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Abyssinian vs Burmese
Two lively short-coated cats that dislike being alone; the Burmese is the more affectionate and vocal, the Abyssinian the busier climber.
Verdict
These two are close in size, coat and need for company. The one thing that decides it is the kind of attention each wants. The Burmese scores top marks for affection and children, talks often and plays well into its adult years. The Abyssinian scores highest for energy and intelligence, keeps a quieter voice and is more of a climber than a lap cat. Choose the Burmese for a vocal, devoted shadow and the Abyssinian for a restless, clever explorer.
Choose the Abyssinian if
- You want the more athletic, higher-energy cat.
- You prefer a quieter voice.
- You enjoy puzzles and training, as it scores highest for intelligence.
- You like a ticked coat in ruddy, red, blue or fawn.
Choose the Burmese if
- You want a cat that seeks contact and scores top marks for affection.
- You have young children, as the Burmese scores top marks with them.
- You enjoy a cat that talks back and stays kittenish for years.
- You prefer a slightly heavier, muscular cat of about 9 to 13 lb.
Where they are alike
Both have short, fine coats that need little grooming and shed lightly. Both attach strongly to their people and do poorly when left alone for long hours.
Side by side
| Abyssinian | Burmese | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | United Kingdom, with ancestry traced to the Indian Ocean coast and Southeast Asia | Burma (Myanmar), developed in the United States and Britain |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 8-12 lb (3.6-5.4 kg) | 9-13 lb (4-6 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | 10-13 years | 12-16 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Fine, close-lying coat with a ticked (agouti) pattern; each hair carries several bands of colour | Very short, fine, glossy, satin-like coat |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 1936 |
| How common | Common | Uncommon |
| Affection | 3 | 5 |
| Energy | 5 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 4 |
| Grooming needed | 1 | 1 |
| Shedding | 2 | 2 |
| Good with children | 4 | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 2 | 1 |
| Trainability | 5 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 3 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The short coat is easy to keep clean, but people who react to cats may still react to an Abyssinian. | No breed is hypoallergenic. The very short coat sheds lightly, but people who react to cats may still react to a Burmese. |
| Suits | An active household that enjoys play and wants a bright, busy cat that follows its people around. | An owner who is home a lot and wants a loving, playful cat that stays kittenish for years. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants a calm lap cat, or a home where the cat is alone for long stretches. | Anyone who is away for long hours, or who wants a quiet, independent cat. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026