Best Cat Food for Abyssinians: What They Like to Eat

Cats are a wonderful family pet, especially for beginners. With 86.4 million cats in homes across the U.S., it's clearly a popular furry companion. Looking to adopt an Abyssinian cat? If so, we have created a great resource to learn about the breed, its needs, health problems, and have also listed the best cat food for Abyssinians. While this breed can be an excellent choice for your home, special breeds require special care, and the Abyssinian is no exception.

The Top 5 Abyssinian Cat Foods​

FOOD

TYPE

OUR RECOMMENDATION

Blue Buffalo Grain-Free Indoor Kitten

Dry

Best cat food for Abyssinian kittens!

Nature's Variety "Instinct" Original Grain-Free

Dry

Great for Abyssinians of all ages to help with digestion

BLUE Wilderness High Protein Grain-Free

Wet

Best senior Abyssinian cat food!

Nature's Variety "Instinct" (Ultimate Protein Grain-Free)

Wet

Great for picky eaters and especially kittens

Blue Buffalo Mature

Dry

A good option for senior cats

About the Abyssinian

Despite the Abyssinian being one of the oldest known cat breeds, there is controversy over the origin of the animal. While it looks like an African wildcat, or like it is from Egypt because of its resemblance to Egyptian sculptures and paintings, there is speculation that they come from Great Britain, while genetic testing says this breed comes from the coast of the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.

Known for being one of the most loyal cat breeds, it may be hard to find another breed as loving as they are. The Abyssinian is a medium sized cat weighing about 8-12 pounds with gold or green eyes.

They have silky, short coats that come in colors such as Red, Fawn, Blue, Lilac, Ruddy, and Cinnamon. They have low grooming needs and even have low shedding expectancy, although this doesn't seem to make them hypoallergenic.

Abyssinian cats live an estimated 10-15 years and have high socialization needs; they are also loving and affectionate, will play with toys for hours, and needs to have plenty of space to climb around.

Abyssinians are also known for their ability to learn tricks such as run agility courses, solve puzzle toys, and walk on leashes. This is perfect for those who like some of the qualities of a dog but prefer cats due to their lower maintenance.

Like any animal, proper nutrition and care is vital for their overall health and wellbeing. Read further to see if adopting an Abyssinian is right for you or your family.

Common Health Problems

Because of their susceptibility to periodontal disease, their teeth need to be brushed daily, or at a minimum of once a week.

There are also certain neurological problems that can result in excessive grooming, leading to hair loss, skin irritations, and frantic behavior when touched.

Knee and eye problems, kidney failure, and pyruvate kinase deficiency, or PKD, are also known in the Abyssinian breed. PKD is an inherited anemia that can be detected by genetic testing.  While not all Abyssinians will suffer from this, performing the test should be done if possible.

Make sure to only purchase special breeds from quality, ethical breeders who have a health guarantee to help prevent such health conditions. Red flags to look for in breeders are those where kittens are always available, have multiple litters, the ability to pay online, and getting your choice of any kitten. It is not uncommon to have to wait months at a time to find an available kitten from a reputable breeder, so take your time.

Routine vet checkups can also help detect any issues early on.

Abyssinian Diet and Nutrition Needs

what do Abyssinian cats like to eat

What do Abyssinian cats like to eat?

As a domesticated cat, the Abyssinian has the same general dietary needs as other cats, but with a few specialties. Because of their active lifestyle, Abyssinians will generally keep their weight under control through their vigorous exercise and play.

Cats are carnivorous, and as such they require fresh, quality meat and a good mix of carbohydrates and fats; foods that stimulate what they would find in the wild is the most beneficial for them.

A mix of raw and dry food can be an excellent health source for your Abyssinian, as dry food helps keep their teeth strong. Feeding them wet food only, unlike most cats, can cause them dental problems, as they are already susceptible, but adding it in can help them get the necessary moisture they need as cats typically don't drink enough water.

