The Ocicat is not a cat that, like most purebred cats, once lived in nature and found a place with its resident at the time. It is a cat that has been very consciously bred for certain characteristics. Because there are so many purebred cats and one is always looking for something new ?? At the end of the 1950s an American breeder started working with various oriental oriented breeds, resulting in the current Ocicat. Where does this Ocicat originate and what type of cat is the Ocicat?
Ocicat, the origin
This cat originated in the United States in the late 50’s and early 60’s. A cat breeder there crossed a Siamese with an Abyssinian. The underlying idea of crossing these cats is to realize a ticked tabby (drawing of the coat) as far as possible. The best kitten from this first litter is then crossed again with a Siamese and the Tabbypoint Siamese was created from this. Contrary to what was expected, there was also a beautiful ivory-colored cat with golden brown spots in between. It is this cat that will form the basis for what we now call the ocicat.
Official recognition
The breed was officially recognized in the United States as far back as the 1960s. In the 1980s it was awarded champion status. It took until 1998 for this Ocicat to be officially recognized as a purebred cat in Europe. received.
Appearance
What are the specific external characteristics of this beautiful American cat.
Source: Grimmcar, Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Body and coat
In terms of drawing of the fur, this cat seems to come straight from nature, but nothing could be further from the truth. It is a cat that has been bred very consciously. The spotted pattern (the spots are on average the size of a thumbprint) is characteristic of this cat and has the following color varieties, namely:
- tawny / black spotted
- chocolate flecked
- cinnamon / cinnamon brown spotted
- blue / gray spotted
- lilac / lilac spotted
- fawn / beige spotted
The fawn cat has three varieties from beige to ivory and we call this a diluted color. Incidentally, all mentioned colors are also available with a silver-colored base. If the markings are not spotted as the breed characteristics dictate, then it is not a cat that will be bred further. It sometimes happens that kittens are born with one color or with other types of spots.
The coat is short and full. This makes the hairs lie close together and the coat feels soft, satiny, with a beautiful shine. In terms of care, brushing every now and then is more than enough.
This cat has a relatively long, streamlined and powerful body with medium-sized muscular legs. Due to the graceful gait with the long body, the cat looks lighter than it actually is. The weight of the female varies from 3.5 kg to 5 kg and the male varies from 6 kg to 8 kg. Finally, the cat has a medium-length tail that is slightly tapered.
Cup
The head of the ocicat is wedge-shaped and has a slight slope at the bridge of the nose. The cat has a strong chin and no over or under bite. The eyes give an alert look. They are almond shaped and relatively large. The eyes are wide apart. The color of the eyes is usually green or amber. Except for blue, other shades, such as gold or copper, are also allowed within the breed standard.
The ears are relatively large in relation to the head, with a broad set on low on the head and running in a smooth line towards the tip. There are the so-called feathers on the tip. In terms of voice, this cat can certainly make herself heard, but she has less volume than the very talkative Siamese.
Source: T. Bjornstad, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-2.5)
Character
The character of this cat is characterized by an active and somewhat curious nature. The cat is playful and very social. She likes to be with people and can be called extremely friendly and affectionate. The Ocicat struggles to be alone for long. If you are out of the house during the day, adding another cat may be a solution. Just realize that the Ocicat also likes to be in charge and can appear quite dominant to other cats.
In the family situation, this cat is doing well and she can have a lot of children. Her adaptability is great and if you already have the cat before, for example, children are born, then she will automatically adapt once there are children. This seldom causes problems.
Health aspects
It is always difficult to say whether there are health problems with a relatively new breed. Cats have only been around in large numbers from the 1980s. However, it would seem that there are as yet no breed specific complaints or disorders to be detected at the Ocicat.
Buy kitten
If you are interested in a kitten, do this preferably through the breed clubs. The chance that you are not dealing with a rogue breeder is greater this way. Stay alert and take in the environment where you are going to look for a kitten. Check for a few things that are really relevant, such as:
- Kittens have to walk around the house normally (no separate hutch afterwards). Socialization is very important from an early age.
- The mother cat must be close to her kitten (s). If there are other cats around too, that’s fine.
- Kittens should look well cared for. Pay attention to clean eyes, no crusts on the head or body and a clean butt.
- In the house and specifically in the nest where the kittens stay with the mother cat, it must be clean and cared for.
- Although every kitten is different, it should not creep away at the sight of people, but rather approach you.
- Let the breeder talk about the breed and the litter with enthusiasm. That says something about the drive as a breeder to deliver healthy litters and to transfer them to new owners.
Information, contract and family tree
The breeder must provide you with information about the breed. That means at least a contract that includes what you can expect from each other, any additional information and the kitten’s pedigree. Fraud is always possible, but the chance of a non-bred cat does increase with a pedigree, especially if you have a passionate breeder who values the breed.
In addition, kittens must have the full vaccination (and not just a first kitten syringe) as well as a health certificate from the vet. It goes without saying that the kitten is given clean and without fleas. Usually you get some food, so that switching to your own brand goes a bit more smoothly. Kittens must stay with the mother for at least 12 weeks, after which they are allowed to move to the new living environment.
Finally
If you like a sweet, playful, somewhat curious and enthusiastic cat with a very natural look, the Ocicat is ideally suited. This social cat does fine in the family situation, but doesn’t like being alone for long periods of time. It is without a doubt a nice cat!
