The Ocicat is the only spotted domestic breed selectively bred to emulate the cats of the wild, and is named after the Ocelot.
The Ocelot's exotic appearance is similar to that of the domestic cat. Its fur resembles that of a Jaguar, with the grace of a Cheetah, its spots are reminiscent of the endangered species of the wild.
Origins of the Ocicat
The Ocicat resulted from an experimental breeding in the 1960s while attempting to produce an Aby-point Siamese, by Virginia Daly, a noted CFA breeder in Michigan. In one of the experimental litters a surprise, beautiful spotted kitten appeared. Mrs Daly's daughter thought the kitten looked like an ocelot and so the Ocicat breed was born. Using Abyssinians, Siamese and the American Shorthair, a medium to large, wild looking cat, but without any wild genes was created.
The out-crossing between the three breeds gives the Ocicat a very broad genetic background resulting in a particularly healthy, robust breed with the best bits of all three! It is a very solid and well-muscled, athletic looking cat whose short satin-sheened coat shows off its spots to the very best advantage.
The Ocicat was first imported into the UK in 1988 but is still relatively unknown here.
Is the Ocicat for you?
If you want an easy pet that you can leave alone all day while you go out to work, then probably not. This breed adores humans in an almost dog-like way and will certainly get lonely when you're not around. The Ocicat will reward you that love and companionship that knows no bounds.
They are friendly, confident and easy going and will easily adapt to a household that already has any combination of other cats, dogs and children, they want to be everyone's friend and will quickly bond with any visitors you have too. They are exceptionally intelligent and easy to train, very playful and a total delight to be in the company of.
