For those who have ever wished for the striking features of a wild fierce beauty of a cat in the pet cat of their homes, the majestic Ocicat could be their answer. This exotic breed has a sultry spotted coat and blends the look of a jungle cat with the character of a caring house pet. The Ocicat is sturdy domesticated breed with an astonishing history and a personality full of charm. It is far from being a wild pet. This article describes the remarkable traits and the splendid history, characteristics and care needs analysis of an Ocicat. Be it a seasoned cat lover or someone intrigued by the extravagant feline features, the Ocicat is captivating to everyone.
What is the history of the Ocicat breed?
How exactly did the Ocicat come about?
In 1964, breeder Virginia Daly created the Ocicat by subsequently accidently breeding a Siamese cat together with an Abyssinian cat. To her dismay, the resulting litter contained a kitten that caught Virginia’s eyes by having a stunningly spotted coat which had a resemblance to a wild Ocelot. This breed was constructed through the careful crossbreeding of Siamese and Abyssinian cats and later upon the addition of American Shorthair. American Shorthair provided stability to the breed while also enhancing the coat pattern. Despite the alluring looks of the Ocicat, there is no trace of the breed having any underlying connections to wild felines as they are solely the outcome of meticulous breeding. From being loved and adored, the breed became well known and officially recognized in the world by cat associations such as The International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA).
Who is Virginia Daly and her role in Ocicat development?
Virginia Daly was an innovative breeder whose inquiry and investigation serendipitously resulted in the breeding of the Ocicat. Her first objective was to create a Siamese cat that bore an Abyssinian’s ticked coat, but her efforts produced something far more exceptional. The chance birth of a spotted kitten in her breeding program gave rise to the Ocicat breed. After noticing this unique appearance, Daly set out to improve the breed so that it would retain its domesticity while progressing to a refined породе. Her work established the framework for what was to become a formally endorsed and much sought after breed, thus making her a significant figure in the chronicles of the Ocicat. Apart from being a skilled breeder that Virginia Daly proved to be, she indeed possessed an extraordinary mind with regard to genetic changes in cats.
What breeds contributed to the development of the Ocicat?
Multiple breeds were blended together to give the distinctive snapshots of the Ocicat, while its unique traits are thought to have stemmed from accidental cross breeding of the Siamese and Abyssinian breeds. The introduction of American Shorthairs aimed at increasing the American Shorthair’s size also added to the breed’s durability, robustness, and striking silver coat variatons. These breeds allowed the Ocicat to develop an elegant body with strong muscular features, and a wild look which truly makes the Ocicat unique.
What are the physical characteristics of Ocicats?
What is the stature of Ocicats?
Ocicats are a moderately to a bit larger than average kitties, with medium body musculature and an athletic build. Males tend to be slightly larger than females, but both have elegant forms. Ocicats on average weigh between 6 to 15 pounds, with some larger individuals reaching a whopping 18 pounds. Their size is both powerful and athletic, making them look sleek and impressive. Wild pets tend to look fierce, but this breed petifies their appearance with their domestic stature and nature.
What are the coat colors and patterns of Ocicats?
Ocicats are most known for their coats’ stunning spots resembling wild cats, such as ocelots, which gave their name. Their short, smooth coats are tawny, cinnamon, chocolate, blue, lavender, and fawn, each offering a unique shade with striking spots. In addition, silver variations of these colors like silver chocolate, or silver blue, are also highly prized. The pattern usually has distinct, thumbprint shaped spots arranged in a skeletonized random pattern all over the body with dramatic striping on the legs and tail. With the combination of these intricate patterns and vibrant colors, Ocicats are a true standout among domestic cats.
What are the reasons why OciCats resemble wild cats?
Ocicats looking like wild cats is very interesting, isn’t it? The reason lies in the selective breeding of this animal. Breeders purposefully focused on creating a new breed that possessed the exotic esthetic of a wild cat and the gentle but sociable nature of a domestic cat. To obtain the most desirable Ocicat, breeders crossed Abyssinians, Siamese, and American Shorthairs to create a cat with a wild look and distinctive spotted coat. Nonetheless, there is no wild DNA in their lineage; all of it is an illusion sculpted by genetics.
