The Ocicat Cat

The Ocicat Cat is a medium size breed with a distinctive wild appearance. These are athletic and muscular cats that gave of the impression of power. The exotic looking spotted coat is the signature trait of this breed. This breed comes in 12 different colors with thumbprint shaped dark contrasting spots that give them striking appearance. They have wedge-shaped heads that are slightly longer than wide, almond-shaped eyes and large ears. This is a social, intelligent and affectionate breed that possesses dog-like traits. Therefore, these cats can easily learn tricks, commands like sit, stay, come, roll and more. They like their people and will follow them around the house. However, they aren’t clingy and will calmly observe your activities. This is an attention seeking breed that doesn’t like being left alone. Thus, get your cat a furry friend to keep her company.

Breed History

The Ocicat Cat is an all-domestic wild looking breed that was created by accident. In 1964, a breeder Virginia Daly of Barkley, Michigan attempted to create an Abyssinian-pointed Siamese. The first generation of kittens appeared Abyssinian. However, the second generation contained Abyssinian-pointed Siamese and one spotted kitten. The spotted kitten was named Tonga. Virginia’s daughter nicknamed him ‘ocicat‘ because of his similarity to the Ocelot. However, Tonga didn’t possess traits Virginia was looking for in her new breed. Thus, he was neutered and sold as a house pet. Later on, Virginia mentioned Tonga in a letter to geneticist Dr. Clyde Keeler who became immediately interested in his wild appearance. He suggested breeding Tonga back to his mother in an attempt to create more spotted kittens. However, this was impossible since Tonga was neutered. So, when Virginia repeated the breeding between Siamese and Abyssinian another spotted kitten was born. Moreover, the American Shorthair was also included in the mix in order to bring silver colors and sturdier body structure. Soon enough, other breeders got interested in these exotic cats and started their own breeding programs. The Cat Fanciers Association began registering Ocicat Cat in 1966. However, the breed was officially recognized in 1987. The International Cat Association recognized the breed the same year. Today, the Ocicat is recognized by all other cat registries.

Size Standards

The Ocicat is a medium-sized to large breed with a large, sturdy, and well-muscled body. These cats have muscular legs with dark markings, powerful oval paws, and long tails that end in a dark tip. The head has a wedge shape, that is longer than its wide. The ears are large and some cats have tufts of hair that extend vertically from the tips of the ears. Almond-shaped eyes in any color (except blue) complete the look of the Ocicat. Male Ocicat Cats are larger and weigh from 10-15 pounds. Female cats are slightly smaller and usually, weigh from 6-10 pounds. Moreover, the strong bodies give off the impression of power and these cats are surprisingly heavy when picked up. This is an energetic and active breed that needs high-protein food to fuel its muscles. The Ocicat is a highly active breed that stays in shape being in perpetual motion. Supply your cat with a variety of cat toys to keep her active and entertained.

Ocicat Cat Personality Traits

This is a smart, affectionate and devoted cat that likes to play. The Ocicat is a people-oriented breed that likes to spend time with its owners. They will follow their every move and carefully observe their actions. However, they are independent cats that aren’t clingy and demanding.

These cats have very social nature and like meeting new people. Thus, they aren’t afraid of strangers and will meet guests by the front door. Moreover, they like to be petted and will jump in the first empty lap they see. This is an affectionate breed, but they aren’t so demanding like their Siamese cousins. The Ocicat is a real athlete that likes to play and jump on high surfaces. So keep your cat exercised and consider investing in a tall cat tree. This way your cat will have unobstructed view of her domain and will get a chance to monitor your actions. The active Ocicat is in constant motion. Thus, they enjoy playing with toys and will chase and bat at a teaser toy with surprising enthusiasm. This breed is easy to train and possess dog-like traits when it comes to the ease of learning new tricks. You can teach your Ocicat how to sit, come when called, roll, give paw, lie and a wide array of other commands. Furthermore, they can be trained to walk on a cat leash and harness, and to play fetch. This is a smart and sensitive cat that reacts well to verbal correction. Thus, you won’t have trouble teaching your cat how to use a scratching post instead of your sofa. This is a playful, social, and clever cat that doesn’t like being left alone. Thus, it is best to have another cat or a dog as a companion if you have to spend long hours at work.

Adaptability

This is a highly adaptable breed. Thanks to its social and playful nature, the Ocicat Cat likes meeting new people and knows how to behave in new situations. Moreover, they adapt well to new environments if provided with the same amount of attention as before. The energetic and agile Ocicat likes to play and run around the house. However, they like having lots of toys that can keep them busy. So, stimulate your cat by letting her play with roller toys. Furthermore, a catnip mouse toy will give your kitty a chance to practice her hunting skills and stalk, pounce and chase her pray.

• Amyloidosis: Is a condition that causes the protein amyloid to build up in the organs. Because of their heritage, the Ocicat Cats are prone to renal and liver amyloidosis. This condition affects the organ’s ability to function properly and results in organ failure.
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Is the most common heart disease seen in cats. It causes a thickening of a heart muscle. In mild cases, a cat may be asymptomatic and lead a normal life. However, severe cases can result in congestive heart failure.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the photoreceptor cells in a cat’s eye. This condition can affect kittens around two or three months of age, or cats between the ages of two and five. The disease affects a cat’s seeing abilities and causes blindness.

Lifespan

The Ocicat has a fairly long lifespan and on an average, lives from 10-15 years. To avoid any hereditary health problems, get your kitty from a reputable breeder. Furthermore, these cats may develop dental problems later in life. Thus, it is important to start brushing your cat’s teeth from a young age. Use a cat enzymatic toothpaste to prevent plaque buildup and periodontal disease.

Grooming Needs

The Ocicat’s short, glossy and smooth coat is easy to maintain. Brush your cat once a week to remove loose hairs and distribute skin oils. A rubber cat grooming brush will get the job done and at the same time give your cat a massage. These cats don’t shed much. Thus, they are a perfect choice for people who don’t want to deal with cat hairs on their clothes.

Ocicat Cat Coat Colors

The most distinctive trait of the Ocicat is its glossy spotted coat. The coat comes in 12 different colors with a signature dark thumbprint-shaped spots on a lighter background. The Ocicat has an agouti coat, which means that every hair has alternating bands of darker and lighter color. This feature gives these cats a shimmering glow. Rows of spots run across the spine and randomly placed spots decorate shoulders and rear end. The neck is adorned with spots in a form of broken necklace, and broken bracelets adorn the legs. This breed comes in tawny, chocolate, cinnamon, blue, lavender, fawn, and silver shades.

Compatibility with Children & Other Pets

The friendly and playful Ocicat Cat is suitable pet for homes with children. These active cats become fast friends with kids who can match their energy levels. Teach your cat how to retrieve foam balls and she will play fetch all day with your kid. These cats get along with other cats and dogs and like having company. However, the Ocicat will strive to be the top cat of the household. This is an agile and energetic breed that likes to play. These cats can play alone if provided with a lot of toys. However, they like interacting with their owners and will happily retrieve a tossed toy or bat at a feather wand. Therefore, interact with your cat for 15 minutes a day to fulfill her social needs.