Make sure they are getting the hydration and nutrition they need, as Abyssinians can develop kidney problems without the proper diet. Also, as Abyssinians take longer to grow than other cats, keeping them on kitten food longer than other breeds may be something to consider.

If your cat is suffering from food allergies, the symptoms will include bloating, vomiting, and itchy skin. If this happens, conduct food tests, trying different ingredients and using the process of elimination to determine what your cat is allergic to.

Macronutrients: Proteins, Carbs, and Fats Split

52 %
Protein
36 %
Fat
12 %
Carbs

Like most domestic cats, Abyssinians have a macronutrient breakdown need of 52% protein, 36% fat, and 12% carbohydrates. Make sure that their food has meat as the first ingredient rather than cheap fillers and artificial colors and preservatives, or they will develop health problems.

Cats, as they are carnivorous, need lots of rich animal protein to fuel their dietary needs. They also need a proper balance of vitamins, minerals, and fiber for balanced nutrition.

The 5 Best Cat Foods for Abyssinians

1. Blue Buffalo Grain Free Indoor Kitten Dry Cat Food

Best Abyssinians kitten food

With real meat being the first ingredient, it's full of high quality protein that helps develop strong muscles. Also included are fatty acids found in mother's milk to support healthy development! Blue Buffalo is also grain free, as well as free from cheap fillers and preservatives, as well as artificial colors and flavorings.

2. Nature's Variety "Instinct" Original Grain-Free Recipe Natural

grain-free Abyssinians food

A good choice for every life stage from kitten through senior, Instinct cat food is packed full of quality protein to satisfy your cat's hunger- chicken (cage free) is the first ingredient. Full of probiotics and grain free, this food aids in balanced nutrition, digestion, and overall health.

3. BLUE Wilderness High Protein Grain Free

best cat food for senior abyssinians

Excellent cat food for seniors, this is specifically formulated to meet the needs of mature cats. Fortified with vitamins and minerals. There's no by-product meal, it's grain free, and has no artificial color, flavor, or ingredients.

4. Nature's Variety "Instinct" (Ultimate Protein Grain Free) Natural

best wet cat food for abyssinian cats

Another great choice for kittens through to senior years, it's packed with quality protein and void of grains, artificial colors or preservatives, and foods known to cause food sensitivities. This can be served as a meal on its own, or as a topper, and even picky kittens will love it!

5. Blue Buffalo for Cats Mature Dry Cat Food

dry food for abyssinian cats

Formulated for senior cats, Blue Buffalo aids in healthy digestion, heart and eyes, and a strong immune system. Protein rich and free of meat by-product, as well as full of whole grains and veggies, this food is packed with antioxidants and necessary nutrients.

Final Thoughts

Abyssinians are beautiful animals that look like they came straight from the Nile: beautiful golden eyes, long bodies, and pointed faces make for a gorgeous exotic look. Enjoy teaching it new tricks and having a great companion around the home. Make sure it gets plenty of exercise, socialization, nutrition, and regular checkups at your local vet.

Popular for their exotic looks, Abyssinians make an excellent family pet. Have plenty of toys around the house, tall cat trees, and a perch for bird watching to keep your athletic cat busy! Great for active children who have the energy to play with such a busy cat.

Teach them to play fetch, do tricks, and solve puzzles, and you've got an extra helper around the house!  Make sure that kittens get the proper socialization they need, as those who are isolated can develop behavioral problems and become skittish around others, so choose breeders who raise the kittens in the home. 

Getting a healthy, quality kitten from an ethical source will save money in the long run. Also search shelters for any rescue Abyssinians in need of a new home. Once you've found one, whether kitten, adult, or senior, take it to the vet for a checkup to evaluate overall health and get started on a good nutrition regimen, as well as detect any health issues.

​Now that you know how to choose the best cat food for Abyssinians, as well as what it takes to care for one, you can now confidently adopt one. Once you've done this, you can start enjoying your newfound company.​

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