Ocicat

The Ocicat is a domestic cat breed that stands out for its wild and exotic appearance, similar to that of an ocelot, hence its name. Despite its appearance, the Ocicat is an affectionate and sociable cat, ideal for families and people looking for an active and affectionate pet. It lives well with children and other young cats.

General details

Ocicat cats are medium to large in size, with males typically weighing between 4.5 and 7 kilograms and females between 3.5 and 5.5 kilograms. They are approximately 23 to 28 centimeters tall and have a body length of about 33 to 40 centimeters. Under normal conditions, they can live between 15 and 18 years. This breed is recognized by associations such as the International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA).

Breed history in brief

Ocicat has very particular origins. It arose in the United States, where it was developed in the 1960s by Virginia Daly. The breed was a failed breeding experiment between an Abyssinian and a Siamese, with the aim of creating a Siamese with spotted patterns. However, the result was a spotted kitten that resembled an ocelot. The result caught the attention of other breeders, who decided to continue testing. Since then, the Ocicat has been refined through selective breeding, also using the American Shorthair to increase the variety of colors. The breed was officially recognized by several cat associations in the 1980s as an independent breed in the United States, and in the 1990s in Europe. As a curiosity, the crosses that were made in those times would be prohibited today.

Breed characteristics

The Ocicat is a medium to large breed with a muscular and athletic body. Their eyes are large, almond-shaped and can be any color, giving them a lively and alert expression. The ears are medium-sized, with slightly rounded tips. The Ocicat`s coat is short, dense and extremely smooth, with a pattern of dark spots on a lighter background. The tail has a banded pattern, and its tip is the darkest part of the body. Coat colors can vary widely, including tawny, chocolate, cinnamon, blue, lavender and silver, each with its own distinctive charm. There are as many as 12 recognized colors in the Ocicat. The cats are known for their active, playful and very sociable temperament. They are docile animals. They enjoy human companionship and get along well with other pets. They are intelligent cats and love to engage in interactive play and explore their environment. They can learn to open doors on their own and need to spend time outdoors. Despite their wild appearance, Ocicat are extremely affectionate and form strong bonds with their families.

Common health problems

The Ocicat is generally a healthy breed, with healthy genetics and no pathologies associated with this particular breed. The diseases they suffer from are those common to all cats.