kittens have had their first vaccination). A visit can be pre-arranged for a day and time that is convenient for everyone.
We ask all visitors to please wear clean clothes that haven't been in contact with any other animals. This is for the protection of the cats/kittens as bugs are easily transferred and it's not worth the risk. Thank you for your understanding.
Do Abyssinians require any special diet?
No, but we do recommend that you feed them a premium dry food (such as Royal Canin), and also canned and raw meat each day. Canterbury Pet Foods in Ohoka is a great supplier of frozen, preservative free raw meat, eg beef mince, venison mince, rabbit & heart mince.
Do Abyssinian kittens get on well with children?
Yes, but it is important that you supervise young children with your new kitten. Also that you teach them how to correctly handle the kitten and that the kitten gets time out (away from the children) to sleep.
Is it safe to have kittens de-sexed early and what are the benefits?
Yes. Early de-sexing has become a very common practice in the last 10 years. Kittens recover much quicker after surgery and you don't have to worry about your young girl coming into season and having an unwanted pregnancy or your young boy getting mature and spraying everywhere. There are many articles relating to the safety of early de-sexing available on the internet.
Should I get my kitten microchipped if they have indoor/outdoor access during the day?
We think it is a good idea and recommend that people get their kitten microchipped at the time of desexing.
I am trying to decide whether to keep my kitten as an indoor only cat or let it be indoor and outdoors, what do you think?
Abyssinians are suited to both situations but they MUST always be kept indoors at night. Our preference would be to keep the cat safe indoors, but build a sanctuary enclosure so that the cat may enjoy the outside as well. This way it can have the best of both worlds and remain safe. Most Abyssinians are quite fearless which means they are not good with roads and we have heard of many a story where they have been hit by a car. A good website with photos and ideas is http://www.catsofaustralia.com/cat-enclosures.htm
Neutered adult males are usually approx 5 kg and spayed adult females are usually approx 4 kg.
I am trying to choose the breed that is right for me, what are Abyssinians like?
Abyssinians are affectionate, busy, playful, people cats that like to be part of the family. Don't expect them to sit on the couch and look pretty or stay in one room and only come out when you want them to. They love to interact with their owners and really enjoy snuggling up with you in bed at night.
How often do Abyssinians shed their fur?
They usually shed their fur seasonally.
What is best to use to keep shedding to a minimum?
We use a Shedeze deShedding tool regularly which is great for removing the loose undercoat without damaging the radiant topcoat. Another alternative is a flea comb which can be purchased from your local pet store.
My partner and I work full-time, should I consider having two kittens?
Yes, it is really nice for the kitten to have company. When we got our first pet kitten we soon realised how much they enjoy the company of people and other animals, and then decided that we should get another one.
Can I come and visit before I decide if the breed is right for me?
We welcome all potential kitten owners to visit the kittens from the age of four weeks (view only visit until the kittens have had their first vaccination). A visit can be pre-arranged for a day and time that is convenient for everyone.
We ask all visitors to please wear clean clothes that haven't been in contact with any other animals. This is for the protection of the cats/kittens as bugs are easily transferred and it's not worth the risk. Thank you for your understanding.
Do Abyssinians require any special diet?
No, but we do recommend that you feed them a premium dry food (such as Royal Canin), and also canned and raw meat each day. Canterbury Pet Foods in Ohoka is a great supplier of frozen, preservative free raw meat, eg beef mince, venison mince, rabbit & heart mince.
Do Abyssinian kittens get on well with children?
Yes, but it is important that you supervise young children with your new kitten. Also that you teach them how to correctly handle the kitten and that the kitten gets time out (away from the children) to sleep.
Is it safe to have kittens de-sexed early and what are the benefits?
Yes. Early de-sexing has become a very common practice in the last 10 years. Kittens recover much quicker after surgery and you don't have to worry about your young girl coming into season and having an unwanted pregnancy or your young boy getting mature and spraying everywhere. There are many articles relating to the safety of early de-sexing available on the internet.
Should I get my kitten microchipped if they have indoor/outdoor access during the day?
We think it is a good idea and recommend that people get their kitten microchipped at the time of desexing.
I am trying to decide whether to keep my kitten as an indoor only cat or let it be indoor and outdoors, what do you think?
Abyssinians are suited to both situations but they MUST always be kept indoors at night. Our preference would be to keep the cat safe indoors, but build a sanctuary enclosure so that the cat may enjoy the outside as well. This way it can have the best of both worlds and remain safe. Most Abyssinians are quite fearless which means they are not good with roads and we have heard of many a story where they have been hit by a car. A good website with photos and ideas is http://www.catsofaustralia.com/cat-enclosures.htm
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