OCICAT CAT PERSONALITY AND BREED (ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW)
Would you like to know more about the Ocicat cat personality? Even though the breed developed by pure chance, today, these cats are appreciated a lot and are very popular as pets, not only for their evident beauty and elegance but also because they are friendly and playful.
At a glance, the Ocicat is a spotted cat; he descended from domestic cats and can be found in various colors. But, in general, he is a faithful companion.
Let’s know more about the Ocicat cat personality and breed.
WHAT IS THE OCICAT CAT GENERAL ASPECT AND SIZE?
The name and appearance suggest a cross with wild cats, but in reality, the Ocicat was born in rather recent times from a selection of exclusively domestic cats.
Ocicats are relatively large, stout, and muscular cats, especially the males, who are more massive and heavier than the females.
The official colors are three: chocolate, cinnamon, and tawny – with more diluted variants, such as blue, lilac, and fawn (albeit, in this case, the patches on the coat are less evident). There are also silver versions of each color, with a white background to highlight the coat design.
The eye contour seems drawn with a black pencil. The blotches and streaks on the limbs change by the specimen.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE OCICAT:
| Characteristic | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| In summary | Breed of medium build and with a truly splendid coat, unique in each cat | Of a lively nature |
| Appearance | Features a truly unique spotted design, with streaks in the lower part of the body | There must be a net the contrast between the color of bottom of the mantle and the drawing |
| In the house | Usually quiet, but his active nature leads him to jump and climb on furniture | He usually gets along well with dogs |
| Behavior | Seek the owner’s attention. He loves to jump and climb. Meows often | |
| Grooming | It is enough to comb and brush it once a week | |
| Most Common Health problems | To keep your teeth under control, as it is a breed prone to tartar formation | |
| Personality | Playful, sociable, and affectionate, he loves the company of humans | |
| Size | Medium, between 4 and 5 kg | |
| Ears | Wide at the base and spaced apart; they form a solid line with the cheeks | |
| Eyes | Almond-shaped set well apart and edged with dark hair | |
| Head | Heart-shaped; sturdy chin and long nasal barrel. The Ocicat has a square nose | |
| Paws | Strong and proportionate to the body | |
| Coat | Spotted, short, silky, shiny and close to the body | |
| Admitted colors | brown, chocolate, cinnamon, blue, lilac, fawn, and all shades of silver |
The tip of the tail indicates what color the cat is. On the length of the tail, there are distinguished circles, alternating light, and dark colors.
If the fur’s stains are not visible, the cat is not admitted to exhibitions.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE OCICAT CAT?
In an attempt to obtain a Siamese who resembled an Abyssinian, a Michigan breeder, Victoria Daly, found out that one of her kittens was born spotted. Since she was very reminiscent of an ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), she decided to call it Ocicat.
The baby was sterilized, but the original pairing was repeated to verify the possibility of obtaining other similar cats. The test was successful, and so the new breed began
to develop.
Hybridizations with American Shorthairs contributed to increasing the size of the felines and the range of colors available, but only in 1986, the Ocicats were officially admitted to feline exhibitions.
Later, a similar program was also initiated in Europe, from which an independent direct line originated.
WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF THE OCICAT?
The Ocicat is among the latest breeds selected by man, and even if it’s not that well known in Europe, America continually collects excellent successes. The selection began in 1964 from a cross between Siamese point chocolate and a half-breed Abyssinian and Siamese.
From the mating was born a kitten of particular beauty because of the coat extraordinarily spotted. The drawing of the fur resembled an ocelot, the wild cat of Latin America, and to this similarity, the Ocicat owes its name ever since.
Virginia Daly, a breeder, based in the US, was the main responsible for creating this breed. In addition, the Abyssinian and the Siamese also used later specimens of American Curl Shorthair to enrich the colors of the coat with the silver variety.
