The Ocicat, a distinctive cat breed, exhibits an athletic build with a strong bone structure and dense muscle, giving it a surprisingly heavy weight for its medium to large size. Despite its purely domestic cat lineage and no wild ancestry, the Ocicat's low slung stance and sometimes stalky walk contribute to its "big cat" appearance. Known for its short, glossy coat, the Ocicat showcases striking spotting patterns resembling wild cats, including bullseye markings on the sides and a distinct M shape above the eyes. This cat breed's exotic look, reminiscent of the Siamese and Abyssinian, makes it popular among cat fanciers seeking a unique companion with dog like qualities.

• Suited to experienced owners.
• Needs mental stimulation like Interactive Toys.
• Active and curious, loves to explore.
• Social and bonds closely with family.
• Very vocal and communicative.
• Sleek, athletic, and graceful.
• Requires weekly Grooming.
• Benefits from outdoor space.
• Not ideal for homes with young children.
• Fine being left alone for a few hours.
• Prefers a calm, quiet environment.
• Loves climbing, so cat trees are great.
• Intelligent and easy to train.
• Gets along well with other pets.
• Enjoys being involved in daily activities.

The Ocicat is generally a healthy breed, but like all cats, it can be prone to certain health issues. Some of the known health problems in Ocicats include:

1. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): A common heart condition in cats where the heart muscle thickens, affecting its function.

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   Periodontal Disease: Dental issues are common in Ocicats, so regular dental care is essential to prevent gum disease and Cat Teeth issues.

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   Renal or Kidney Disease: Like many breeds, Ocicats can develop Kidney Disease as they age, which requires monitoring and management.

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   Liver Amyloidosis: A condition where abnormal protein builds up in the liver, affecting its function.

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   Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness over time.

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   Obesity: Due to their active nature, Ocicats need plenty of exercise, and without proper activity and a balanced diet, they can be prone to Obesity.

For health monitoring, DNA testing is available to determine the predisposition of Ocicats, including Ocicat Classic, to progressive retinal atrophy.

The Ocicat, a captivating cat breed, combines the athleticism of American Shorthairs with the elegant appearance reminiscent of wild cats like the Siamese and Abyssinian. Known for their exotic look and short, glossy coat adorned with distinctive spot tabby patterns like cinnamon fawn and blue silver, Ocicats have an athletic build and strong bone structure. They exhibit a dog like sociability, following their human companions around the house and engaging in interactive play. This medium to large breed enjoys a variety of cat foods and benefits from belonging to cat clubs that promote their unique traits, including their almond shaped eyes and striking chocolate silver coats.

The Ocicat, known for its striking appearance resembling a wild Ocelot, was accidentally created in 1964 during a breeding experiment combining Siamese and Abyssinian Cats. This cross unexpectedly produced a stunning spotted kitten with an exotic look, reminiscent of its wild counterpart. Named for its resemblance to the Ocelot, subsequent breeding efforts incorporated American Shorthair genetics to solidify the Ocicat breed. Ocicats possess a dog like personality, enjoying interactive play and following their owners around the house. With their medium build, short coat, and athletic muscles, they thrive on physical activity and are ideal companions for cat fanciers seeking a playful and sociable pet.

To provide adequate living conditions for an Ocicat, a spacious and highly secure cat run or a fully cat proofed garden is essential. These cats require ample space to exercise their athletic muscles, climb, and explore. It's important to create a safe environment indoors or outdoors, as Ocicats are known for their dog like curiosity and medium build, resembling wild cats like the Abyssinian and Siamese. Their striking appearance and short coat make them popular among cat fanciers seeking an exotic looking, playful companion. However, due to their adventurous nature, it's best to supervise them outdoors or provide a securely enclosed space to prevent them from getting into trouble or becoming a target for theft.

The Ocicat requires attention, enrichment, training, and play comparable to that of a dog. Clicker training can effectively teach useful behaviors such as targeting specific areas, entering a cat carrier, and getting off certain surfaces, as well as entertaining tricks that showcase their agility. Using puzzle toys like Whack-a-Mole Cat Toy can engage their natural hunting instincts, stimulating them mentally and physically. When accommodating an Ocicat, consider the arrangement of household furniture and decorations; they may knock over knick-knacks, shred paperwork, and stash shiny objects.

Each cat has its own unique preferences and dietary needs. As carnivores, cats require 41 specific nutrients from their food. The balance of these nutrients varies with age, lifestyle, and overall health. Kittens, for example, need a different nutrient profile compared to less active senior cats. It's crucial to feed cats the right amount of food to maintain their ideal body condition, following feeding guidelines. Additionally, respecting their preference for wet or dry food plays a role in their overall satisfaction and health.

Find out more about Cat Nutrition with our article. 

Groom your Ocicat weekly with a brush or comb to maintain their coat and strengthen bonding. A greasy coat can indicate your cat isn't Grooming itself adequately, possibly signaling health issues. Like all cats, it's essential to ensure regular Vaccination and Flea Control for their well being.

The Ocicat, though moderate in appearance, exhibits extreme behaviors and requires secure, Ocicat proof housing. Owners should be prepared to entertain and engage a robust cat with strong opinions. This Cat Breed thrives in calm, quiet households with older teenagers and ample space.

• The Ocicat was created accidentally in 1964 when a breeder attempted to produce a Siamese with an Abyssinian-like ticked coat pattern. Instead, they ended up with a spotted kitten resembling a wild ocelot.

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  Ocicats are often described as having dog-like personalities. They are highly social, outgoing, and enjoy interactive play. Some Ocicats can even be leash-trained and enjoy going for walks.

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  Despite their wild appearance, Ocicats have no wild cat ancestry. They are a purely domestic breed known for their athletic build and striking coat pattern.

Yes, Ocicat cats are considered relatively rare. Despite their exotic, wild appearance and friendly nature, they are not as common as other popular cat breeds. Their rarity is partly due to their specific breeding history and the fact that they require careful breeding practices to maintain their unique coat pattern and temperament. While not impossible to find, Ocicat kittens may take some searching, especially through specialized breeders, and they may not be readily available in shelters or rescues. This rarity can also contribute to their higher price compared to more common breeds.