Ocicat

The Ocicat is a breed of cats outbred in the United States in the mid-1960s. One breeder experimented with crosses between Siamese and Abyssinian cats. She wanted a wild cat to be spotted on the brownish fur of the Siamese. She later crossed American Shorthair cats. The result could be shown. In terms of their appearance and nature, they were very appealing house cats. Since it is somewhat reminiscent of the South American wildcat ocelot in its new fur, it was given the name Ocicat. The ocelot is only involved in this pedigree cat by name. The Ocicat was initially a great success in the United States. In 1992 the Ocicat was officially recognized by the Fédération Internationale Féline. In Germany, it is still very rare today.

Description

The Ocicat is a medium to large but slim Shorthair cat. According to the standard, the fur should be dabbed well. It should be of a fine texture with a shiny shimmer, smooth and close-fitting. The standard demands an athletic physique, powerful and elegant at the same time. It has strong bones and is relatively heavy compared to its elegant appearance. An elegant cat can therefore weigh 4 to 5 kilograms, a tom 5 to 7 kilograms without being too fat.

A deep chest with slightly arched ribs, a backline that rises slightly towards the rear legs, almost straight flanks, and medium-long, powerful legs with oval paws are intended to underline this appearance of the Ocicat. The tail is long, medium-slender, only slightly pointed. The head should be slightly wedge-shaped and the ears should be medium-sized. Lynx ears, i.e. tufts of hair at the tip of the ear, are desirable. The eyes are large and almond-shaped. Except for blue, all eye colors are allowed. The approved colors are tawny, chocolate, cinnamon, blue, lavender, fawn, and fawn with silver. White spots are not allowed.

Temperament and Essence

The Ocicat has a human, friendly and gentle nature. At the same time, she is lively and active. She has keen senses and good reflexes and likes to play extensively. For this purpose, the trade offers a lot of suitable cat toys such as a game rod or a spring stick. The Ocicat wants its people to be close. She can develop a close bond here. She is a real house and family cat. Of course, with the Ocicat, the predatory cat’s instincts are still alive. Ocicats, therefore, like to exercise in nature, a protected garden is ideal here.

Attitude

The Ocicat is an ideal house cat. It is undemanding and frugal with regard to its keeping conditions but needs an intimate relationship with its two-legged friends. The Ocicat loves to share experiences with people or animal partners in her family. She doesn’t have to be outdoors in order to feel good all around, but she really appreciates the opportunity to stroll outside from time to time. A house with a garden is therefore ideal. She doesn’t want to be left alone for long. She is happy to have a suitable second cat by her side. Ocicats are easy to get along with and get on well with other animal companions. However, both cats and dogs, for example, should have been used to each other with a little patience.

Upbringing

The Ocicat is easy to train. If it comes from a reputable breeder who has looked after and socialized parent animals and kittens well, then it will fit into the rules and habits of its family by itself. With a little guidance, the animal can be house-trained quickly and easily.

Care and Health

The coat of the Ocicat is very easy to care for. Brushing here and there is enough. With a little feeling and skill, brushing fur can be turned into a ritual of social bonding that is emotionally good for cats and people alike.

Diseases Typical of the Breed

Since some breeds of this breed suffer from inbreeding, it can lead to immune deficiencies, sickness, and shortened life expectancy. Ocicats lacks reliable data on genetic diseases that are widespread inbreeding.

Nutrition / Feed

The Ocicat is usually a problem-free border for a cat.

Life Expectancy

An Ocicat bred carefully and healthily, can live to be 12 or more years old. Inbreeding can dramatically reduce the life expectancy of this breed of cats.

Buy Ocicat

If you want to get yourself an Ocicat, you can first look around for a tabby cat in animal shelters. At the breeder, you should make sure that parents and kittens grow up in good circumstances, especially with a close social connection to the human family. You should look at the family tree. No ancestor should appear twice here in order to rule out excessive inbreeding. The price for seriously bred kittens of this breed should be around 800 euros.