Ocicat Cat Breed

Ocicats have Siamese, Abyssinian and American Shorthair anscestors and was recognised for CFA registration in 1966. The Ocicat is a large active cat with an athletic appearance. It has a short, close-lying randomly spotted coat. The spots can be tawny, chocolate, cinnamon, blue, lavender, and fawn on a silver or nonsilver background. Ocicats are very affectionate and sociable cats and make excellent family companions.

The Ocicat is a large, muscular, spotted, short-haired domestic cat with a wild-type appearance. Despite the strong Siamese element in its original make-up, later breeding has meant that it has not inherited the lean, elongated Oriental look.

The first Ocicat appeared in the United States in 1964 during experiments tocreate Abyssinian-pointed Siamese. The successful litter also produced one spotted kitten that breeder Virginia Daly called tonga. Her daughter, seeing the resemblance to an ocelot. called him an ocicat. Other breeders improved the type by introducing crosses with American Shorthair cats.

According to the Ocicat standard, the coat should be long enough to carry several bands of ticking, and should be fine, thick, tight, and close-lying. Mating is authorized with other breeds (with Abyssinians after 3 to 4 generations.)

Ocicat Personality This wild-looking animal possesses a temperament that seems almost hakf-cat, half-dog. Its "doggy" half can be trained to fetch, sit and respond to human commands; it will eagerly go for a walk on a leash. As a pet, the Ocicat is loyal, affectionate, playful, and even-tempered. It combines the liveliness and speed of the Abyssinian with the gentleness of the Siamese—minus the harsh voice.

Ocicat Colors Recognized by CFA
The Ocicat is bred in many colors and is particularly noted for its "wild appearance."

Photo Credit: SwissCat