Ocicat: Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care

The ocicat is a wild-looking feline with domestic origins, bred from a combination of Abyssinian, Siamese, and American shorthair breeds. They were also named after the ocelot because they look so much like the wild cat. Despite their appearance, ocicats are completely domestic, social, and playful. They grow to be about 15 pounds, much like a large house cat, and they have a muscular build with a short, low-maintenance coat. Their patterns, which include variations of spots and tabby stripes, give them a wilder appearance than most domestic cats even though they possess no wild DNA.

Learn all about the ocicat’s temperament, care needs, history, and more.

Ocicat Characteristics

Described as dog-like, ocicats have such social and friendly personalities that they will often greet strangers at the door. They love to play and get involved with whatever is happening around the house, but they are also happy to snuggle when it's nap time. And because the breed was developed using the Siamese, the ocicat is also known for being vocal.  

Because they are extremely intelligent—and equally curious—they are willing and able to learn tricks and seem to enjoy performing. Even with all of their energy, ocicats have a stable temperament that makes them easygoing companions in bustling households.

History of the Ocicat

The first ocicat, named Tonga, was born in 1964 as a result of experimental breeding by U.S. cat fancier Virginia Daly.

In an effort to create an “Abypoint Siamese" (a Siamese with Abyssinian colorpoints), she bred a ruddy Abyssinian male to a seal point Siamese female. An Abyssinian-colored female from the resulting litter was bred to a chocolate point Siamese, and their offspring resulted in Siamese kittens with Abyssinian points.

After a repeat breeding, Tonga was born—an ivory kitten with golden spots. Daly’s daughter said that Tonga looked like an ocelot and should be called an "ocicat." Daly, uninterested in creating a new breed, dismissed the idea, neutered Tonga, and gave her to a new home.

Geneticist Dr. Clyde Keeler took an interest in an ocelot-looking domestic cat. He wanted to see a domestic cat that could resemble some of the vanishing wild cats—specifically, the Egyptian spotted fishing cat. So, Daly repeated the breeding that produced Tonga and came up with a tawny spotted male for use in Dr. Keeler's project. The next step was to introduce the American shorthair to the mix for the desired physical stature and silver coloration. Daly's work was replicated by others, and new lines of ocicats were developed.

The ocicat was recognized for registration by the Cat Fanciers' Association in 1966. The breed also received championship status in August of 1986 from The International Cat Association. Today, the ocicat is acknowledged by the American Cat Fanciers Association and Cat Fanciers' Federation.

Ocicat Care

The ocicat’s short, dense coat requires little grooming; brushing with a rubber curry comb and polishing with a chamois cloth will bring out the sheen. Nails should be trimmed regularly (it is best to train a kitten early on to accept trimming), and a scratching post or cardboard scratcher will also help keep the nails healthy while saving your furniture.

Indoor life is recommended for all cats, including ocicats. Since there are fewer opportunities for exercise indoors, providing a tall cat tree can encourage safe climbing and access to outside views that all cats love. Toys can also help channel an ocicat's "wild" energy into playing.

Ocicats are one of the few breeds that are eager to learn tricks and skills, and clicker training is a great way to teach them. The intelligent, high-energy ocicat might even enjoy exploring the outdoors safely, which they can do when trained to walk on a harness or walking jacket and leash.

Common Health Problems

Responsible breeders screen their cats thoroughly for any health problems, particularly those associated with specific breeds. Ocicats can live, on average, up to 15 years. They may be susceptible to several health issues, such as:

• Liver or renal amyloidosis: This is a possible hereditary disease that occurs when an insoluble protein called amyloid is deposited in organs such as the kidneys or liver and causes organ failure.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: This is a common heart condition that causes the heart walls, specifically the left ventricle, to thicken, resulting in the heart being unable to pump blood properly.
• Periodontal or gum disease: Dental problems are common in cats. The first stage of periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) is gingivitis.
• Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency: Abyssinians can inherit this condition, which causes anemia. Because the ocicat was developed with Abyssinians, they, too, might be at risk. 

Be sure to schedule regular checkups with your veterinarian to catch health issues before they become severe.

Appearance

Ocicats are not huge cats (up to 15 pounds), but they have a solid, muscular body that benefits from exercise and athletic challenges. Their ears are at a 45-degree angle, head is wedge-shaped, and eyes are almond shaped. They also have oval paws and a tail with a slight taper.

Their short coat is dense and shiny, with a variety of possible colors, including blue, silver, lavender, cinnamon, fawn, and chocolate with tabby markings and thumbprint-sized spots.

Diet and Nutrition

An ocicat's strong, athletic body needs a species-appropriate diet to sustain their health and active lifestyle. Grain-free foods are often preferred, as are raw diets. Consult your veterinarian about the potential problems associated with certain plant-based diets that may lack sufficient taurine (an amino acid essential to healthy vision in cats).

Where to Adopt or Buy an Ocicat

If you’re planning on buying an ocicat from a reputable breeder, the average cost could be $800 to $2,500.

When choosing an ocicat or any other purebred cat, be sure to do your research. Get to know the breeder. It’s often recommended that you visit the breeder’s home before reserving a kitten (breeders often have waiting lists).

You may be able to find local breeder connections through Facebook. Breeders have created their own Facebook pages and take part in groups dedicated to sharing their experiences. Don't let distance be a concern; there is an active network of people who transport cats around the country and even the world.

You may be able to find a purebred ocicat through a breeder in your area, but if you would rather adopt from a rescue organization, check out:

• Petfinder
• Adopt a Pet

Ocicat Overview

Ocicats are said to have a dog-like personality and are quick to socialize with family members and visitors. Even after they mature around 1 year of age, they remain playful and active. They are happy in a busy household and prefer not to be left alone for a long time.

Pros of the Ocicat

• Completely domesticated but with a wild, exotic look
• Playful, energetic, and dog-like personality
• Social and gets along well with other cats and dogs

Cons of the Ocicat

• Prone to conditions affecting the liver, kidneys, heart, and gums
• Does not like to be left alone for long periods of time
• May prefer a specialized diet of grain-free or raw proteins
  

More Cat Breeds and Further Research

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Savannah
• Bengal
• Egyptian Mau

Otherwise, check out all of our other cat breed profiles.