Where does the Ocicat get its name?
The first spotted kitten was thought to resemble an Ocelot, therefore the kitten was given the name 'Ocicat' because of this
resemblance - pronounced 'Oss - i - cat'.
A Brief History of the Ocicat Breed
The first Ocicat was the surprise result of mating a Siamese cat with an Abyssinian cat in 1964 in America. The breeder, Virginia Daly, hoped to create a Siamese-style cat with Abyssinian-coloured pointing.
Instead of the expected pointed Aby kitten, the mating produced an ivory kitten with golden spots.
Mrs. Daly's daughter named the breed the Ocicat, because of its resemblance to the Ocelot.
The first Ocicat, was neutered and sold as a pet, however interest was soon sparked by this spotted domestic cat that mimicked some of the wild cat species.
Consequently, the breeding was repeated to produce more Ocicats. Other breeders followed Mrs. Daly's recipe to develop other Ocicat lines with a broad genetic base.
The American short-hair was also incorporated in the breeding program to provide strength and robustness to the breed.
The Ocicat was recognized for CFA registration in 1966, but it took another twenty years to develop the breed and gain the support for provisional status. The Ocicat was advanced to championship status in May, 1987.
It was not exported to Europe until the end of the 1980's.
The Ocicat is the only spotted domestic breed selectively bred to emulate the cats of the wild.
The Cat for the Connoisseur
Feline enthusiasts have always been awed by the spotted cats of the wild - the leopards, the ocelots, the cheetahs and others. Now they can own an entirely domestic cat which offers the spotted beauty of the wild cats, while maintaining the lovely, predictable disposition of the domestic cat.
With so many wild spotted cats disappearing as their native habitats are destroyed and invaded, it is increasingly important that this man-made breed can satisfy people who want something ‘'exotic." Hopefully, the Ocicat will help in its own way to prevent poaching, abuse and importation of the endangered wild cats.
Ocicats have inherited the best from the foundation breeds.
The Distinctive Look of the Ocicat
At first glance, the magnificent spotted cat may resemble a wild cat, but no wild blood is used to produce this beautiful animal. While the Ocicat looks wild, it has a wonderful temperament and personality and is far from ferocious. So, despite their wild appearance, they are friendly, outgoing, people-oriented cats. They are intelligent, devoted and highly adaptable companions.
Personality & Sociability of the Ocicat
It's hard to understand why anyone, once they knew the Ocicat and all it has to offer, would look past it. The Ocicat provides you with the best of both worlds - it looks like a wild cat with its fabulous spotted sleek coat, rippling muscles, strong body and good solid build, but is no threat to the family dog!! In fact, it is a lot like a dog in its absolute devotion to its family of people.
The Ocicat is not a demanding, clinging-vine type, but is confident as well as dedicated to its owners. Most Ocicats are also quite extroverted around strangers, not at all bashful about checking out the possibilities for a few playmates or a lap to curl up on when visitors come to call.
Ocicats have been described as "almost dog-like in their devotion to humans" and "very eager to please the people they own." Breeders also report that Ocicats are voice sensitive - they dislike being scolded - if reprimanded, they stop what they're doing, and don't repeat the unwanted
behaviour. At least not right away!!
Its personality and temperament are predictable and loving - they make a wonderful addition to any household - they generally adapt readily to most situations, including children and other pets. They are a beautiful, wild looking cat with the best domestic cat personality, very active and ready to play, but willing to purr on your lap too.
Their sociable nature may make them less suited than some other breeds to being left alone for long periods of time, but it does make them a good choice for a household already blessed with other cats or dogs. Two Ocicat kittens are often happier together (rather than one on its own) in homes where owners are away from home for most of the day. Ocicats enjoy other 'family' especially children and dogs. The size and personality of Ocicats often win over the hearts of men who don't normally consider themselves 'cat' people.
Intelligence of the Ocicat
Ocicats are quite bright and easily trained. Many will fetch, walk on a leash, respond to voice commands and readily adapt to household rules. Because of their adaptability, they are a joy to work with and easily get used to
travelling. They are also praised for their extreme intelligence and sociability. "They want to be wherever you are. They'll follow you anywhere and everywhere. If you want to take a shower, you'd best make sure you shut the door, or you might have a cat in the shower with you."
Ocicats are known to enjoy carrying objects and toys, often leading to them being 'taught' to retrieve.
Care of the Ocicat - Health Issues and Diet
Though Ocicats fill the need for the exotic, they are easy to keep and require no special care. Their diets are the same as any domestic and their short coats need only the occasional bathing and grooming. Ocicats are not prone to any particular health problem and their broad genetic background gives them
vigour and vitality.
Physical Aspects of the Ocicat
The ideal Ocicat is a large, active animal with an athletic appearance. It is very solid and well-muscled and has a short, tight coat with a satin sheen that shows off muscles and spots to their best advantage.
