Ocicats

Common Name(s)     Ocicat

Background     The Ocicat was accidentally first created by Virginia Daly in 1964 in Berkeley, Michigan. Virginia Daly was attempting to breed an Abyssinian-pointed Siamese by crossing a Chocolate Point Siamese male with a Seal Point Siamese and Abyssinian hybrid female. Surprisingly, the litter that was produced contained a golden-spotted male kitten. This kitten was named Tonga and was neutered and sold as a pet, since he did not fit into this particular breeding program. However, the prospect of a new spotted breed perked Virginia Daly's interest, and she retained the further spotted kittens that were produced. Another American breeder, Tom Brown began a long-term breeding program. Other breeders introduced the American Shorthair into the breeding programs, which increased the cat's size. The Ocicat achieved championship status in the United States in 1987. It was introduced to Britain in the late 1980s. Also in the 1980's, a separate European line of Ocicats was developed in Germany by Karen Dupuis.
    This breed's name is a cross between "Ocelot" and "Cat", since it resembles an Ocelot, but is a domestic cat. Two names that were also used in the early years of this breed were "Ocellete", since it resembles a small Ocelot, and "Accicat", since its inception was an accident in another breeding program.

Description      The Ocicat has a large, long, and muscular body. It is neither stocky nor angular in appearance. The head is a modified wedge, slightly curved from the jaw to the cheek and is proportionate in size to the body. The eyes large and almond-shaped, and the ears are moderately large. All eye colors are acceptable for this breed, except blue. The legs are muscular and fairly long. The tail is moderately long, thin to medium in width, and slightly tapered. This breed weighs 6-14 pounds. The Ocicat's lifespan is approximately 15 years.
    The hair is short, fine, and silky. Like the Abyssinian's fur, each strand has several bands of color. The hairs at the tip of the tail are the only ones that do not share this trait. The coat is spotted, with the most common color type being tawny, or light brown. Other variations include Chocolate, Cinnamon, Blue, Lavender, Fawn, Silver, Chocolate Silver, Cinnamon Silver, Blue Silver, Lavender Silver, and Fawn Silver.

Care and Feeding     The Ocicat should be fed a simple balanced diet with no special requirements.

Housing Your Cat     The Ocicat is an active cat that enjoys playing and exercising outside. However, if a yard cannot be provided, a large house or apartment with a terrace can suffice.

Maintenance     Ocicats require very little grooming. Their coat is short, fine, and naturally shiny. Weekly brushing is recommended, as it is for any low-maintenance cat.

Social Behaviors     Ocicats are social cats that do not like being alone. Like the Siamese, they can attach to one person more than to others. They can also be dominant with other cats.

Activities     The Ocicat is a naturally active breed that needs no coaxing to get its exercise. It should be provided with ample room to play and run. It should also be given many toys to play with inside, especially if it is kept indoors most of the time.

Breeding/Reproduction     Litters usually contain 4 to 6 kittens. Breeding generally occurs with no complications.

Common Health Problems     Ocicats are generally healthy with no special problems documented.

Availability     Ocicats are readily available from breeders that can be found on the internet or locally. Prices range from approximately $300 to $900.

Author: Ruth Bratcher