Ocicat

The Ocicat is a domestic cat breed that resembles wild cats like the ocelot but has no wild ancestry in its gene pool. It was developed by crossing Siamese, Abyssinian, and later American Shorthair cats to achieve its distinctive spotted coat and athletic build.

Appearance

Ocicats are medium to large in size, well-muscled, and have a lithe, athletic appearance. Their coat is short, close-lying, and features spots in a bullseye pattern all over the body, including the belly. The head is wedge-shaped with almond-shaped eyes, and the ears are set at a 45-degree angle. The tail is long and slim, with a dark tip.

Personality and Temperament

Ocicats are known for their intelligence, activity, and sociable nature. They are often described as having a dog-like personality, being loyal, extroverted, and responsive to training. They enjoy interactive play, can be taught tricks, and are usually friendly with both people and other pets. Ocicats are vocal and attentive, often following their owners around the house.

Care and Considerations

These cats benefit from an experienced owner and require plenty of mental and physical enrichment, such as simulated hunting games and interactive toys. Grooming is minimal, needing only weekly brushing. Ocicats thrive in environments with plenty of space and activity but are not ideal for homes where they are left alone for long periods.

Colors and Recognition

Ocicats come in several recognized colors, including tawny (brown spotted), chocolate, and silver, with all eye colors except blue being accepted. The breed was granted championship status by the Cat Fanciers' Association in 1987.

Lifespan

Ocicats typically live between 15 and 18 years.

Summary Table

Aspect	Ocicat details
Origin	Developed by crossing Siamese, Abyssinian, and American Shorthair cats; no wild ancestry.
Size	Medium to large, well-muscled, lithe, athletic appearance.
Distinctive features	Short, close-lying coat with spots in bullseye pattern all over body including belly; wedge-shaped head; almond-shaped eyes; ears set at 45-degree angle; long, slim tail with dark tip.
Coat	Short, close-lying; spotted pattern (bullseye); colors include tawny (brown spotted), chocolate, and silver.
Eyes	Almond-shaped; all eye colors except blue accepted.
Temperament	Intelligent, active, sociable; dog-like personality; loyal, extroverted, responsive to training; vocal and attentive; friendly with people and other pets.
Grooming	Minimal; weekly brushing.
Activity needs	High; requires plenty of mental and physical enrichment, simulated hunting games, interactive toys; needs experienced owner.
Lifespan	15–18 years.
Recognition	Granted championship status by Cat Fanciers' Association in 1987.
Best suited for	Active households with experienced owners; homes with plenty of space and activity; not ideal for homes where left alone for long periods.

In summary, the Ocicat is a striking, athletic, and affectionate breed with a wild look but a fully domestic temperament, making it a popular choice for active households.

References

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