The Ocicat stands out in the feline world with its wild appearance and affectionate personality. Despite its exotic looks, reminiscent of wild cats, it’s a completely domestic breed known for its sociability, intelligence, and playful nature. Let’s dive into the specifics of this unique breed, from its physical attributes to its history, care needs, and common health issues.
Breed Overview
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Ocicat |
| Scientific Name | Felis Catus |
| Life Span | 12-15 years |
| Build | Medium to large, muscular |
| Average Weight | 6-15 lbs (2.7-6.8 kg) |
| Average Height | 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Coat Colors | Tawny, chocolate, cinnamon, blue, lavender, and fawn |
| Coat Pattern | Spotted |
| Eye Colors | Gold, green, or copper |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Country of Origin | United States |
Physical Description
The Ocicat boasts a striking and athletic build that draws immediate attention. They are medium to large cats with a solid and muscular physique, supporting weights between six to fifteen pounds. Their height ranges from 9 to 11 inches. Ocicats possess a short, glossy coat adorned with distinct spots that contribute to their wild appearance. These spots are evenly distributed and can be seen on their sides, shoulders, and hind legs, closely mimicking the fur patterns of wild cats. The breed comes in a variety of colors including tawny, chocolate, cinnamon, blue, lavender, and fawn.
Notably, their ears are moderately large, alert, and angled slightly to the sides, which adds to their expressive appearance. Their eyes are large, almond-shaped, and can be gold, green, or copper, complementing their coat colors perfectly. Males are typically larger and more muscular than females, but both genders share the same types of markings and colors.
Behavior and Temperament of the Ocicat
Ocicats are renowned for their engaging personalities, demonstrating a rare blend of social warmth and independent exploration. They excel in homes that appreciate an active, conversational cat who will regularly seek attention and interaction. A distinctive trait of the Ocicat is its dog-like behavior, including the ability to follow basic commands, walk on a leash, and demonstrate a loyalty akin to that of family dogs.
In addition to their intelligence and playful nature, Ocicats form deep bonds with their human companions. They desire to be involved in daily activities, whether that be helping with work at the desk or curling up on the sofa for movie nights. Their vocalizations are not overly demanding, but they do enjoy a good conversation with their favorite humans. Despite their majestic, wild-cat appearance, they possess a gentle and amiable temperament, making them perfect pets for families, singles, and even homes with other pets.
History and Origin
The Ocicat’s creation was a felicitous accident during the 1960s in the United States, an endeavor initially aimed at breeding an Abyssinian-pointed Siamese cat. Virginia Daly, the breeder behind this experiment, was surprised when one of the kittens, Tonga, exhibited the unique spotted appearance now characteristic of the Ocicat breed. Though Tonga did not contribute directly to the Ocicat gene pool, his distinct looks inspired continued breeding efforts that ultimately led to the establishment of the breed.
From its serendipitous origins, the Ocicat breed was refined with the introduction of the American Shorthair to the breeding program, enhancing its size, bone structure, and introducing the striking silver variety. Despite their wild appearance, Ocicats are entirely domestic in lineage, drawing from Siamese, Abyssinian, and American Shorthair breeds. The breed has gained widespread recognition for its wild appearance coupled with its entirely domestic temperament, showcasing the successful blend of its ancestral traits.
Ocicat Cat Care
Caring for an Ocicat involves both meeting their physical needs and engaging their sharp minds. Their coat, while minimal in grooming requirements, benefits from regular brushing to maintain its shine and reduce shedding. Ocicats have a spirited disposition, demanding daily interaction through play, puzzle toys, or training sessions to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active.
Creating an environment that can satisfy their innate curiosity is crucial. This can involve safe outdoor access, cat trees for climbing, and plenty of space for exploration. Despite their robust appearance, they are indoor cats at heart, thriving in the safety and comfort of home. Health care for Ocicats includes routine veterinary checkups to monitor for common genetic issues and ensuring they are kept up to date with vaccinations and parasite control. With the right balance of activity, companionship, and preventative health measures, Ocicats can lead long, vibrant lives as part of the family.
Common Health Problems
Ocicats are generally healthy, but they can be predisposed to some genetic health issues, including:
- Renal amyloidosis: A hereditary condition that can lead to kidney failure.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: A heart disease that is seen in this breed as well.
- Periodontal disease: Regular dental care is required to manage this risk.
Regular health screenings can help catch and manage these conditions early.
Where to Adopt or Buy Ocicat
Ocicats can be adopted from breed-specific rescues or purchased from reputable breeders. The cost can range from $800 to $1500, depending on the pedigree and whether the cat is being bought as a pet or for show. When considering where to acquire an Ocicat, potential owners should look for operations that health test their breeding cats and provide a healthy, social environment for kittens.
Diet and Nutrition
The Ocicat requires a balanced diet high in protein to maintain its muscular build. High-quality commercial cat food, supplemented with wet food, can meet their nutritional needs. Fresh water should always be available. Treats can be offered in moderation, and any changes to their diet should be introduced gradually. Consultation with a vet for personalized dietary advice is recommended.
Comparable Breeds
If you find the Ocicat intriguing, similar breeds worth exploring include:
- Abyssinian: Known as Somali in its long-haired variant.
- Bengal: Shares the wild appearance and high energy levels often associated with the Abyssinian.
- Savannah: Known for similarity with Siamese due to their communicative nature and similar build.
- Egyptian Mau: Shares traits with the Oriental Shorthair, offering a wide range of coat colours and similar personality traits.
For more cat breed profiles, feel free to explore our extensive collection.
FAQ’s about Ocicat
Are Ocicat cats rare?
While not as common as some other breeds, Ocicats are available and loved by many enthusiasts around the world. They represent a unique blend of domestic and wild traits that enthrall cat lovers.
Is an Ocicat a good pet?
Absolutely. Ocicats are excellent pets known for their sociability, intelligence, and affectionate nature. They adjust well to various living situations and make playful, loving companions.
Are Ocicats high maintenance?
No, Ocicats are relatively low maintenance in terms of grooming. However, they do require attention, interaction, and stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Are Ocicat cats aggressive?
No, Ocicats are not typically aggressive. They are very social and enjoy being part of a family, often developing strong bonds with their human companions.
Can Ocicats be left alone?
Ocicats can manage short periods alone, but due to their social nature, they shouldn’t be left alone for extended periods regularly. They thrive on interaction and can become lonely if ignored.
Do Ocicats like to cuddle?
Yes, despite their wild appearance, Ocicats love to cuddle and spend time with their human companions. They’re known for seeking out warmth and affection from their families.