An Ocicat looks tough and wild, but the character of this cat breed is surprisingly gentle. This cat breed is sweet, affectionate, and gets along well with children. Is this your new housemate? Discover everything about this rare breed cat here!
Here, we’ll tell you:
- What is the character of an Ocicat?
- What does an Ocicat look like?
- How to care for an Ocicat?
- How long does an Ocicat live?
- Health problems Ocicat cats can get
- Everything about the origin of the Ocicat
- How much does an Ocicat cost?
And we’ll also tell you:
- How big does an Ocicat get?
What is the character of an Ocicat?
An Ocicat looks like a wild and exotic cat. This is because this cat breed is a cross between a sealpoint Siamese, an Abyssinian, and an American Shorthair. But the character of this cat is anything but wild. Ocicat cats are very sweet and affectionate and behave much like ordinary domestic cats.
They are true companions who value having a close bond with their owners. They also like to be with “their people” frequently. Are you often away from home? Then it’s better to choose a cat that can be alone well. Or treat your cat to a friendly feline companion in the house.
Furthermore, an Ocicat is friendly, social, intelligent, and exceptionally curious. This breed of cat can easily adapt to various situations and also gets along well with children. Of course, that doesn’t mean children can treat them like toys – cats are sensitive animals, so it’s wise to teach your children to treat pets respectfully. Oh, and Ocicats also like to communicate – they do so by softly meowing or purring loudly to their owners.
Ocicat cats are also very agile and love to learn tricks and fetch toys. They enjoy being outdoors but can entertain themselves well indoors too. If you want to keep an Ocicat as an indoor cat, make sure to have multiple scratching posts in the house, and at least one tall and large scratching post where the cat can expend its energy!
What does an Ocicat look like?
The first thing you’ll notice about an Ocicat is the spotted coat, which closely resembles the coat of an Ocelot – a small wild feline that lives in America. The head of the Ocicat is fairly round, the snout is pointed (and definitely not flat), and the ears are large, pointed, and set slightly farther apart than those of a domestic cat.
An Ocicat is medium to large in size, has a muscular and sturdy build, and is athletic. Because the legs of these cats are long and slender, they have an elegant appearance. They may not appear very heavy, but when you pick up an Ocicat, you’ll discover that they can weigh quite a bit. How big does an Ocicat get? Well, quite substantial: an Ocicat male weighs between 6 and 8 kilograms, and a female between 3.5 and 5 kilograms.
For this breed, the following colors are recognized (allowed by breeders):
- Black
- Chocolate brown
- Blue
- Lavender
- Cinnamon
- Sand
All these colors can appear on a light base coat or a silver-white base coat. The lighter colors of the coat are most prominent in the face, around the eyes, at the base of the jaws, and on the chin. The darkest markings can be found on the tip of the tail, adorned with a pattern of dark rings.
Interesting fact: Ocicat cats love being brushed!
Everything about caring for an Ocicat
The coat of an Ocicat is short, velvety, and does not mat. Nevertheless, it’s good to brush this breed regularly, as it helps remove loose hairs, prevents hairballs, and most importantly, the cat enjoys it! Additionally, you should regularly visit the vet for check-ups, provide vaccinations, and be kind to the animal. An Ocicat also needs:
- Lots of love and attention
- A safe home with comfy cat beds
- An appropriate cat tree
- Care when the cat is sick
- A caring pet-sitter when you go on vacation
- Healthy food and fresh water every day
- Clean litter boxes with good cat litter
- Cat toys
How old does an Ocicat live?
The life expectancy of an Ocicat is normal. This means that if this cat breed is well cared for and does not have any specific diseases or conditions, it can live between 12 and 18 years.
Conditions and Diseases in Ocicat Cats
Ocicat cats are rare, and they are not widely bred. This has an advantage because this cat breed has few known hereditary conditions or diseases. The breed originated from a cross between a sealpoint Siamese, an Abyssinian, and an American Shorthair, so it may inherit deviations from these breeds. Consider, for instance, these health problems:
Kidney issues: Amyloidosis: An Ocicat can, like a Siamese and an Abyssinian, suffer from amyloidosis, which is a kidney problem. The frequency of occurrence is not known since there are no statistics available, but those who are knowledgeable about it believe it occurs quite often.
Eye problems that can lead to blindness: PRA. Another disease that occurs in Ocicats is Progressive Retina Atrophy (PRA). This disease causes the retina in the eye to deteriorate slowly, often resulting in blindness. Fortunately, a DNA test is available, and a responsible breeder can prevent Ocicat kittens from inheriting this disease.
A metabolic disease: pyruvate kinase deficiency. Ocicats can also develop a disease that affects energy in blood cells, known as pyruvate kinase deficiency. Kittens with this disease often do not live very long. There is also a DNA test available for this disease, so breeders can prevent it with a wise breeding plan.
Bladder and urinary tract problems: Bladder stones. Ocicats can also develop bladder stones, which are painful and cause urinary tract infections. If you suspect your cat has this issue, it’s important to see a veterinarian immediately, as if the stones block the urethra, it can be life-threatening, and the cat needs prompt treatment.
In professional literature, more hereditary conditions are mentioned, but there is often little evidence, or the disease is not very common.
(Source: Dier en Recht)
Do you want to make sure you’re buying a healthy and happy Ocicat? Ask a breed association and always go to a recognized breeder who can provide a health guarantee or statement!
So, you now know a lot about the Ocicat. But you don’t yet know how and where this cool breed originated. And how much does an Ocicat cost? You’ll find out below.
The Origin of the Ocicat
The Ocicat originated in 1964 when a breeder crossed a sealpoint Siamese and an Abyssinian. The kittens from the first litter were then crossed with a Siamese cat, and in that litter, a small spotted kitten was born named Tonga. This was the very first Ocicat – a particularly sweet and intelligent breed with a beautiful spotted coat. In 1966, the Ocicat was officially registered as a cat breed.
To make the spotted pattern even stronger, the American Shorthair was later added to the breeding program. This resulted in kittens with a silver base coat and a strong bone structure.
How much does an Ocicat cost?
If an Ocicat seems like a great cat to you and you want to get one, you’ll need to save up, as an Ocicat from a recognized breeder typically costs around 850 euros. If you find a much cheaper Ocicat somewhere, there’s a good chance it’s not from a reputable breeder or cattery. Always purchase a cat or kitten from a recognized breeder or cattery affiliated with a breed association to ensure that you’re getting a healthy cat and that the parents of the animal are well cared for. Never buy a cat from online marketplaces like Marktplaats or eBay, or from a backyard breeder, as that can lead to problems – for you and your cat.
If you don’t mind what your cat looks like, consider visiting a shelter near you because there are many wonderful and adorable cats waiting for a loving owner who will take good care of them. Perhaps your new best friend is there!
And remember: you don’t have a cat for just a short time, but for a whole cat’s life. So, be prepared to take good care of the cat, as just like people, animals can get sick and sometimes require medication or special food, which can often be expensive.
The Ocicat in a nutshell:
- The Ocicat is rare and generally healthy.
- An Ocicat cat lives for 12 to 18 years.
- The coat of an Ocicat is spotted.
- Ocicats originated from a Siamese, Abyssinian, and American Shorthair.
- An Ocicat kitten costs approximately 850 euros.
- Ocicat cats are intelligent, social, and affectionate.
- An Ocicat enjoys being brushed.
Disclaimer: Petrebels is not a veterinarian or behavioral expert. All content, information, and tips on this blog are intended to inspire you and are for informational purposes only. If your cat has complaints or problems, and you have concerns about your cat’s health, always consult a veterinarian or a behavioral expert.