| Abyssinian | American Shorthair | |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 9-13 years | 15-20 years |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Weight | 8-12 lb | 8-15 lb |
| Energy | Very high | Moderate |
| Grooming | Low | Low |
| Shedding | Low | Low |
| With kids | With supervision | Good with kids |
Abyssinians are one of the most perpetually active cat breeds that exists and generally dislike being held or restrained, which is the opposite of what most people picture when a breeder describes a 'friendly, people-oriented' cat.
The 'all-American working cat' story implies a hardy, mixed-heritage constitution, but this is a closed pedigree bred like any other purebred, and Cornell's feline health center lists American Shorthair among the breeds with an elevated rate of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy — the same silent heart disease people specifically worry about in Maine Coons.
Abyssinian ·
American Shorthair
Health problems, origin and what living with each is actually like.