What is the temperament and personality of Ocicats?
Are Ocicats good family pets?
Ocicats are social, affectionate, and even loyal to their human companions. They are active and playful which makes them ideal candidates for living with children and other pets. They are very social creatures and enjoy interacting with people. Whether it’s playing games, going for walks, or simply resting, they love spending time with their family. Because of their intelligent and curious nature, they are easy to train and enjoy learning new tricks. In addition to Ocipcats lively and energetic tendencies, they are also gentle and loving which makes them suitable for families who enjoy having pets that are full of fun and companionship.
Can Ocicats be trained to walk on a leash?
Ocicats are walkable because they are versatile and able to learn complex tasks. It unless proved impossible, practically any Ocicat can come to love walking on leashes suited for them. Begin with getting your Ocicat accustomed to wearing a harness over its front legs indoors. As time passes, add the leash, and start leash walking in the house, rewarding with treats. As they become comfortable indoors begin encouraging them to walk outside in safe places with minimal obstructions. Leash walks are amazing and incredibly helpful for practice and build rapport at the same time.
How do Ocicats interact with other pets?
In my opinion, Ocicats are rather friendly and flexible which allows them to get along with other pets effortlessly. As long as proper stages are followed, they usually do well with both dogs and cats. In my household, I have several other animals, and with my Ocicat, I started the introduction phase by Pre-Face Interaction Scent Exchange Routine (PFISE). Ocicats are curious and playful animals, and with interaction and time, they tend to form good relationships with other pets. Still, each pet has a unique personality and by nature, I restrict their interactions to guarantee a good balance.
How do I care for an Ocicat?
What are the grooming needs of Ocicats?
Thanks to their short, sleek coat, grooming an Ocicat does not require a lot of effort. Weekly brushing is often adequate to collect loose hair and maintain their coat’s luster. This type of grooming is best done with a soft bristled brush or grooming glove. Moreover, regular grooming of the Ocicat’s nails, ears, and teeth is important. Nail clippings once every few weeks will reduce the chances of overgrown nails. The ears should be checked for any debris or signs of infection and gently cleaned using veterinary solutions when necessary. Brushing their teeth with feline toothpaste or giving dental treats will help prevent plaque from building up. Following these simple steps means that maintaining comfort and a high standard of grooming for the Ocicat is simple steps that enhance the bond with the pet.
What do I feed my Ocicat?
If you want to make sure your Ocicat is both healthy and active, you will need to keep their diet balanced and nutritious. In general, high-quality commercial cat food, whether dry, wet, or a mixture of the two, will most likely benefit them, as it meets most dietary needs. Because Ocicats are obligate carnivores, make sure to look for food designed specifically for cats that is protein dense. Ensure that you do not provide anything filled with too many fillers, chemicals, or other substances that can be harmful to their digestive systems. Fresh drinking water must be constantly accessible to ensure hydration and some owners opt to raw or lightly cook meat to include as part of the Ocicat’s diet, however, caution should be exercised and help from a vet should be sought so that they can assist with nutrient adequacy and safety. You can offer some treats every now and again, but be sure to do so in moderation in order to prevent bouts of overeating, and obesity. Adjusting their meals based on their age, size, and activity level will ensure happiness and health throughout the lifespan.
How much exercise do ocicats require and why?
After owning an Ocicat, I can say they are incredibly energetic cats requiring a great deal of physical activity. Each day, I ensure that I create enough opportunities for them to remain happy and healthy through exercise. My cats really appreciate interactive playtime such as bring out the feather wands and laser pointers. In addition, to compliment the physical play, I have also added some scratching posts and climbing walls, as cats appear to enjoy climbing. If possible, building a safe outdoor enclosure would also encourage them to explore more and get the exercise they require. I realize now that regular exercise serves not only to enhance their physical fitness, but goes a long way in stimulating their minds and keeping boredom, which often leads to unwanted behaviors, at bay. I usually try and spend quite a lot of time each day interacting with my Ocicat and this certainly has made a positive difference in our relationships.
Are there any health concerns specific to Ocicats?
What is progressive retinal atrophy in Ocicats?
