Ocicat Cat, A Small Wild-looking Feline

Would you like to have a cat that looks like a real wild feline but still loves to play and  be pampered ? Well, this is the Ocicat cat, a pet that resembles the ocelot (hence its name), but which is ideal for keeping at home and in the company of other pets. In this article we will show you all the details of this beautiful breed created in the United States in the second half of the 20th century.

A cat born from the crossing of five breeds

The Ocicat was born from the fusion of different cat breeds :

• Siamese.
• Egyptian Mau.
• Oriental.
• Abyssinian.
• American Shorthair.

In the 1960s, some American breeders favored selective crossbreeding in search of a new, wild-looking breed. So, in the end, the result was this beautiful and agile animal, which has a beautiful pattern on its fur and which is very popular today in its country of origin and in other Latin American countries as well. However, it is still little known in Europe.

The breed was officially registered by the International Cat Association (TICA) in 1987 and by the International Feline Federation (FIFe) in 1992.

Physical characteristics of the Ocicat

Along with the Egyptian Mau and the Bengal cat, the Ocicat is one of the wildest- looking cat breeds that exist. Among the physical characteristics of this elegant and athletic “ocelot cat”, the most important are these:

• Body : muscular, long and lean, with strong bones

• Weight : Males weigh 4 to 6 kilos, females 2 to 4.
• Head : has a medium size, a slightly triangular shape and rounded contours. It is wider than it is long. The muzzle is short.
• Eyes : large and oval, they can sometimes be slanted and have various colors, except blue.
• Nose : broad and medium in size.
• Ears : They are long, straight and with some hair like those of the lynx.
• Paws : muscular and strong. Medium length
• Tail : thin, but strong and long. It has “rings” and a darker hue tip.
• Coat : short, fine, dense and silky.
• Colors : black, chocolate, cinnamon, silver, blue and lilac (always with brindle motifs).

Personality and behavior

Sociable, faithful and of excellent company, despite its image of a wild cat it is an animal that is almost not aggressive at all. That’s why it’s ideal for living with seniors, children, and other pets if you have any in your home.

Balanced and active, the Ocicat is always willing to play and receive pampering, as it is very affectionate and affectionate with its owners. Moreover, like any good domestic cat, in addition to being very intelligent and curious, he loves heights. The ideal is to install structures and toys inside the house that can make him feel good, also to preserve the furniture and curtains of the apartment intact.

Keep in mind that it meows a lot, a bit like the Siamese breed, since this animal does not like being alone for too long. So, you need to think carefully before choosing this cat as a pet. If you are away from home often , it is better to opt for another type of cat. Plus, he’s usually friendly to strangers, so there won’t be any problems with the guests you invite.

How to take care of an Ocicat

This feline breed does not require special care. Of course, during the moulting season it is recommended to brush the coat a couple of times a week. Bathe them only when necessary, as these cats are totally self-sufficient when it comes to personal hygiene.

On the other hand, the fact that five breeds were used to create the Ocicat means that the animal is very robust and does not present endogamous problems: it really enjoys  excellent health.

In any case, as with any pet, it is necessary to provide adequate and quality food. Also, don’t forget to respect the vaccination and deworming schedule. Finally, take him to the vet regularly for regular checkups.