Ocicat

History

The Ocicat is a  spotted domestic cat which has been selectively bred to emulate and encapsulate the natural cat of the wild.  The first Ocicat occurred by accident in the USA in 1964 when Mrs Virginia Daly attempted to obtain an “Aby pointed” Siamese. However she found, in a second generation Abyssinian - Siamese Cross, a beautiful golden spotted male kitten. Her daughter remarked on the resemblance to a baby Ocelot and asked “Why don’t we call him an Ocicat?”. Tonga, as he was called, ushered in the new bred into the world.

Tonga himself was never used for breeding, but his subsequent mating produced his brother, a Tawny coloured Ocicat who started the breeding programme. The next step was the introduction of the American short hair which contributed body substance and the silver colour gene. It took over 20 years for official recognition of the breed in America but it came in 1986 and since then the Ocicats have become one of the most popular breeds in the States. Out crossing to the Abyssinian is still permitted, a valuable means of adding to the gene pool.

The exotic look of the Ocicat belies its affectionate personality and temperament, for there has been  no wild genes used in Ocicat bloodlines whatsoever.

The body, head and spotted coat should be similar in appearance to that of a wild cat and the Ocicat moves in a natural fluid a manner, often keeping low to the ground as if stalking his prey. The Ocicat has a well-muscled, long body with an equally, proportioned long tail.

Many owners remark on the dog-like tendencies of the breed, in that they are devoted to people, are easily trained and respond well to the voice. Because of their adaptability they are a joy to be with, they are not demanding in any way and seem to take life in their stride. They are confident with children and quite extrovert in their own idiosyncratic way. Ocicats are reasonably vocal and do not like being left alone for long periods, but do make ideal companions for households with other pets.

Although known as an exotic breed, Ocicats require no special care and are particularly healthy, the broad genetic background giving them a robust vigour and vitality.