Ocicat: description of the breed, character, maintenance and care

Origin story

The Ocicat was born solely at the behest of restless breeders, namely thanks to felinologist Virginia Dale, who suddenly wanted to breed a cat similar to the Siamese, but with a different coat color.
For the work, Siamese and Abyssinian cats were taken, respectively, but at some point things took an unexpected turn and an amazing-looking kitten was born: with cream-colored fur, strewn from head to toe with bright contrasting spots. The cat was named Tongo and, after a while, was put up for sale at a symbolic price. Virginia continued her work, but in a different way: she really liked the spotted color. The next speckled baby, Dalai Dotson, has already received CFA registration.

Over the course of several years (from 1966 to 1980), another hundred spotted babies were born. Others also joined in the breeding of the new breed: American shorthair cats. In 1984, the first breed club was opened, and 2 years later Ocicats won the status of CFA championship.

Also in 1986, the CFA imposed a ban on crossing Ocicats with their close “relatives”: Abyssinian, Siamese and American Shorthair breeds.

Historical data

The first kitten was named Tonga

The Ocicat is a rare breed of short-haired cat. It appeared in 1964 in the USA (Michigan). Virginia Daly crossed Siamese with Abyssinians. The American Shorthair was also involved in the experiments.

The breeder managed to produce offspring with an unusual spotted color (similar to an ocelot). Subsequently, she, together with geneticists, developed a selection program, according to which they began to breed Ocicats.

Standards

Males of the Ocicat breed look larger in appearance than females and are not as graceful. They weigh about 7 kg, girls - 4-5 kg.

Signs due to which an animal is removed from the competition:

• Long or fluffy coat.
• A different color (for example, all shades of red, torby, cream).
• Different number of fingers.
• Blue eyes.
• Tail with loops or creases.
• White fur (exception: in the throat, chin, around the eyes and nostrils).

Choosing a kitten

Show animals must be perfect

The breed is rare, so there is a risk of acquiring an outbred animal. The price for pet-class kittens (pet) starts from 30 thousand rubles. Exhibition and competition specimens with a pedigree and titled ancestors are much more expensive.

Since 2012, there has been a cattery “Alma Mater Cattery” in Moscow, where you can buy a purebred Ocicat. It is necessary to check the veterinary passport and look at the parents. Individuals must meet all breed standards. Minor deviations are allowed (for a simple pet).

A healthy kitten is well-fed, cheerful, and playful. The coat is soft, with a characteristic shine, the eyes and ears are clean, the teeth are white. Experts will share recommendations on care, nutrition and maintenance.

The kitten needs to be given a name. It is better to choose something short and understandable.

For a boy: Thomas, Richard, Max, Denis, Rich, Luke, Oscar, Oliver, Tim, Dan.

For girls: Thea, Martha, Miki, Elsa, Asya, Irma, Lada, Dune, Mary, Molly.

Colors

According to the standard, 12 acceptable colors are established: chocolate, chocolate-silver, brown, brown with red, brown with yellow, brown-silver, lilac, lilac-silver, blue, blue-silver, beige-silver, black with silver.

The spots on the tail, paws and muzzle should be noticeably darker than the marks on the body. There is a letter "M" on the muzzle. The eyes are outlined in black. The tails of purebred individuals have contrasting transverse stripes.

In the photo there are Ocicat cats of popular colors: red, blue-gray, beige

Cost of an Ocicat kitten

The Ocicat breed is distributed throughout the world and is very popular. Buying an Ocicat kitten of the original color will not be difficult.

If Ocicat kittens have attracted your attention, the price for them will not scare you much.

The cost of a kitten ranges from 500 to 2600 US dollars, depending on its gender and breed characteristics.

If you come across an advertisement for the sale of a purebred Ocicat kitten for 15 thousand rubles, it is most likely a scam. Professional breeders cannot sell representatives of an exclusive breed so cheaply. At an extremely low price, they can only sell you an animal with defects or concomitant diseases. As they say, “don’t take a pig in a poke.”

