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Abyssinian Cat Health Problems: What Every Owner Needs to Know (2026)

Abyssinians are an active, generally healthy breed — but they carry specific genetic risks that every owner needs to know before buying. Here's the honest breakdown.

Abyssinian Cat Health at a Glance

Condition	Risk Level	Notes
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA-b)	High	Most serious breed-specific concern; DNA test available
Renal Amyloidosis	Moderate	Kidney disease; familial in some lines; no DNA test
Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PK Def)	Moderate	Causes hemolytic anemia; DNA test available
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)	Low–Moderate	Lower prevalence than in Maine Coon/Siberian; cardiac screening recommended
Dental Disease	Moderate	Common in the breed; regular dental care essential

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA-b)

PRA is the most serious breed-specific health concern for Abyssinians. It causes progressive vision loss leading to blindness. A DNA test is available — reputable breeders test all breeding cats and don't breed affected cats. This is the single most important health test to ask about before buying an Abyssinian. A blind Abyssinian in an outdoor or adventure context faces significantly higher safety risks.

Renal Amyloidosis

A kidney disease that causes protein deposits in the kidneys, leading to progressive kidney failure. It appears to be familial in some Abyssinian lines. There is no DNA test — which makes it harder to screen for than PRA. Signs typically appear between 1 and 5 years of age: increased thirst and urination, weight loss, reduced appetite, lethargy. Annual wellness exams with kidney function panels are strongly recommended from age 2 onward.

Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PK Def)

A genetic condition that causes hemolytic anemia. A DNA test is available. Reputable breeders test all breeding cats. Ask for test results for both parents before buying.

What to Ask Your Breeder

Have breeding cats been DNA-tested for PRA-b? Can I see results for both parents?
Have breeding cats been DNA-tested for PK Def? Can I see results for both parents?
What is the kidney health history of your lines?
Are breeding cats HCM-screened?
What health guarantee does the contract include?

Full checklist: Questions to Ask an Abyssinian Breeder