Ocicat Cat Breed Information

The Ocicat presents cat lovers with a fascinating paradox, a completely domestic feline with the striking spotted appearance of a wild cat. This unique breed combines exotic looks with a loving, family-friendly temperament, making it increasingly popular among cat enthusiasts seeking something special.

Quick Facts About Ocicat Breed

Ocicat Breed History and Origins

The Ocicat is a truly unique breed with the look of a wild cat but zero wild DNA. This breed was created entirely through selective breeding in the 1960s, proving that sometimes the best things happen by accident! The first Ocicat, named Tonga, was born in 1964 when a breeder attempting to develop an Abyssinian-pointed Siamese was surprised by a kitten with a spotted coat resembling an Ocelot –hence the name Ocicat.

Created in 1964 by crossing Abyssinian, Siamese, and later American Shorthair breeds
Named for its resemblance to the wild Ocelot
Recognised by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1987
The only spotted domestic cat breed selectively bred to mimic a wild feline
Developed in the United States, but has gained popularity worldwide

Understanding the Ocicat Temperament

Don’t let their wild looks fool you – Ocicats are total softies at heart! These highly affectionate, intelligent, and social cats are known for their dog-like devotion to their owners.

Highly social – They crave interaction and companionship
Loyal and trainable – Many Ocicats learn tricks, play fetch, and even walk on a lead
Playful and active – Expect plenty of zoomies and acrobatics!
Vocal but not overly chatty – They communicate but aren’t as talkative as a Siamese
Great with children and other pets – A fantastic choice for multi-pet households

If you’re after a cat that’s always up for a game, an Ocicat could be your purr-fect match!

Key Characteristics of Ocicat Cats

Medium to large in size, the Ocicat boasts a powerful, muscular body wrapped in a short, sleek coat. Their striking spots, set against a satiny background, shimmer under light, giving them their signature exotic look.

Short, glossy coat – Low-maintenance but incredibly eye-catching
Strong, athletic build – Built for speed, agility, and climbing
Spotted pattern in 12 different colours – From Tawny and Chocolate to Lavender and Blue
Expressive almond-shaped eyes – Always alert and inquisitive
Slightly longer than most cats – Their sleek body adds to their wild aesthetic

Common Ocicat Cat Health Issues

The Ocicat is a generally healthy breed, thanks to its diverse genetic background. However, like all breeds, they can be predisposed to certain conditions.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) – A heart condition that affects some purebred cats
Periodontal Disease – Their strong jaws need regular dental care
Renal Issues – Kidney health should be monitored, especially in older cats
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – A rare but possible genetic eye condition
Lifespan: 10-15 years on average, with some living beyond 18 with good care

Ocicat Compatibility with Families and Other Pets

Ocicats are ultimate family cats! They adore human interaction and form deep bonds with their people.

Brilliant with kids – Their playful, tolerant nature makes them great companions
Get along well with other pets – They enjoy the company of other cats and even dogs
Not ideal for owners who are away often – They need plenty of attention and engagement
Adapt well to various living spaces – Flats or houses, as long as they have room to play

Should Ocicat's Be Indoor Cats?

Ocicats love to explore, but their trusting nature makes them vulnerable outdoors. They thrive as indoor cats, but if you want to give them outside time, consider a secure catio or enclosed garden.

High prey drive – They may chase smaller animals if let loose
Friendly nature – They lack the street smarts of feral cats
Best suited to supervised outdoor access – Cat-proof gardens or harness training

For happy indoor Ocicats, provide tall cat trees, climbing shelves, and interactive toys!

Essential Grooming Tips for Ocicat Cats

Low-maintenance but still needs care! Their short coat only requires a weekly brush to keep it glossy and remove loose hair.

Brush once a week – A rubber grooming mitt works best
Trim nails every 2-3 weeks
Regular dental care – Brush their teeth or provide dental treats
Check ears and clean if needed

Proper Nutrition and Feeding for Ocicat

Feeding an Ocicat follows similar guidelines to other domestic cats, with attention to quality and appropriate portions being key. These active cats require balanced nutrition to fuel their energetic lifestyle, with particular focus on high-quality protein sources that support muscle maintenance.

Require high-quality commercial cat food with appropriate protein levels
Active nature may necessitate slightly higher calorie intake than sedentary cats
Clean, fresh water should always be available, preferably in locations separate from food bowls
Some owners opt for BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diets to mimic natural feline nutrition
Regular feeding schedule of 2-3 meals daily for adult Ocicats

Interesting Facts About Ocicat Cats

The Ocicat has no wild DNA despite looking like a mini leopard
The first Ocicat was named Tonga
They are highly intelligent and can be trained like dogs
Their spots result from a carefully developed genetic mix
Recognised in 12 official colours, including Chocolate, Cinnamon, and Blue

Ocicat Breed FAQ's

Are Ocicats hypoallergenic?

No, Ocicats are not considered hypoallergenic. They produce the same allergens as other cats, though their short coats may mean less fur around the home.

How much exercise does an Ocicat need?

Ocicats are energetic cats that require daily interactive play sessions and plenty of opportunities for climbing, jumping, and exploration to stay physically and mentally healthy.

Do Ocicats make good pets for first-time cat owners?

Yes, their friendly, adaptable nature makes them suitable for first-time owners, though prospective owners should be prepared for their high energy levels and need for interaction.

Are Ocicats loud or vocal?

Ocicats are moderately vocal. They will communicate with their owners but aren’t typically as talkative as breeds like the Siamese.

How much does an Ocicat cost in the UK?

Ocicat kittens from reputable breeders typically range from £600 to £1,200, depending on pedigree, colour, and show quality.

Similar Breeds

Bengal
The Bengal is the Ocicat’s closest lookalike, also sporting a spotted coat that resembles wild cats. Both breeds share athletic builds, high intelligence, and playful personalities. The key difference is that Bengals actually have Asian Leopard Cat ancestry, while Ocicats are entirely domestic.

Egyptian Mau
Another naturally spotted breed, the Egyptian Mau shares the Ocicat’s athletic build and spotted pattern. Both are intelligent and active cats, though the Egyptian Mau tends to be more reserved with strangers than the outgoing Ocicat.

Savannah
Like the Ocicat, the Savannah has a wild appearance with spots and an athletic build. However, Savannahs contain actual serval (wild cat) DNA, whereas the Ocicat is completely domestic despite its exotic looks.

Abyssinian
As one of the Ocicat’s parent breeds, the Abyssinian shares many traits including intelligence, playfulness, and an athletic build. Though Abyssinians lack spots, their ticked coat pattern contributed to the Ocicat’s distinctive appearance.

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The team at Cat Mad are lifelong cat enthusiasts and regularly give cats loving homes through fostering and adoption. With over 50 years of combined hands-on experience caring for cats of all breeds and temperaments, we share our knowledge and insights to help cat owners provide the best possible care for their furry friends.

About Cat Mad

Cat mad

The team at Cat Mad are lifelong cat enthusiasts and regularly give cats loving homes through fostering and adoption. With over 50 years of combined hands-on experience caring for cats of all breeds and temperaments, we share our knowledge and insights to help cat owners provide the best possible care for their furry friends.

About Cat Mad

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