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an eye disease that leads to vision loss caused by inflammation and damage to the retina which entails the gradual breakdown of the light-sensitive tissues in the back of the eye. Within a cat’s eye, the retina serves an important purpose as it captures light, processes the data, and communicates it to the brain. Cats afflicted with PRA might have some difficulties seeing in low-lit areas (night vision), and in dire cases, they could go completely blind. Sadly, there is no option of treating PRA, however, responsible breeding techniques involving genetic test screening of prospective parents can assist in minimizing the chances of transmitting the condition. If you consider your Ocicat candidate developing PRA, it is important to take them to a veterinarian or an animal eye doctor to assess the situation and cater strategies to improve their quality of life.
Are Ocicats at risk of Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
It’s possible that Ocicats are susceptible to having hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) which is a disease of the heart muscle. HCM is one of the most common heart issues in cats, and although it is not specific to Ocicats, this condition can certainly be seen in the breed. An existing HCM diagnosis results in thicker walls in the heart, which makes pumping blood out more difficult. This is one of the common problems that almost every cat has, and along with regular veterinary check up, I try to keep note of HCM symptoms in my Ocicat. At best, one can only hope to delay its symptoms being expressed through physical exams, ultrasounds, even genetic testing. Even though not eliminating the ailment, issues with comfort, lifestyle, and medication tended towards improving the heart health of the cat. For my ocicat, I would change medications and diet and it allows me to manage the disease better.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Â
Q: What is an Ocicat cat?
A: The Ocicat is a domestic breed of cat that resembles a wildcat and is completely domesticated. It was generated by the hybrids of Siamese, Abyssinian, and American Shorthair cats. The breed is known for its coat pattern that resembles spots of the extinct Egyptian spotted fishing cat.
Q: What are the main Ocicat breed characteristics?
A: Ocicats are medium to large size felines with a muscular body structure. They have a short smooth coat which is characteristic of many cats, which are of a certain distinct color which include spots of ivory, silver cinnamon, blue silver, etc. Ocicat has almond eyes and moderately large ears of a slightly rounded apex. Their more cat like features are fur covered black tip ons the tail.
Q: What is the Ocicat personality like?
A: Oci’s swankiest attribute is friendliness and sociability, without doubt. They are friendly, intelligent, active, and take pleasure in interactive play as well. They are human loving cats and they fetch if you teach them to. They are friendly sociable and very small children along with pets which make this cat ideal for family cat.
Q: What is the proper care for an Ocicat?
A: Ocicats do not typically require much upkeep. Their short coat needs very little attention, often just weekly brushing. Make sure to provide a balanced diet, routine veterinary visits, and sufficient mental and physical activities. A cat tree or interactive toys can help keep your Ocicat entertained and active.
Q: Are Ocicats healthy?
A: As with all cats, there are certain genetic health risks that can afflict them, but for the most part, Ocicats are quite a healthy breed. One such ailment to be conscious of is liver amyloidosis. Regular vet check-ups and a keen eye for detail will ensure your Ocicat stays healthy.
Q: How did the Ocicat originate?
A: In 1964, a breeder named Virginia Daly created the Ocicat by accident. After one of her Siamese x Abyssinian breedings had a spotted kitten. She decided to name the kitten Tonga, which became the first Ocicat. Subsequently, American Shorthairs were introduced to give the breed silver coloring and a more robust build.
Q: Are Ocicats good for first-time cat owners?
A: Ocicats are a great choice for first-time cat owners because of their sociable disposition and flexibility. However, would-be owners ought to brace themselves for an outgoing, bright cat that will need mental stimulation and lots of interaction. If you’re in the market for a cat that is sociable, loving, and playful with it’s human family, an Ocicat might be right for you.
Q: How do Ocicats compare to other cat breeds?
A: Ocicats aloof compared to other cat breeds, have a unique savage like appearance merged with a tamed house cat’s persona. They are relatively more social and active than other breeds such as the Abysinnian or the Bengal. Unlike certain proud breeds of cats that are independently inclined, Ocicats are distinctly more gregarious. Among domestic cats, Ocicats are remarkably different because of their wild appearance which has a distinct coat pattern of spots.
