Cat breed comparison
Bengal vs Abyssinian
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Abyssinian tends to live about 1 year longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Bengal | Abyssinian |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | United States | Egypt |
| Weight | 6 - 12 lbs | 7 - 10 lbs |
| Life span | 12 - 15 years years | 14 - 15 years years |
| Lap cat | No | Yes |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | No |
| Affection | ||
| Energy | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with dogs | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Vocal | ||
| Needs company | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Health issues |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Vocal
The Bengal is more vocal than the Abyssinian.
Good with children
The Bengal is better with children than the Abyssinian.
Good with dogs
The Bengal gets on better with dogs than the Abyssinian.
Shedding
The Bengal sheds more than the Abyssinian.
Health issues
The Bengal tends to have more health issues than the Abyssinian.
Which to choose
Bengal or Abyssinian?
Choose the Bengal if…
- You enjoy a chatty cat (it is more vocal)
- You want a cat that is better with children
- You want a cat that gets on better with dogs
Choose the Abyssinian if…
- You prefer a quiet cat (it is quieter)
- You want a cat that sheds less
- You want a cat that tends to have fewer health issues
Questions.
Is the Bengal or the Abyssinian bigger, and which lives longer?
The Abyssinian tends to live about 1 year longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Bengal or the Abyssinian?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Bengal or the Abyssinian?
The Bengal is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Abyssinian can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Abyssinian sheds less than the Bengal. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
