Cat Breed - Ocicat
About the Ocicat
Introduction: Ocicat - A Comprehensive Guide
Brief Overview:
The Ocicat is a strikingly beautiful and athletic breed known for its wild appearance and domestic personality. With a coat that mimics the exotic ocelot—hence the name—this breed combines the look of a jungle cat with the affectionate, outgoing nature of a family-friendly pet. Confident, muscular, and smart, Ocicats are ideal for active households.
Breed History
Origins:
The Ocicat was first developed in the United States in the 1960s by breeder Virginia Daly. She aimed to create an Abyssinian-pointed Siamese but ended up producing a spotted kitten that resembled a wildcat. The breed’s foundation includes Abyssinian, Siamese, and American Shorthair bloodlines.
The goal was to create a domestic cat with a wild appearance—no wild DNA included—and the Ocicat achieved just that. Recognized for its exotic look and people-loving personality, the breed was officially accepted by major cat associations by the 1980s.
Physical Characteristics
The Ocicat’s standout feature is its large, distinct spots that run across a sleek, muscular body. They have a wild look but are completely domestic in genetics and temperament.
Body:
Medium to large-sized
Athletic and muscular build with a deep chest
Males can weigh 10–15 lbs; females usually 6–10 lbs
Coat:
Short, tight, and satin-like with a noticeable sheen
Patterned with thumbprint-shaped spots across the body, legs, and belly
Acceptable colors include tawny, chocolate, cinnamon, blue, lavender, and fawn, as well as silver versions of each
Head & Face:
Modified wedge shape with a strong jaw and prominent cheekbones
Large, slightly angled ears—some with tufts
Eyes:
Almond-shaped and large
Eye color varies, commonly gold, hazel, or green
Blue eyes are not standard in the breed
Legs & Paws:
Well-proportioned, muscular legs
Oval, compact paws
Tail:
Fairly long and tapered
Often ends in a dark tip
Personality and Temperament
General Disposition:
Ocicats are high-energy, affectionate, and highly social cats. Despite their wild appearance, they are among the most human-friendly breeds.
Friendly & Outgoing: Not shy—Ocicats enjoy meeting new people
Highly Intelligent: Can learn tricks, play fetch, and even walk on a leash
Playful & Energetic: Need regular stimulation and interaction
Loyal Companions: Bond closely with their families and often follow owners around the house
Good with Children & Other Pets: Thrive in active homes with kids, dogs, or other cats
Their dog-like behavior makes them great companions for interactive households.
Health and Lifespan
Ocicats are generally healthy and hardy, but routine veterinary care is important.
Common Health Concerns:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has been observed in the breed
Some susceptibility to periodontal issues—regular dental care is vital
Grooming Needs:
Low-maintenance coat—weekly brushing is sufficient
Bathing is rarely needed but can help reduce shedding
Clean ears and trim nails regularly
Brush teeth with a vet-approved toothpaste
Diet and Nutrition:
High-quality protein-based diet
Watch food portions, as their activity level may increase their appetite
Keep fresh water available at all times
Exercise and Play:
Needs daily playtime and mental stimulation
Provide puzzle toys, feather wands, and vertical climbing spaces
Enjoys leash training and outdoor walks (supervised)
Breed Standards
According to CFA and TICA, the Ocicat breed standard focuses on the balance of wild looks with a domestic, social temperament.
Specific Standards for Ocicat Cats:
Body: Medium to large, muscular and well-proportioned
Coat: Short, sleek, with a satiny texture; well-defined spots across the body
Head: Slightly longer than wide with a modified wedge shape
Eyes: Large and almond-shaped; vivid colors but never blue
Legs & Paws: Strong and proportional with oval paws
Tail: Long, tapered, and dark-tipped
Other Features: Exotic appearance, but 100% domestic lineage
For official breed standards, visit:
Interesting Facts
Wild Look, Gentle Heart: Despite their ocelot-like appearance, Ocicats have no wild ancestry—they’re completely domestic.
They Can Be Leash-Trained: Like dogs, Ocicats love interactive activities and can even go on walks with a harness.
Spotted Everywhere: Even their bellies and legs are decorated with spots, unlike many other spotted breeds.