Character and behavior

A nimble traveler, knee-deep in the sea - this is how you can briefly describe the Ocicat. Climb higher, run further, find out what is hidden around the next bend and behind that mountain: as they say, don’t feed the Ocicat bread, but let it go free-range, where it will be its own master. However, this cannot be done not only because they will immediately try to steal such a beautiful cat, but also because the fearless Ocicat does not know how to assess risks and can easily get into an unpleasant and even dangerous situation. Approach, for example, a clearly aggressive dog. Or try to jump from a great height.

Representatives of this breed are very affectionate towards people and do not hesitate to show their love and devotion. Of all the family members, he chooses one - the most important for himself - and will remain faithful to him until the end of his life. He also loves other people living side by side with him, but not so selflessly.

He is not afraid of strangers, does not shy away from guests. Even a noisy crowd is not able to embarrass him or force him to hide. He knows how to “talk for life”, and always does it on time. Ocicats subtly sense human mood and, if you clearly have no time for conversation, will quietly sit on the sidelines, waiting for a signal. He does not tolerate loneliness well, even in the company of other cats he quickly becomes bored. The main thing for him is the person, his words and hands.

Ocicats get along with both cats and dogs, but a couple of Ocicats can create an unimaginable mess in your home, so decide what is more important to you: 2 adorable cats or renovation?

If the Ocicat finds an empty bowl, he will not follow you and demand food, but will calmly begin to rummage through the plates and pots that are available to him, try to open the refrigerator or chew on a bag of food.

Ocicats do not become attached to a place and easily tolerate moving. But what they can’t stand is carriers and collars. In the process of accustoming the animal to both the first and second, you will have to be patient.

The same goes for learning tricks. Ocicats quickly grasp information and are happy to do what they like. Babies learn most quickly if there is already an adult and trained animal in the house.

Ocicats are naturally clean and have no problems with the litter box. But if they think their toilet smells bad, they will refuse to go there.

You can also buy an Ocicat kitten in Russia - there are several nurseries in our country - but the cost of one individual will be high. If you are offered an Ocicat kitten for less than 50,000 rubles, this is most likely a scam. But if you want to be sure of the breed: buy a kitten from a foreign nursery.

Pros and cons of the breed

Ocicats, like representatives of any other breed, have not only advantages, but also disadvantages:

The Ocicat is an attractive cat with wild spotted colors and a friendly, mischievous disposition. She needs constant communication with a person and will be an excellent companion for someone who dreams of a responsive and playful pet.

Care instructions

There is no need to buy any special equipment to care for your Ocicat. Nail clipper, shampoo and conditioner, cat toothbrush and toothpaste, cotton swabs, natural bristle comb, ear lotion and cotton pads.

Claws

If your pet sharpens its claws on the scratching post itself, it does not need your help. But if the kitten is small or, on the contrary, old and weak, get involved and shorten its claws 1-2 times a month. Proceed carefully, and if blood vessels are caught, cauterize the cut site with hydrogen peroxide.

Do you trim your pet's nails?

Yes, he’s lazy with us. No, he sharpens himself.

Ears

Ears should be cleaned every week as Ocicats produce a lot of wax. But do not try to pour water or lotion into the cat’s ear: this action provokes otitis media. Soak a cotton swab (whether in a special ear cleaner or in plain boiled water - it makes little difference) and remove discharge and accumulated dirt.

Eyes

Ocicats' eyes rarely run. If the discharge is clear and small, there is no cause for concern. Wipe them from time to time with warm chamomile decoction. But if there is copious, thick or foul-smelling discharge, be sure to take your pet to the doctor.

Wool

Combing once a week is enough. Before the exhibition, the fur can be lightly rubbed with a suede cloth - this procedure will add shine to it.

Teeth

Since the teeth of Ocicats are the weakest point, their care should be thorough and regular.

First, they need to be brushed 2-3 times a week using a small toothbrush and cat toothpaste. Secondly, give special cleansing pads every week for prevention. Thirdly, take him to the veterinary office for ultrasonic teeth cleaning.

Raising Ocicat kittens

Females bear their kittens well, and childbirth occurs without complications.

Ocicat mothers are caring and affectionate, they raise their cubs well. If kittens are raised indoors, they grow up to be friendly and affectionate.

Little kittens have a highly developed possessive instinct, and they are jealous of their toys. In order for babies to grow up balanced and calm, they need to be taught different sounds from an early age.

Also, Ocicat kittens need to get used to human proximity from birth, so owners are advised to pet them more often, pick them up and talk to their growing pets. In addition, you need to teach them the rules of behavior in the house, and if in the future you want to participate in exhibitions, then you need to accustom the kids to noise and foreign odors, introduce them to other cats and new people.

Little kittens have a highly developed possessive instinct, and they are very jealous of their toys. In order for them to grow up balanced and calm, they must be accustomed to various sounds from an early age.

Catering

Active Ocicats do not suffer from lack of appetite and are not prone to obesity. But this does not mean that you can feed them anything and put huge portions in bowls “in reserve.” The basic rules are:

• Food for the Ocicat should be coarse enough to remove plaque from the teeth and massage the gums.
• Animal protein – at least 70%.
• For castrated and sterilized animals, the amount of carbohydrates should be kept to a minimum.
• Water is the only thing you can give an Ocicat. It must be clean (bottled, settled, or passed through a special filter), at a comfortable temperature, and odorless. Wash the bowl and change the water 2 times a day: morning and evening, and when it gets dirty.
• Do not mix natural and prepared food: this creates additional stress on the digestive system. Choose one thing.

Natural products

You need to be able to choose the right products, prepare them properly, know in what quantities and to whom to give them.

You cannot feed cats food from your table: fatty, sweet, salty foods, it is forbidden to give smoked meats, many vegetables (eggplants, pure potatoes, tomatoes), legumes, juices, citrus fruits, baked goods, canned food, seasonings, sugar, salt, sauces, alcohol, products with preservatives and additives. And chocolate and eggplants are deadly for cats, as are tubular bones!

List of permitted products:

• Fish (salmon, trout, chum salmon, cod, tuna, pink salmon, flounder, halibut, sardine). Scales, fins and heads are removed from the fish, frozen for 2-3 days before consumption, then cut into pieces and boiled or served raw. You can’t give it more than once a week: excess iodine leads to hyperthyroidism, histamine – to allergies, fatty acids – to inflammation and panniculitis.
• Lean meat and offal (beef tenderloin, veal, chicken necks and breasts, rabbit, turkey, kidneys, liver, hearts, horse meat, soft cartilage). Meat, like fish, is frozen and then doused with boiling water or boiled.
• Low-fat dairy products (cottage cheese, fermented baked milk, cream, kefir, yogurt, sour cream, natural yogurt).
• Porridge (buckwheat, oatmeal, pearl barley, millet, rice). Boil in water, do not add sugar, salt or seasonings. You can add milk, but not much (solely for taste).
• Boiled chicken eggs (yolk), quail eggs (whole).
• Vegetables (pumpkin, carrots, zucchini, asparagus, broccoli, green peas, cauliflower, spinach, beets, squash, parsley, green salad, dill, cucumbers).

Recommended food

Industrial ready-made food is often chosen by owners who, due to their busy lives, cannot devote much time to cooking and counting nutrients. But there are so many bright packages on store shelves that it is sometimes difficult to make a choice.

But don't believe the advertising! If you have the financial opportunity, buy holistic food for your pet. They are the most expensive, but the quality is an order of magnitude higher than all the others. For their production, high-quality products, natural preservatives, high-quality vitamin and mineral supplements are used, and there are no dangerous chemical compounds, flavor enhancers or dyes. Examples: Power of Nature, Wellness CORE, Now Fresh.

Super-premium food is a little cheaper. The composition is somewhat different from holistic food: pea or potato protein and rosemary are often added to super-premium food as a preservative. Examples: Mealfeel, Natyka, Pronature Life, Summit.

Below are the recommended holistic and super-premium foods. Links with the names of the food are clickable, on them you can, within our website, get acquainted with the descriptions of the food and read reviews from owners of Ocicat cats.

Ocicat - description of the breed

They are extremely unpretentious in everyday life, and withstand the longest journeys and all the inconveniences associated with them with extraordinary ease. Always ready for adventure and exploring new places. These cats will certainly examine any new object up close, examine it by smell, taste and tooth, and touch it with their paw.

Ocicat cats simply cannot live alone. Therefore, if the owners do not have the opportunity to take him everywhere with them, and the Ocicat will have to be alone for a long time, then it is better to get him a dog or another cat as a friend.

Living with an Ocicat is a pleasure, as he is affectionate, instantly comes to his owner’s call and looks into his eyes devotedly. Ocicats are unique because they can perfectly adapt to any daily routine and absolutely any lifestyle of their beloved owners.

They love to have all the attention of others focused on them and will do everything for this. See different photos of the Ocicat cat breed to correctly identify it by description:

Diseases

By cat standards, Ocicats live a long life: 15-18 years. But they have genetic problems, which is not surprising: after all, when breeding the breed, as many as 3 breeds of cats were used!

1. Firstly, renal amyloidosis is often diagnosed in Ocicats. This disease is quite rare, but very dangerous: the body stops processing protein correctly. Metabolism is disrupted, the kidneys suffer, and renal failure occurs. The animal loses weight, weakens, its urine becomes thick with blood, constipation or diarrhea appears, the temperature rises, the hair becomes dull and falls out. It is impossible to cure the disease, but it is possible to alleviate the cat’s condition, as well as extend life for several years.
2. The second problem is pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK-Def) - an autosomal recessive disease, anemia, in other words. Symptoms vary (lack of appetite, weakness, weight loss, drowsiness, spleen tumor). Medicines improve quality of life.
3. The third problem is gum disease (gingivitis). It was transmitted to Ocicats from both Abyssinian and Siamese cats. Gingivitis leads to tooth loss, so preventive measures must be followed very strictly.

Expert opinion

Dusheba Vera Ivanovna

In 2010, she graduated from the Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine named after K.I. Scriabin with honors, specializing in veterinary medicine. I regularly attend veterinary conferences, congresses, and webinars.

The deworming procedure should be carried out even if your cat does not go for walks. Worm eggs can enter his body even with food (through chicken, pork, fish), from your outdoor shoes, or through fleas. Medicines should be given only after consultation with a veterinarian, since the age, weight, and general condition of the animal are taken into account (medications should not be given to kittens under 20 weeks of age, and with extreme caution to lactating cats and pregnant women).

All of the above applies to vaccination. Diseases such as panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calcivirosis, rabies and others are deadly for cats. For some time, kittens are protected by mother's milk, but when they reach the age of 16 weeks, the effect disappears. Vaccination provides lasting immunity and reliable protection, but you shouldn’t give your cat injections yourself - trust this matter to your doctor!

Health

Ocicats are distinguished by fairly good health and good heredity. However, some cat varieties are predisposed to retinal atrophy and early blindness, and the presence of Abyssinian and Siamese cats in the family can lead to kidney problems, gingivitis and periodontal disease. The average lifespan of Ocicats is 15 years.

Photo gallery

Below are photos of Ocicat cats.

Care and maintenance

In general, the Ocicat breed is a healthy animal. But, as in any other case, there are exceptions. Rarely, but sometimes diseases transmitted with genes from one of the three breeds that were used for crossing appear. However, statistics show that this species has a very good life expectancy - more than 15 years.

It is interesting and convenient that such pets do not require any special care. They need to be brushed periodically. If you want to achieve a perfectly shiny fur coat, wipe it with a suede cloth. For feeding, it is best to choose some high-quality dry food, and this will be enough for your kitten to eat well and not need anything. Besides water, of course.

And since these kids are also very playful, take care of a decent arsenal of balls, mice and other toys.

The Ocicat is an absolutely healthy and cheerful breed of cat.