The Ocicat is one of the most breathtaking breeds. Possessing a strikingly distinct appearance while being extremely gentle has become one of the definitive features of this breed in the minds of people. As the name suggests, one might imagine it to be an exotic feline as it resembles a house pet from the inside, boasting a combination of traits from an ocelot or a cheetah on the outside. With such curious features, it is no wonder this breed is becoming more pleasing in the eyes of the public. In this blog, we will take a look at the characteristics of the Ocicat cats, how to care for them properly, and everything else you need to know about the Ocicat.
What is an Ocicat cat?
The Ocicat is a breed of domestic cat that shows traits of a wild cat like an ocelot due to its coat color pattern that features spots in it. Despite all these characteristics, it is worth noting that an Ocicat does not have any relation to wild cats. Rather, it was formed as a result of the genetic engineering of a Siamese and an Abyssinian cat. The Ocicat breed is said to have been formed in the 1960s by a well-known breeder. Virginia Daly wanted to achieve the look of a house cat while having the personality of a domestic cat due to her goal to genetically modify these cats.
The name ‘Ocicat’ comes from the word ocelot, which is a small breed of native wildcat of Central and South America. Some Ocicats were bred to have unusual patterns on their coats that are similar to ocelot coats, which include spots and marbling. These types of cats contain tawny, chocolate, cinnamon, and silver colors. Such coat texture is short, dense, and soft and does not require a lot of maintenance.
Ocicat Hypoallergenic Cats
People most frequently ask whether Ocicat cats are hypoallergenic cats. The answer has attracted numerous controversies as no cat can be seen as ever entirely free of allergies. Although some breeds are more tolerant than others, there remains the concern that the Ocicat may trigger mild allergies. They are still better than the Ocicat having significant cat allergy effects.
The allergens produced are caused by saliva production, skin shedding, and cat urine. Depending on the breed’s age, sex, and coat type, cats are known to groom themselves and produce lower quantities of allergens. Ocicats possess a shorter coat compared to long-haired breeds, subsequently producing lower dander yield, making them quite tolerable for individuals who have allergic reactions.
As every individual reacts differently to cat allergens, it is advisable to consult a doctor before having an Ocicat in your home if you are sensitive and suffer from allergies.
Are Ocicats Larger than Domestic Cats?
In terms of size, Ocicats are considerably larger than most domestic cat breeds, but they cannot be compared to some types of wild cats. The average male Ocicat weighs about 6 to 15 pounds, with females being slightly smaller in size. When it comes to size, they are somewhere in between medium to large but are not quite comparable to the Maine Coon or the largest domestic breeds.
They are also noted for their ease of movement. It is reflective of most wild cats’ ancestry, as they are quite graceful despite their bulk. Their muscular structure gives them an athletic build, which contributes to their speed, agility, and strength.
Are Ocicats Related to Wild Cats?
It is a common misconception that Ocicats are descendants of wild cats bearing the name Ocicat. Instead, they are simply domesticated breeds. They do not fall under the direct descendant category of ocelots or any form of wild cats. Specifically, they are created from a combination of Siamese or Abyssinian domestic cat breeds. The ultimate goal while creating this crossbreed was to develop a loving and playful pet with the looks of a wild animal.
Ocicats completely lack any resemblance to wild cats. This is because they do not have factors such as aggressive or unpredictable nature or the occult traits that usually define wild cats. It makes them ideal completely domesticated animals that are suitable for families as well. They even possess a sense of wildness around them with their beautiful spotted coat.
Bengal Cat vs Ocicat: Differences in Approach
Even though bio endows them with beautiful spotted coats that resemble wild animals, Bengal cats, and Ocicats are completely different breeds. The only similarity is their appearance.
Appearance:
Bengal cats dress their body with a coat that has a deep robust mark over it and an Ocicat camouflages missiles with simple spots all over the body. Most importantly, Ocicat is leaner than the bulk build of Bengal cats.
Temperament:
For people who have a playful side to their personalities, Bengal cats are a great match. Alternatively, Ocicats can be more chilled and relaxed pets. They both easily adapt to a new environment and are a pleasure to have around.
History:
Historically, Ocicats were bred through domestic cats specifically Abyssinian and the Siamese, making them closer to domestic cats. The same is biased towards Bengal cats that were crossbred with Asian leopard cats.
Can Turkish Van Cats and Ocicats Have Babies?
Turkish Van cats and Ocicats are both unique and beautiful breeds, even though they do not have a close relationship. They have distinctive color patterns and a unique preference for water, while Ocicats are known for their spotted fur and cats that look like wildcats.
One may wonder if it is theoretically possible for these two breeds to interbreed, given that such mating is rare. The kittens, if they managed to be born, would be a mixed breed resulting from both parents. It is difficult to determine the kind of kittens they will be. They may have certain characteristics of either breeding but they will not necessarily be looking like them nor have the same temperament.
