Ocicat

Origin and History

The Ocicat emerged in the United States in the 1960s, when an unexpectedly spotted kitten was born during a Siamese and Abyssinian cross. Its name comes from its resemblance to the ocelot, a wild cat; however, it contains no wild cat DNA and was developed entirely from domestic breeds.

Appearance and Coat

It has a medium-to-large, muscular and athletic body, and its movements recall a wild hunter. Its most distinctive features are the bold spotted pattern covering the body and its short, silky coat. The spots are arranged in a "thumbprint" pattern and come in a variety of colors.

Personality and Temperament

The Ocicat is exceptionally social, intelligent and energetic, and is often described as "dog-like." It learns to play fetch, walk on a leash and follow commands; it follows its owner around and craves interaction. It does not like being left alone. It is active, curious and playful, and gets along very well with children and other animals.

Care and Nutrition

Its short coat is very easy to care for; brushing once a week is enough. What it really needs is plenty of play, mental stimulation and social interaction. A balanced diet and an active lifestyle are recommended to support its athletic build.

Health

The Ocicat is generally a robust breed, but it may carry some predispositions inherited from its ancestral breeds, the Siamese and the Abyssinian: pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK deficiency), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and heart disease (HCM). DNA tests are available for PK deficiency and PRA; regular cardiac check-ups are recommended for HCM.

Who Is It Suitable For?

The Ocicat is ideal for families and individuals looking for a social, intelligent and active companion and who can offer it plenty of play and interaction. It is not ideal for homes where it would be left alone for long periods.