Cat health

Abyssinian health problems and costs

The health issues a real source ties to the Abyssinian, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.

Last updated: October 2026 · 11 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe vet-reviewed breed guide points to 3 health issues to plan for: amyloidosis, progressive retinal atrophy and pyruvate kinase deficiency.

Health problems linked to the Abyssinian

Conditions and what they can cost
ConditionWhat it isRelated costs
AmyloidosisNamed by: PetMD vet-reviewed guide [1]An abnormal protein builds up in organs, most often the kidneys or liver, and slowly damages them. [2]Kidney disease care, per year: $400–$1,200 [3]
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Named by: PetMD vet-reviewed guide [1]The cells at the back of the eye slowly wear out, starting with night vision. It isn't painful, but it can lead to blindness. [4]Cat vet visit (owner bills): $190–$525 [5]
Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiencyNamed by: PetMD vet-reviewed guide [1]Erythrocyte pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK deficiency) is an inherited hemolytic anemia caused by insufficient activity of its namesake regulatory enzyme. [6]DNA test: $47 [7]

Costs are national figures from our sourced cost guides, not breed-specific prices. Being on this list doesn't mean a pet will get the condition.

PetMD's vet-reviewed guide to the Abyssinian lists these conditions to know about: Amyloidosis, Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency, Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). [1]

Health screening

The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory lists 4 DNA health tests for the Abyssinian, including Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA Rdy) (Abyssinian); Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA rdAc) (Abyssinian); Dilute; Erythrocyte Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PK Deficiency). [8] One health test costs $47 there. [7]

What to budget

Breed-specific cat bills aren't published, but a routine vet visit for any cat typically runs $190–$525. [5]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Abyssinian at US-average prices, before insurance, is $800–$1,300. Multiply that by a life expectancy of about 9–13 years and you get roughly $7,200–$17,200 over a lifetime, before inflation and before any major illness. The low end is the ASPCA's yearly cost of care; the high end adds one typical vet bill a year. [5][9] It's simple math on sourced figures, not a quote.

Insurance and savings

The average accident and illness policy cost $435 a year for a cat in the US in 2025. [10] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [11]

Prefer saving instead? Putting money aside each month works too; see insurance vs a savings fund.

Common questions

What health problems are common in the Abyssinian?

Based on PetMD's vet-reviewed breed guide, the conditions to know about are amyloidosis, progressive retinal atrophy and pyruvate kinase deficiency. That doesn't mean every Abyssinian will get them.

How much are vet bills for a Abyssinian?

Breed-specific cat bills aren't published. A routine vet visit for any cat typically runs $190–$525 (VetReceipt owner bills).

Should I get pet insurance for a Abyssinian?

It's a personal call. The average accident and illness policy was $435 a year in 2025 (NAPHIA). If you want it, enroll while your pet is young and healthy, because conditions found before enrollment are usually excluded.

How long does a Abyssinian live?

PetMD gives a life expectancy of About 9–13 years.

Abyssinian breed guideProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in dogsCost of chronic kidney disease in catsVet visit costPet insurance basicsHealth problems by breed

This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.

Sources (11) — tap to show
  1. PetMD – Abyssinian cat breed health and care (vet-reviewed)
  2. VCA – Amyloidosis in cats
  3. PetCostVS – Pet cost by life stage (2026)
  4. OFA – Eye certification
  5. VetReceipt – Cat Routine Vet Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  6. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Erythrocyte Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PK Deficiency)
  7. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Cat DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
  8. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Abyssinian DNA tests
  9. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  10. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  11. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost