The Ocicat, a domestic feline with a wild edge, has captured the hearts of many cat enthusiasts with its striking spotted coat and charming personality.
The Ocicat is often mistaken for a wild cat due to its striking spotted coat, but beneath the surface lies a charming and affectionate companion. Developed through careful breeding programs, this domestic cat combines elegance, confidence, and intelligence to create a truly unique feline.
The Ocicat is a domesticated cat breed developed to resemble a wild cat, specifically the African wildcat.
Originating in the 1960s, this breed was created by crossing various domestic breeds with Siamese and Abyssinian cats.
The result is a sturdy, muscular feline with distinctive markings and a short, smooth coat.
Ocicats are medium-sized, typically weighing between 9-15 pounds, and are known for their intelligence, energy, and affectionate nature.
Breeding the First Ocicat
In 1964, ‘Virginia Daly crossed a Siamese with an Abyssinian’ , then bred the offspring back to a Siamese to produce the first Ocicat. The resulting kitten was stunning, with golden spots reminiscent of a wild ocelot. Further refinement using American Shorthair cats added bone structure and distinctive markings to the breed.
What Makes an Ocicat Stand Out?
One of the most striking features of the Ocicat is its spotted coat, which comes in a range of dramatic colors such as ‘blue silver, chocolate silver, cinnamon silver, fawn silver, lavender silver, and ebony silver’ . These cats have a medium to large athletic build, almond-shaped eyes, and a strong muscular body. Some even display a dark tip on the tail.
The Ocicat is a domesticated cat breed known for its distinctive spotted coat.
This unique feature is the result of selective breeding to recreate the appearance of wild cats.
The spots can vary in size, shape, and color, with some cats having large rosettes while others have smaller, more scattered markings.
The coat pattern is determined by the interaction of two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin.
Eumelanin produces black and dark brown pigmentation, while pheomelanin produces red and yellow tones.
The combination of these two melanins creates the characteristic spotted appearance of the Ocicat breed.
Their wild appearance is often compared to other wild cat species, but Ocicats are entirely domesticated. With an affinity for perches, these cats adore climbing tall cat trees. The variety of colors and markings in this breed makes each cat unique, making them a fascinating sight for anyone lucky enough to share their home with one.
Ocicat Behavior: Confident and Sociable
Contrary to its wild appearance, the Ocicat‘s behavior is more like that of a Labrador than a leopard. These cats are confident, curious, and affectionate, making them ideal companions for pet parents seeking an engaging feline. They’re not shy around strangers and often greet visitors with enthusiasm, forming strong bonds with humans.
Their energy and intelligence mean they do best in households with plenty of stimulation, such as toys, climbing structures, and attention. With proper care and attention, Ocicats can thrive and bring joy to their owners.
Grooming and Health Tips
The Ocicat‘s short coat requires minimal grooming, with a weekly once-over with a rubber brush keeping their coat in top form. For show cats or just a little pampering, use a pearl tone shampoo to enhance lighter coats or a bronze tone shampoo to deepen richer shades.
Ocicats are relatively healthy, but like many breeds, they may be prone to genetic issues such as ‘progressive retinal atrophy‘ , which can affect a cat’s vision. Working with reputable breeders and asking about health screenings is essential for ensuring the well-being of your Ocicat.
Recognition and Legacy
The Ocicat has achieved championship status with major organizations like the Cat Fanciers Association and the International Cat Association. Though bred to resemble wild cats, their temperament is pure pet, making them suitable for families with children, adults, and other pets.
The Ocicat is a domesticated cat breed developed in the United States.
To be recognized as an Ocicat, a cat must meet specific breed standards set by governing bodies such as 'The International Cat Association' (TICA) or the 'Cat Fanciers' Association' (CFA).
These standards include physical characteristics like coat pattern and color, body type, and temperament.
Registration with these organizations requires proof of ancestry and adherence to breed guidelines.
With its unique appearance and charming personality, it’s no wonder that Ocicats have captured the hearts of many cat enthusiasts. Whether you’re drawn to their classic tabby pattern or enchanted by ‘chocolate silver or lilac silver tones’ , Ocicats are sure to win you over.
- howstuffworks.com | Ocicat: A Wild Mix of Siamese Cat and Ruddy Abyssinian
