Abyssinian vs British Shorthair
A side-by-side breakdown of size, cost, grooming load and lifestyle fit — with a straight answer on which suits which household.
Short answer
Abyssinian is the easier breed to live with for most first-time owners — it is easier to train (4/5 vs 2/5); it sheds less (2/5 vs 4/5); it needs less grooming (1/5 vs 2/5). British Shorthair makes more sense only if you specifically want a heavier coat to groom and live with.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Abyssinian | British Shorthair |
|---|---|---|
| Species | cat | cat |
| Origin | Ethiopia | United Kingdom |
| Weight (kg) | 3.5–5 | 4–7 |
| Height (cm) | — | — |
| Lifespan (years) | 12–15 | 12–16 |
| Monthly cost (USD) | $57 | $60 |
| Yearly cost (USD) | $684 | $720 |
| Purchase price (USD) | $1200 | $1200 |
| Grooming need (1–5) | 1 | 2 |
| Shedding (1–5) | 2 | 4 |
| Energy (1–5) | 5 | 2 |
| Trainability (1–5) | 4 | 2 |
| Apartment fit (1–5) | 4 | 5 |
| Good with kids (1–5) | 4 | 4 |
| Vocal (1–5) | 3 | 1 |
What the numbers mean
- Abyssinian weighs 3.5–5 kg and lives 12–15 years; British Shorthair weighs 4–7 kg and lives 12–16 years.
- On estimated monthly cost, Abyssinian runs about $57/month versus $60/month for British Shorthair — a difference of roughly $3 a month, or $36 a year.
- British Shorthair has the higher apartment suitability score (5/5 vs 4/5) — this matters most if you rent or live in a flat.
- British Shorthair has the higher shedding score (4/5 vs 2/5) — higher means more hair on your sofa.
- British Shorthair has the higher grooming requirement (2/5 vs 1/5) — higher means more brushing and professional trimming.
- Abyssinian has the higher energy level (5/5 vs 2/5) — higher means more daily exercise.
- Abyssinian has the higher trainability score (4/5 vs 2/5).
- Both have the same kid-friendliness score (4/5).
- Abyssinian has the higher vocalisation score (3/5 vs 1/5) — higher means more barking or meowing.
Cost over ten years
At the estimated monthly rates above, ten years of routine care (food, treats, grooming, medication, vet visits and supplies — excluding insurance, emergency treatment and purchase price) works out to roughly $6,840 for Abyssinian and $7,200 for British Shorthair. The gap is $360 — usually larger than the difference in purchase price.
Health profile
Abyssinian
British Shorthair
Which one should you pick?
- Choose Abyssinian if you want a breed that copes well in a smaller home, can commit to serious daily exercise, and your budget covers about $57 a month.
- Choose British Shorthair if you want a breed that copes well in a smaller home, prefer a calmer daily routine, and your budget covers about $60 a month.
- Neither, if the grooming load is more than you can sustain; both need regular coat care.