Ocicat

Size:

Grooming:

Exercise Level:

Trainability:

Good with Children:

Good with other pets:

Affectionate:

Weight: 3 - 7kg M | 3 - 7kg F

Life Expectancy: 15 - 18 Years

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Introduction

This exotic-looking feline is the first domesticated cat breed to be bred to look like a wild cat. The ocicat is a man-made crossbreed that has no wild genes in it, but has a lot of energy and confidence. It loves people and gets along with children and even other pets. It also likes laps and a lot of attention. This cat is a beautiful companion for families and individual owners.

History

The ocicat emerged in 1964 in the US after Virginia Daly of Michigan tried to cross a Siamese with an Abyssinian. The intention was to produce an Abyssinian cat with Siamese colour points. However, the resulting kitten had an ivory coat covered in spots. The little feline also resembled the ocelot, a wild cat. As such, it was named ocicat.

The new breed’s fascinating appearance prompted breeders to develop the line further in order to produce more of the same spotted kitty. The American shorthair was later added to the line, resulting in larger-boned and silver-coloured kittens.

The Cat Fanciers’ Association acknowledged the ocicat in 1987. The International Cat Association did so a little earlier in 1986. Currently, this breed has become a popular choice as a pet amongst cat owners.

Appearance and Grooming

On average, the ocicat weights 7–14 lbs. Its head is a modified wedge shape and has tufted ears. Its eyes are large, almond-shaped, and slightly angled upwards towards its ears. The colour can be any hue, except blue. Its body is long, big-boned, and muscular. Its frame has been likened as being halfway between the svelte Oriental and the robust American shorthair.

The ocicat’s back is rather a bit higher at the rump, adding to its athletic appearance. Its well-muscled legs are proportionate to that of the rest of its body. Its paws are oval-shaped, whilst its tail is as long as its body and broader at the base.

Its coat, the highlight of its physical appearance, can come in virtually any colour. Close lying and satiny in texture, the ocicat’s fur is nicely decked with spots. Even its belly has spots.

Being a short-haired cat that sheds minimally, grooming is an easy process. Its coat only needs occasional brushing.

Temperament and Intelligence

This kitty has been described as having a doglike personality. It bonds very strongly with its humans and craves attention. As such, this is a pet that does not like to be left alone for long. It enjoys a game of fetch and will even engage in “tug of war” when a favoured item is taken from it.

Confident, energetic, and outgoing, the ocicat loves people and likes to be kept busy. It likes to poke its nose into everything happening around it. This feline is known to curl up on laps and let its owners know when it is time to fill its belly again. It can be quite talkative and is especially vocal in greeting its human coming back home. It is also not shy to greet strangers visiting the home.

This sociable kitty also likes to observe its environment from a high place. As such, it is known to climb up as high as it can to look down on its domain. Being a very intelligent feline, the ocicat can be trained to learn or other tasks like dogs. Its sharp mental capacities should be satisfied by giving it puzzle toys or other items that help satisfy its need to keep itself busy. That considered, this feline does well in lively homes.

Nutrition and Feeding

The ocicat should be provided a nutritious diet that fulfils its daily requirements. It should be consistently given the same food following the same feeding times. If there are changes to its diet, those must be done gradually to prevent digestive complications.

The serving portions should depend on this breed’s weight, age, and activity level. Its meals must include at least 25 per cent protein and just 5 per cent carbohydrates.

Health and Exercise

On average, the ocicat has a life expectancy of 15 - 18 years. This exotic cat breed is not prone to breed-specific health problems. However, she may be affected by health conditions that are common to most cat breeds like gingivitis and other teeth and gum problems. Some ocicats have suffered progressive atrophy of the retina and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the past. These can be detected early through health screening and regular vet check-ups.

The ocicat is a lively and exceptionally active cat. She has doglike abilities and can be trained easily to respond to voice commands like sit and stay. She can even be trained to do some tricks and walk on a lead.

Because she is energetic, the ocicat tends to be constantly in motion. She needs regular exercise to satisfy her strong desire to play. With her athletic build, she can effortlessly jump and climb high up places. To keep her from climbing on curtains and kitchen cabinets, a tall cat tree will be a great solution. If she has to be left alone for long hours, keep her occupied with toys that can stimulate her mind.

Cost of Ownership

Bringing home a healthy purebred Ocicat from a reputable breeder costs approximately £250–£500. She will need high-quality cat food containing all the essential nutrients to help her develop healthily. Expect to pay around £20–£55 monthly for her food.

Providing your Ocicat with her basic necessities such as a litter tray and scratching posts is crucial in helping her become well adjusted in her new home. The cost for these items may total up to £50–£400.

Getting young Ocicats vaccinated is crucial to ward off contagious feline diseases. You will need to spend around £40–100 for vaccine shots.

Parasites are carriers of harmful illnesses to your cat. Keep her from having parasite infestations by administering preventatives. The price for tick and flea treatments ranges from £50–£60, whilst heartworm treatments cost about £60–£120.

Take your Ocicat regularly to the vet to ensure that she is healthy and free from health problems. Budget at least £30–£60 for each session.

In some cases, vet care can be costly. Acquiring a pet insurance will help in reducing expenses. If you prefer a time-limited coverage, prepare to pay around £6–£15 per month. Opting for a lifetime package will add over £10 to your monthly bill.

Ocicat Breed Highlights

This feline loves people and is very outgoing and friendly.
As a single-coated cat, it is more vulnerable to the cold compared to other breeds.
The ocicat loves attention and human company so much that it does not like to be left alone for long.
Intelligent and active, this kitty needs enough mental and physical stimulation to keep it occupied and happy.