An Ocicat looks tough and wild, but the personality of this breed is surprisingly gentle. This breed is sweet, affectionate, and gets along well with children. Is this your new housemate? Discover everything about this rare breed here!
Here we tell you:
- What is the personality of an Ocicat?
- What does an Ocicat look like?
- How to care for an Ocicat?
- How long does an Ocicat live?
- The health of an Ocicat
- Everything about the origin of the Ocicat
- How much does an Ocicat cost?
And we also tell you:
- How big does an Ocicat get?
1. What is the personality of an Ocicat?
An Ocicat looks like a wild and exotic cat. This is because this breed is a cross between a sealpoint Siamese, an Abyssinian, and an American Shorthair. However, the personality of this cat is anything but wild. Ocicat cats are very sweet and affectionate and behave much like regular house cats.
They are true companion animals that place great importance on having a close bond with their owners. They also like to be near “their people” often. Are you often away from home? In that case, it’s better to choose a cat that can be alone for long periods. Or treat your cat to a pleasant companion in the house.
Additionally, an Ocicat is friendly, social, smart, and very curious. This breed can easily adapt to various situations and 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 children to treat pets with respect. Oh yes, and Ocicats also love to communicate – they do so by softly meowing at their owners or purring loudly.
Ocicat cats are also very agile and love to learn tricks and fetch toys. They enjoy being outdoors but can also have fun indoors. 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 cat tree where the cat can burn off all its energy!
2. What does an Ocicat look like?
The first thing you notice about an Ocicat is its spotted coat, which closely resembles the coat of an Ocelot – a small wild cat that lives in the Americas. The head of the Ocicat is fairly round, the muzzle is pointed (and definitely not flat), and the ears are large, pointed, and set wider apart than those of a domestic cat.
An Ocicat is medium to large in size, with a muscular and solid build, and is athletic. Because the legs of these cats are long and slender, the cat appears elegant. And it doesn’t seem that heavy. But when you lift an Ocicat, you’ll discover that they can actually weigh quite a bit. How big does an Ocicat get? Well, pretty big: a male Ocicat weighs between 6 and 8 kg, and a female between 3.5 and 5 kg.
For this breed, the following colors are recognized (allowed by breeders):
- Black
- Chocolate brown
- Blue
- Lavender
- Cinnamon
- Fawn
All of these colors may appear on a light base color or a silver-white undercoat. The lighter colors of the coat are mainly found on the face, around the eyes, beneath the jaws, and on the chin. The darkest markings are found at the tip of the tail, which is decorated with a pattern of dark rings.
Interesting fact: Ocicat cats love being brushed!
3. Everything about caring for an Ocicat
The coat of an Ocicat is short, velvet-soft, and doesn’t mat. However, it’s still a good idea to brush this breed regularly, as it helps to remove loose hairs, prevent hairballs, and most importantly: the cat loves it! Additionally, you should regularly take the cat to the vet for check-ups, ensure it gets its vaccinations, and treat the animal with kindness. An Ocicat also needs the following:
- Lots of love and attention
- A safe home with comfortable cat beds
- A suitable cat tree
- Care when the cat is ill
- A kind pet sitter when you go on vacation
- Healthy food and fresh water every day
- Clean litter boxes with good litter
- Cat toys
4. How long does an Ocicat live?
The life expectancy of an Ocicat is normal. This means that if this breed is well cared for and doesn’t suffer from any particular diseases or conditions, it can live between 12 and 18 years.
5. The health of an Ocicat
Pedigree cats are bred for unique characteristics. The Ocicat also has traits that make it special, such as:
- Spotted coat
- Pointed snout
- Athletic build
Do you think an Ocicat is a good fit for you? Then make sure to thoroughly research the health of this breed, as the Ocicat is descended from the Abyssinian and Siamese breeds and may therefore be prone to hereditary diseases and conditions, such as blindness and kidney failure. It’s important to be aware of this.
If you want to bring a healthy cat into your home, ask advice from a veterinarian. You can also consult the websites of Dier & Recht and the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, where you’ll find information on the breed’s health, whether it’s allowed, and what rules apply to breeders.
Always buy an Ocicat from a reputable breeder, preferably one affiliated with a breed association. This way, you can be sure the cat is healthy and well cared for. Also, ask the breeder for a health certificate or guarantee for extra assurance.
Now, you already know a lot about the Ocicat. But you still don’t know how and where this awesome breed originated. And how much does an Ocicat actually cost? You’ll find out below.
6. The origin of the Ocicat
The Ocicat was created in 1964 when a breeder crossed a sealpoint Siamese with an Abyssinian. The kittens from the first litter were crossed again with a Siamese cat, and one of the kittens, a small spotted cat named Tonga, was born. This was the very first Ocicat – an incredibly sweet and intelligent breed with a beautiful spotted coat. The Ocicat was officially recognized as a breed in 1966.
To further strengthen the spotted pattern, the American Shorthair was later added to the breeding program. This resulted in kittens being born with a silver base coat and a solid bone structure.
7. How much does an Ocicat cost?
Do you want to buy an Ocicat kitten? Then go to a certified breeder, preferably one affiliated with a breed association. This way, you can be sure that you are buying a healthy, well-socialized cat that has been bred in a humane manner. Always ask for the papers, a health certificate, and check the kitten’s parents. Also, take a look at their living conditions: is it clean and homely, and are the parents present? That’s a good sign. Do not buy cats through platforms like Marktplaats, eBay, or from unethical breeders.
An Ocicat from a good breeder costs about 1100 euros. If you’re looking for a cat but don’t necessarily need a pedigree cat, consider checking shelters or adoption agencies. Many loving cats are waiting for a good home there.
And remember: you’re not getting a cat for just a short time, but for its entire life. Are you willing to take good care of the animal and set aside money for its care and vet visits? If so, the Ocicat could become your new best friend!
Discover here what the approximate cost of caring for a cat entails
The Ocicat in a nutshell:
- The Ocicat is rare and generally healthy
- An Ocicat cat lives between 12 to 18 years
- The coat of an Ocicat is spotted
- Ocicats originated from a Siamese, Abyssinian, and American Shorthair
- An Ocicat kitten costs about 1100 euros
- Ocicat cats are intelligent, social, and affectionate
- An Ocicat loves to be brushed
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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.