It is precisely from the fur that the Ocicat reveals all its descendants: density and luster thanks to the Abyssinian, the length and weaving thanks to the American Curl Shorthair, and finally, the short hair, close to the body and lacking undercoat is precisely like that of the Siamese.
With this wonderful collection of splendid races, he obtained official recognition in 1986 by the CFA and in 1992 by FIFE.
OCICAT CAT PERSONALITY
The Ocicat is intelligent, a quality received from his ancestor, the Siamese cat. He is also an extrovert; he adores participating in the home life and activities of the family and would never stop playing.
He suffers terribly from loneliness, and it doesn’t matter if those keeping him company are men, other cats or dogs. Anyone is better than having to spend a whole day in the house alone!
AN ADVICE: Before taking an Ocicat, know that, if left alone often and for too long, it risks getting seriously sick of depression!
The Ocicat is an exceptionally affectionate breed, and the bond that forms with the master is strong enough to touch symbiosis.
For his sociable character, the Ocicat is a cat particularly easy to train; he promptly replies to the imparted command, is not intrusive, and gets used to the leash without difficulty. In addition, he could travel on several means without too many problems.
He has no difficulty living together with other cats and even with dogs. The Ocicat is highly affectionate, but it demands constant attention.
ADVICE: The Ocicat tends to be somewhat exclusive in bonding with humans. Get him used from an early age to relate to all family members and with strangers.
The Ocicat is a good companion for adults and the little ones.
A TENDER DADDY
The Ocicat is certainly among the most affectionate breeds so much so that it seems at times more like a dog than a feline, but the truly unique feature of this cat is the extraordinary paternal instinct.
The males, in fact, actively participate in the education of the kittens and often assist
the mother during pregnancy even taking care of biting the umbilical cord.
HOW TO CARE FOR AND FEED THE OCICAT CAT
The prized coat of this cat, contrary to what one might think, does not require demanding care. However, if the specimen is intended for exhibitions, it is advisable to give him a bath two or three days before the show.
Generally, a pass to the hair with soft brushes once a week is more than enough.
Regarding his nutrition, the Ocicat has no special needs; as long as the food is good quality and the diet is balanced in the daily intake of all nutrients, he will be doing fine.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the price of the Ocicat cat?
The Ocicat cat can be expensive. One can find Ocicats priced between $700 and $2500. The price can vary depending on the breeder, the cat’s age, and the purity of the breed.
Are Ocicats hypoallergenic?
Ocicats are considered hypoallergenic cats. Their coat is close to the body, producing less dander than other cats. For this reason, the Ocicat triggers fewer allergies than other cats.
How to tell if my cat is an Ocicat cat?
Different clues can tell you if you have an Ocicat. The first clue is the size: medium to large. The second clue is the spots on the coat (the hallmark of this breed); they are well scattered around the body and belly.
The rest of the signs are the muscular body (resembling a wild cat), almond-shaped eyes, and long tails.
Are Ocicats affectionate?
Ocicats cats are very affectionate. They create a special bond with one particular person but are devoted to humans and get along with other pets.
Are Ocicats Intelligent?
Ocicats are brilliant; they can be trained easily to follow commands and do tricks. They respond well to orders and can be trained to use the leash.
Do Ocicats cats like water?
The Ocicats like water. You might find them inside the bathtub or shower without fear or playing with running water.
Do Ocicats cats get along with dogs?
Ocicats are friendly cats and can get along with dogs and other cats. However, they do not like to be alone and appreciate even the company of dogs if there is nothing “better.”
Are Ocicats cats good with kids?
Ocicats are affectionate and friendly with children. They like to play and are not aggressive. They can be a good playmate for kids old enough to play with cats.
Can Ocicats go outside?
Ocicats can go outside without problems. They are solid and athletic cats and like to use their abilities to jump and climb. Letting them out in a garden or on a leash can benefit them.
Are Ocicats cats vocal?
Ocicats tend to meow a lot. They are vocal and tend to have “conversations” with their humans. If you adopt an Ocicat, you are up for several talks.
