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.

• How long do Ocicat live?  10 - 15 years.
• Ocicat average weight   2.7kg to 6.8kg
• Ocicat colours   12 varieties: Tawny, Cinnamon, Chocolate, Blue, Lilac, and Fawn, each also presented with a silvery background.

• Ocicats require an experienced owner for optimal care.
• This cat breed thrives in an enriched environments.
• Ocicats are highly active and curious by nature.
• Social and reliant on companionship.
• This domestic cat vocal and expressive in communication.
• Ocicats are elegant and slender in physique.
• This cat breed needs weekly grooming.
• You'll find Ocicats will benefits from ample outdoor space.
• Ocicats are best suited for quiet households.
• This cat breed can tolerate being alone for periods.
• Ocicats prefers a calm and serene environment.

The Ocicat breed may experience a specific health issue, such as progressive retinal atrophy, a genetic condition that causes the gradual degeneration of the eye, potentially leading to blindness.

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.

• Family-friendly: 1/5
• Playfulness: 5/5
• Intelligence: 4/5
• Tendency to Vocalize: 4/5
• Likes Other Pets: 3/5
• Grooming needs: 1/5
• Shedding: 2/5

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 parasite 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.
• 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.
• 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.

1. Are Ocicats good with children?

Yes, Ocicats generally get along well with children. They are playful and active, making them good companions for energetic kids.

2. Are Ocicats hypoallergenic?

No, Ocicats are not hypoallergenic. Like all cats, they produce dander and can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.

3. What colors do Ocicats come in?

Cinnamon fawn, Spot tabby, Blue Ocicat, Chocolate Ocicat, Silver Ocicat, Cinnamon Ocicat, Tabby Ocicat, and many more.

4. Are Ocicats easy to train?

Yes, Ocicats are intelligent and can be trained using positive reinforcement techniques like clicker training. They enjoy learning tricks and responding to commands.

5. Do Ocicats like water?

Some Ocicats enjoy playing with water and may even join their owners in the shower or bathtub. However, not all Ocicats share this trait.

6. Where can I find a Ocicat to adopt or purchase?

Ocicats can be found through reputable breeders, cat rescues, and breed-specific adoption agencies. It's important to do thorough research and visit the breeder or shelter before making a decision.