Ocicat: The Spotted Cat With a Wild Look and a Tame Heart

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

The Ocicat looks like a tiny ocelot that wandered into your living room. Its spotted coat, muscular body and alert gaze give it a wild appearance, yet it is among the most social and trainable of breeds. People who meet an Ocicat are often surprised to find a cat that greets guests, learns to sit and fetches toys.

Origins

The breed started by accident in 1964 in Michigan, when breeder Virginia Daly crossed a Siamese with an Abyssinian-Siamese cross, hoping for Abyssinian-pointed kittens. One kitten had ivory fur with golden spots. Daly's daughter named him Tonga, and a friend said he looked like a little ocelot, which gave the breed its name. Breeders later added American Shorthairs to increase size and color range. All of this work was done with domestic cats. See the Abyssinian and Siamese profiles for the breed's roots.

Appearance

Ocicats are medium to large, athletic and well muscled. Males usually weigh 9 to 15 pounds and females 6 to 11 pounds. Key features:

• A short, satiny coat with spots all over the body, including a ring pattern on the tail
• Agouti hairs, each with several bands of color, which give the coat depth
• Colors including tawny, chocolate, cinnamon, blue, lavender, fawn and silver
• Almond-shaped eyes that can be any color except blue
• A wedge-shaped head with large ears
• A strong, long body

Ocicats are often compared with the Bengal, but the Ocicat is generally calmer and has a different coat pattern.

Temperament

Ocicats are bold and outgoing.

• Social. They greet visitors, follow family members and often get on well with dogs and other cats.
• Intelligent. They learn tricks, come when called and can learn to walk on a harness.
• Active. They climb, leap and investigate everything.
• Moderately vocal. They have a pleasant voice and chat when they want attention.
• Affectionate. They enjoy being near their people, though they may not be a lap cat all the time.

Ocicats dislike being left alone for long periods and can develop stress behaviors. See cat separation anxiety.

Grooming

Grooming is simple.

• Brush weekly with a rubber brush or a chamois cloth to keep the coat sleek. See how to brush a cat.
• Trim nails, check ears and brush teeth. See how to trim cat nails and cat dental disease.
• Bathe only if needed. See how to bathe a cat.

Health

Ocicats are generally healthy. Because of their Abyssinian and Siamese heritage, ask breeders about:

• Pyruvate kinase deficiency, a cause of anemia in some lines
• Progressive retinal atrophy, an eye condition
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Renal amyloidosis, reported in related breeds
• Dental disease

Reputable breeders use DNA tests and screening, and give written health information. Keep vaccines up to date. See the cat vaccination schedule, and use the US vet directory to find a clinic.

Living with an Ocicat

Ocicats need stimulation.

• Tall cat trees and wall shelves. See how to choose a cat tree.
• Daily play with wand toys, balls and puzzle feeders. See indoor cat enrichment ideas.
• Training sessions with treats
• Harness and leash training for supervised outdoor time
• Company, whether human or feline

Keep them safe. Their curiosity can lead to trouble, so see cat-proofing your home.

A day with an Ocicat

Expect an early wake-up, a game of fetch before breakfast, a nap in a high spot and an evening play session. Ocicats like routine, and they like to be involved in what you do. Without enough activity, they may find their own entertainment, such as opening cupboards.

Is an Ocicat right for you?

They suit active homes, families with children and people who enjoy training a cat. They may not suit people who are out all day, who want a quiet cat or who dislike playtime.

Questions to ask a breeder

Ask about health testing, parents' temperaments, kitten socialization and what the contract covers. Confirm that the cat is a registered Ocicat and that the kittens are at least twelve weeks old when they go home. A good breeder will ask you questions too.

Training an Ocicat

Ocicats respond well to positive reinforcement. Use a clicker or a word marker, short sessions and tasty treats to teach sit, come, high five or a recall. Many enjoy fetch and will bring a toy back. Training gives an active mind a job and is a good way to bond. Keep sessions to five minutes, end on success and never punish mistakes.

Common mistakes

Underestimating energy is the most common mistake. Provide play and enrichment daily, and avoid leaving them alone for long. Do not assume a wild look means a wild temperament.