The Ocicat has a very complex genetic background. This of course means that they are an exceptionally healthy breed. It also results in cats of distinctive beauty being produced that have the Ocicat pedigree but lack the characteristic spotted pattern. Instead they have fascinating markings including a 'butterfly' on the back of the neck, with 'oysters' and 'swirls' on their sides while retaining the spotted tummy and facial markings of the Spotted Ocicat.
Any spotted Ocicat who carries the classic pattern gene can produce such a Classic patterned kitten. However, that particular gene is recessive to the gene for the spotted pattern, which makes the appearance of the Classic pattern quite rare. The pattern is extraordinarily beautiful on what is still a pure Ocicat with all the same wonderful temperament and behaviour and of the same type and build.
Many breeders prize the Classic pattern variety very highly for breeding purposes, as they tend to produce kittens of exceptional quality with big spots. All the 12 usual Ocicat colours can be reproduced in the Classic.
In some countries, in particular New Zealand, the Classic Ocicats are officially recognised and even have their own name; Jungalas or Classicats. In the UK, we've yet to gain that recognition but preliminary recognition of Ocicats with a classic coat pattern is being sought, under the name "Ocicat Classic". With the addition of Lexi, our chocolate Classic, to our family, we aim to join a breeding programme to help produce as perfect examples of this pattern as possible, whilst maintaining the required GCCF standard of points for the Ocicat, to gain the official recognition it deserves.
Description of the Classic Tabby pattern (Ocicat Club Muse, Issue 27, Winter 06/07)
All markings to be clearly defined and dense.
On the forehead there should be a letter M made by frown marks. There should be an unbroken stripe running back from the outer corners of the eyes and narrow lines on the cheeks. On the neck and upper chest there should be unbroken necklaces, the more the better.
Legs barred evenly, with bracelets going down to the toes, which should be spotted. Ground colour and markings should be equally balanced except on the underside, which should be predominantly lighter with spotted markings.
A series of lines runs from above the M marking over the top of the head and extends to the shoulder markings. The shoulder markings form the outline of a butterfly, when viewed from above. Both upper and lower 'wings' should be clearly defined with the central areas broken by small areas of ground colour. On the back there should be an unbroken line running down the spine from the butterfly to the tail, and there should be a stripe on either side of this, running parallel to it. These stripes should be separated from each other by stripes of ground colour. On each flank there should be a large 'oyster' shaped patch, which should be surrounded by one or more unbroken rings. The tail should have complete rings, as numerous as possible, with a solid tip of the darker colour. Ground colour and markings should be evenly balanced and both sides of the cat should have identical markings.
