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The Ocicat is an
agouti spotted cat of moderate type. Originating from
interbreeding of Abyssinian, Siamese and American Shorthair, it is
the only spotted domestic breed selectively bred to emulate the
cats of the wild. Despite an imposing size and muscularity, the
Ocicat has no wildcat heritage and therefore requires no special
care. From the Siamese came a tendency to "talk" but not the
strident voice. The Abyssinian and the Siamese contributed a sense
of adventure and inquisitiveness. Substance and ready adaptability
came from the American Shorthair.
 Other
Names
Oci
Native Country
United States
Breed Description
Build: medium, fairly
muscular, like a miniature spotted leopard
Head: wedge shaped
Face: M mark on
forehead
Ears: medium and wide
set
Eyes: almond-shaped
Tail: long and
tapering
Legs: longish and
sturdy
Coat: short, soft and
dense; spotted
History
A
spotted athlete with mascara markings around her eyes “Ocicat” is
a combination of the words “ocelot” (a spotted wild cat of the
Americas) and “cat.” Indeed, this breed has a spotted coat that
makes it resemble a small wild cat. In 1964, Virginia Daly, a
breeder in Berkeley, Michigan, crossed a Siamese-Abyssinian mix
with a chocolate point Siamese in an effort to obtain tabby point
Siamese cats. A male in the litter named Tonga and wearing an
ivory coat with gold spots was unfortunately neutered. Daly
continued her work while other breeders, including Tom Brown,
crossed Abyssinians, Siamese, spotted Oriental Shorthairs,
Egyptian Maus, and American Shorthairs in order to obtain the
Ocicat’s current morphology. The breed was officially recognized
by the C.F.A. in 1986, and T.I.C.A. published a standard in 1988.
Outcrosses with Abyssinians are now forbidden. In 1989, the first
Ocicats were sent to France. Though popular in the United States,
the Ocicat is still very rare in Europe.
Behavior
The
Ocicat is very lively, highly active, curious, and playful.
Despite his similarity to a small wild cat, he is very friendly,
gentle, and affectionate. In fact, he will not tolerate solitude.
Ocicats are loyal and exclusive like the Siamese, but they have a
softer voice. They are very accepting of children but fairly
dominant toward other cats. They adapt easily to new living
conditions. They are easy to groom, as they simply require regular
brushing.
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