Description: Ocicat
The Ocicat is a remarkable breed that combines an exotic spotted coat with an affectionate, sociable nature, resembling a wild cat but entirely domestic in origin. Originating in the United States in the 1960s from a mix of Siamese, Abyssinian, and American Shorthair, it is renowned for its wild appearance without any actual wild cat ancestry. This breed is characterized by its large, athletic build, almond-shaped eyes, and large, pointed ears. Ocicats are highly intelligent, making them easily trainable. They thrive on interaction and engage well in activities with their human counterparts, including playing and learning tricks. Ideal for families who can provide a lot of interaction and attention, the Ocicat’s temperament is affectionate, playful, and loyal, often described as dog-like in its sociability and devotion.
Properties
The Ocicat stands out in the feline world for its wild appearance and domestic temperament. Originally bred from a mix of Siamese, Abyssinian, and American Shorthair, this breed is named for its resemblance to the ocelot but does not actually have any wild DNA. The Ocicat was first created by accident in 1964 by breeder Virginia Daly in Michigan, USA. What started as an attempt to breed an Abyssinian-pointed Siamese resulted in a litter that included an ivory kitten with golden spots. This kitten was the foundation of what would become the Ocicat breed.
Physically, Ocicats are medium to large, well-spotted agouti cats of moderate type. They sport a short, smooth and satiny coat that comes in various colors such as tawny, chocolate, and cinnamon, each spotted with an even darker hue. Their muscular legs and powerful, athletic build allow for remarkable agility. Ocicats have almond-shaped eyes that range in color from amber to green, set in a large, angular head. Despite their fierce appearance, Ocicats are completely domestic in nature and possess no wild blood.
Temperamentally, Ocicats are as friendly and sociable as they are beautiful. They are highly intelligent and can easily learn to fetch, walk on a leash, and respond to voice commands. This breed thrives on interaction and does not like being left alone for long periods; they are ideal pets for families or individuals who can spend significant time with them. The Ocicat is also known for its dog-like tendencies, such as following its owners from room to room and greeting them enthusiastically. They are often described as affectionate and adaptable, getting along well with other pets, including dogs, and are suitable for families with children.
Ocicats are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they may be predisposed to certain genetic conditions such as liver or renal disease, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a form of heart disease. Prospective Ocicat owners should seek breeders who perform genetic testing on their breeding animals to ensure the healthiest possible kittens. Regular veterinary check-ups, a well-balanced diet, and plenty of exercise can help keep an Ocicat in top shape. With proper care, the average lifespan of an Ocicat ranges from 10 to 15 years.
Overall, the Ocicat is an engaging, beautiful breed with the heart of a house cat and the look of a wild one, making it a unique and delightful companion for the right owner.
Appearance
The Ocicat is a striking and unique domestic cat breed that was first developed in the mid-20th century in the United States. It stands out for its wild, exotic appearance similar to wild cats like the ocelot, but it's purely a domestic breed without any actual wild DNA. The Ocicat's distinctive look is characterized by its large, muscular build, which nevertheless maintains graceful agility and movement.
With a solid, well-spotted coat, the Ocicat boasts a full-bodied and athletic appearance. The spots are well distributed and can vary in size and shape, generally being large and thumb-shaped. These spots run along the sides and back of the body, extending to the legs and tail. The head is a modified wedge with almond-shaped large eyes, which add to their wild feline aesthetic. Eye colors are generally in harmony with the coat color and can range from gold to green.
The breed's coat is short, smooth, and satiny, making it easy to care for. It lies close to the body, accentuating the muscular contours and spotted pattern. The coat can come in a variety of colors, including chocolate, fawn, and cinnamon, each adding a unique richness to the Ocicat's appearance. Moreover, the breed's ears are moderately large, alert, and set at a slight angle, enhancing their vigilant and active look.
Ocicats are of medium to large size, with males typically weighing between 12 to 15 pounds and females slightly smaller. Their bodies are well-balanced and powerful, contributing to their agility and strength. This physical prowess is accompanied by a broad, deep chest and a muscular neck, supporting their strong jawline. Despite their robust build, Ocicats move with an elegant and smooth stride that echoes their wild ancestors.
Overall, the Ocicat's appearance is mesmerizing and can be attributed to careful and selective breeding, aimed at achieving a domestic cat with a wild cat's visual allure. Their physical features not only serve aesthetic purposes but also speak to the breed's health, vigor, and lively temperament, making them as functional as they are beautiful.
History
The Ocicat, a breed that intrigues with its wild appearance and domestic temperament, originates from an unexpected blend of breeds which resulted in a cat that resembles a small wild ocelot, but with the personality of a friendly house cat. This breed's history began in the United States in 1964, making it a relatively recent addition to the feline world. The credit for the development of the Ocicat goes to Virginia Daly, a breeder from Michigan, who set out to create an Abyssinian-pointed Siamese cat. The process involved breeding a seal point Siamese and a ruddy Abyssinian.
The first generation of kittens appeared typically Abyssinian, but repeating the breeding with the same pair subsequently produced kittens with an ivory coat dotted with golden spots, essentially the first Ocicat, named Tonga. Although Tonga was later neutered and sold as a pet, interest in these spotted kittens grew. Daly’s daughter suggested the name 'Ocicat' because of the breed's resemblance to the ocelot. To achieve the desired size and bone structure, American Shorthairs were also introduced into the breeding program, adding silver to the Ocicat’s color spectrum and enhancing their body type.
Recognized initially by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) in 1966 for registration and later for championship status in 1987, the Ocicat captured the hearts of many with its wild look and affectionate demeanor. This breed is unique as it was meticulously engineered to resemble a wild cat, unlike many other breeds that occurred naturally. The breeding was carefully planned and executed to ensure the Ocicat maintained the health, vitality, and personality suitable for family life.
Today, the Ocicat remains a popular breed among cat enthusiasts. They are known for their sociable nature, often described as dog-like in their loyalty and playfulness. They interact well with people and other animals, making them excellent family pets. Their muscular build and spotted coat continue to draw admiration, and their manageable temperament makes them suitable for both apartment living and houses. The story of the Ocicat is one of careful craftsmanship and creativity, a testament to the possibilities within the art of breeding to achieving a specific, beloved outcome.