How Do I Know If I Have an Ocicat In My House?
Is it a bit difficult for you to identify an Ocicat? That makes sense especially if you have a domestic cat that is a mixed breed and physically resembles some portions of the Ocicati. If you suppose that your cat is an Ocicat, look out for the following signs:
- The Coat that Is Spotted: One striking feature of the Ocicats is the coat or the fur that they possess as it is short and is spotted. An ideal wild cat coat has a pattern, it should be clearly defined and should form a symmetrical pattern.
- Body Shape: Ocicat’s body is perfectly aligned as it consists of thick muscle and an athletic frame. A long neck accompanies a triangular head that is quite lean.
- Character: A number of characteristics that an Ocicat possesses are friendliness, intelligence, being social and love being petted; for this reason if you think your cat is sociable then there is a chance that it is an Ocicat.
If you have any doubts after all this as to if your cat is an Ocicat, it is best to have this clarified by an Ocicat breeder or a veterinarian.
Ocicat Cat Speed – How Fast Can They Run?
Ocicats are not the lazy cats you might expect around your home. They are the strongest, fastest, and most graceful combination of the wildest genes in the tomcat world. With their powerful muscles, they can run at an astonishing 30 mph, which is about 20 KPH faster than your average house cat. You know the part of the wild that pertains to hunting and escaping predators? Yep, that blood runs in these cats as well. Wild cats, which are direct ancestors of these types of cats, are able to run at such speeds due to evolution, and that gives these cats some cool tricks up their sleeve!
What’s the Price Tag for an Ocicat?
The price for an Ocicat is divided into four sections and is impacted by its bloodline, the seller, its rarity, and the age of the kitten. Most of them are priced around £800-£2000 based on their classification, but those that do well in shows generally have a higher price tag since they are bred under a certain breed standard for conformance. And in case you find some kittens with interesting coat colours, you may end up paying extra!
Identifying Features That Help One Distinguish An Ocicat
An Ocicat may be viewed as a domestic cat with special features, and they include the following:
- Coat Characteristics: One of the common features that distinguishes an Ocicat is the fact that their spots are large while the pattern that covers them is uniform.
- Build: Ocicats are bulky and muscular, which is a characteristic of their breed; however, they are not as heavy as some of the other large breeds owing to their streamlined body structure.
- Head: Osteology features triangular-shaped skulls with almond-shaped or round eyes, wide foreheads, and high cheekbones.
- Brain: One other common domesticated trait that is retained in Ocicats is their social smartness, enjoyment of interaction, as well as Ocicat tendencies.
Difference Between An American Bengal And Ocicat
At times, Ahmed’s Bengal cats and Ocicats have been confused with each other, but they indeed have slight differences that exist between them:
- Skin: The skin of Bengals has a name, which is known as a marbled coat, while the skin of Ocicats has a patterned name known as a spotted coat.
- Physique: When it comes to size, there is a fairly noticeable difference. For instance, Bengals are bigger and more muscular than Ocicats, which are both smaller and more refined.
- Behaviour: Same cats, while different behaviour; for instance, Bengal cats are active in nature, whereas Ocicats are more on the softer side and are more loving than their counterparts.
A vet has the ability to confirm if your cat is an Ocicat or a Bengal by observing its physical features and behaviour. All you need to do is seek the assistance of a veterinarian or a breeder.
Ocicat Breeder
Be sure to contact an Ocicat breeder if you wish to open your doors to this unique feline friend. The breeder must have competition-winning Ocicats, but it is also of dire importance that the kittens are looked after properly. Most reputable breeders will offer information on the cat’s parents, health certificates, and the cat’s temperament. In addition, these breeders ensure that the kittens are well cared for and brought up in a pleasant atmosphere.
Conclusion
Looking at it all from afar, the Ocicat cats may appear to be an exotic and unusual breed of house cat. However, she is surprisingly very gentle and loving. If you’re looking to adopt one or wondering about the cat overall, knowing how to take care of it and what its personality is like should be answered in this overview of the cat. An Ocicat, with its striking markings and athletic build, is the ideal house pet for families and people looking for a cat that resembles a wild animal but has a gentle personality.
FAQs
Ocicats do not descend from wild cats in any form. Ocicats are a completely domesticated breed of cats not only because they have been purposely bred as such, but also because their looks can be attributed to the combination of Siamese and Abyssinian cats. Even though they take their form from the image of certain wild cats such as the ocelot, they possess domesticated features and are quite friendly.
In case your aim is to detect if a given cat is an Ocicat, its markings include an angular, triangular head, a platy, athletic physique, and patches on them. Particularly those Aoci cats who are affectionate too, tend to possess these five features.
They may be claimed to have reduced shedding than long-haired cats, which is the reason Ocicats might be domestically more suitable for someone who isn’t allergic to cats, but Ocicats cannot be branded as hypoallergenic. But people suffer from allergies differently and so their treatment varies.
