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Abyssinian vs Ocicat
Two clever, active, short-coated cats; the Ocicat is a little calmer, more affectionate and better with other pets.
Verdict
These two are close. Both are active, intelligent shorthairs with coats that need almost no grooming, and both want company. The Abyssinian has the higher energy score and the quieter voice. The Ocicat is a little calmer, scores a point higher for affection and for other pets, and carries a spotted tabby coat in twelve colours. The one thing that decides it is how much activity you can supply: choose the Abyssinian for the most, and the Ocicat for a slightly easier pace.
Choose the Abyssinian if
- You want the most energetic, play-hungry cat of the two.
- You prefer a quieter voice.
- You like the ticked coat in ruddy, red, blue or fawn.
- You want a breed that is common and easier to find.
Choose the Ocicat if
- You want a spotted coat on a muscular, wild-looking cat with no wild blood.
- You have another pet, since the Ocicat scores top marks for getting along.
- You want a slightly more affectionate cat at a slightly gentler pace.
- You will ask your vet about its longer health watch-list.
Where they are alike
Both score high for intelligence and play and both suit an owner who trains cats and uses puzzle toys. Neither does well when left alone for long stretches.
Side by side
| Abyssinian | Ocicat | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | United Kingdom, with ancestry traced to the Indian Ocean coast and Southeast Asia | Michigan, United States |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 8-12 lb (3.6-5.4 kg) | 6-14 lb (2.7-6.4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | 10-13 years | 15-18 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Fine, close-lying coat with a ticked (agouti) pattern; each hair carries several bands of colour | Short, smooth, satiny coat with a glossy sheen and spotted tabby markings |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 1987 |
| How common | Common | Uncommon |
| Affection | 3 | 4 |
| Energy | 5 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 1 | 1 |
| Shedding | 2 | 2 |
| Good with children | 4 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 5 |
| Happy alone | 2 | 2 |
| Trainability | 5 | 5 |
| Suits a small home | 3 | 3 |
| 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. | — |
| Suits | An active household that enjoys play and wants a bright, busy cat that follows its people around. | An active household with time for play and training that wants a social, spotted cat and ideally has another pet for company. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants a calm lap cat, or a home where the cat is alone for long stretches. | A home where the cat is alone for long hours, or anyone who wants a quiet, low-energy lap 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