Abyssinian Cat Price NZ: $1,850–$2,500 per Kitten

What drives the price

The market price of an Abyssinian kitten in New Zealand reflects the specialist care, genetic screening, and pedigree registration invested by responsible catteries.

• Pedigree Registration and Ethical Standards: Reputable breeders register their catteries with recognised bodies such as New Zealand Cat Fancy (NZCF) or Catz Inc. Maintaining pedigree records and registering litters are ongoing costs that are reflected in the kitten price.
• Genetic Health Clearance: Abyssinian lines can carry hereditary conditions, and responsible breeders DNA-test the parent cats for Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKDef), an inherited hemolytic anaemia, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), which causes vision deterioration. Ask to see the parents' results before you commit.
• Waitlists: Abyssinians have a distinctive ticked coat in four main colours — ruddy (the original "usual"), sorrel, blue and fawn — and kittens are usually sold off a waitlist rather than advertised on the spot.

The buying and inquiry process in NZ

Because the registered Abyssinian breeding community in New Zealand is small and selective, litters are typically planned in advance.

When inquiring with registered breeders, buyers can expect a structured reservation and transport protocol:

• Waitlist Deposit: Breeders generally operate waiting lists for upcoming litters and usually require a $200 deposit once a kitten is formally allocated. This deposit secures the reservation.
• Inter-Island Transportation: If purchasing a kitten from a cattery located on the other island (for example, transporting between the North Island and South Island), the kitten will need to fly. Breeders typically quote an inter-island transport fee of around $295 to $395 NZD.

First-year and ongoing ownership costs

The initial purchase price represents only the first step in caring for an Abyssinian over their typical 12 to 15 year lifespan. In the first year, owners should budget for ongoing essential items:

• Completing annual veterinary health checks and core vaccination boosters.
• Registering microchip details on the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR). Cats do not need council registration the way dogs do; the microchip number is recorded on NZCAR instead.
• High-protein commercial wet food and balanced dry kibble formulated for energetic, athletic felines.
• Sturdy scratching posts, climbing ramps, and tall cat trees to accommodate the breed's strong inclination for vertical territory.
• Year-round veterinary-grade flea and worm treatments.
• Comprehensive pet insurance to protect against unexpected veterinary illnesses or emergency treatment.

For a full financial breakdown of lifetime feline ownership expenses and budgeting tools, explore our comprehensive guide on the cost of owning a cat in NZ.

Adoption and rescue alternatives

While finding a purebred Abyssinian in general shelter networks is uncommon, prospective owners can occasionally find adult purebreds or Abyssinian crossbreeds through shelter rescues or breed-specific rehoming coordinators when owners face unexpected lifestyle or accommodation changes.

When adopting through SPCA New Zealand, adoption fees follow an established schedule: $299 for a kitten under 5 months, $149 for a cat aged 5 months to 9 years, and $75 for a senior cat aged 10 or older, plus a $2.50 service charge. SPCA adoption fees cover desexing, microchipping and vaccinations, plus lifetime registration on NZCAR.

Buying safely in NZ

To ensure an ethical purchase and protect yourself against online pet scams, follow these essential guidelines:

1. Verify Official Accreditation: Confirm that the cattery is formally registered with New Zealand Cat Fancy (NZCF) or Catz Inc before making contact.
2. Review Health Test Documentation: Ask the breeder for written verification that parent cats have been DNA tested clear for PKDef and PRA.
3. Never Pay Sight Unseen: Inspect the cattery and observe the kitten alongside its mother and littermates, either in person or via live video call, before paying any deposit.

Related reading

• Cat Breed Prices NZ Tool
• Abyssinian Cat Breed Profile
• Cost of Owning a Cat in NZ

Sources

• pets.org.nz, Abyssinian Cat Breed Information: https://pets.org.nz/cat-breeds/abyssinian/
• New Zealand Cat Fancy (NZCF), Breeders Directory & Registered Breeds: https://nzcf.com/breeds/breeders
• SPCA New Zealand, Why we charge adoption fees: https://www.spca.nz/adopt/why-we-charge-adoption-fees

Important notice

*Indicative ranges only — prices vary by breeder, lines and region. Always verify current pricing directly. General cost guidance for NZ pet owners (October 2026).*