Compare breeds
Abyssinian vs Burmese
Abyssinian
Short
Burmese
Short
Choose the Abyssinian if you want…
- a quieter companion
- an active companion for long walks and play
Choose the Burmese if you want…
- a family with children
- a flat or small home
- a calmer companion
Side by side
| Trait | Abyssinian | Burmese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Weight | 3–5 kg (7–11 lb) | 3–6 kg (7–13 lb) |
| Height | 20–30 cm (8–12 in) | 23–30 cm (9–12 in) |
| Life span | 12–15 years | 12–18 years |
| Origin | Ethiopia / Southeast Asia | Burma (developed in the US and UK) |
| Energy | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Trainability | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Good with children | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Good with other pets | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Suits a flat | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Shedding | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Grooming needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Barking / vocal | 2/5 | 4/5 |
Quick answers
Which lives longer, the Abyssinian or the Burmese?
The Burmese, on average. Abyssinian: 12–15 years; Burmese: 12–18 years.
Is the Abyssinian or the Burmese better with children?
The Burmese scores higher in our profiles (5 vs 4 out of 5). Always supervise young children with any pet.
Other comparisons
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts