History
In 1964, the Ocicat was created by accident when Virginia Daly was trying to create a Siamese cat with Abyssinian points. In one of the litters, she discovered an ivory kitten containing golden-colored spots. She named him Tonga, had him neutered, and found him a good home. Virginia's daughter called him an Ocicat because the kitten resembled the wild Ocelot.
Geneticist Dr. Clyde Keeler began corresponding with Virginia Daly. He was interested in developing a cat that resembled the looks of some of the wild cats. The breeding was repeated, and eventually the American Shorthair was added to the mix to create the Ocicat breed.
Appearance
Ocicats can be spotted, classic tabby, ticked, solid, or pointed. They come in 12 colors: brown, chocolate, lilac, blue, fawn, cinnamon, and silver versions of all of these colors. Spotted Ocicats have spots all over their bodies in a classic bull's eye pattern, according to The International Cat Association (TICA).
The breed has almond-shaped eyes and short, tight fur coats. Ociats have an athletic appearance with legs that are medium in length. In general, full-grown males weigh between nine and 14 pounds while females weigh between six and nine pounds.
Personality Traits
Ocicats are confident, devoted to their humans, and social. They do not do well being left home alone for extended periods of time. They are intelligent and can learn to play fetch and do tricks. They love their toys and may be a little possessive of them.
Have you ever loved an Ocicat? What was your experience like with him or her?
