Ocicat

The Ocicat is a rather new breed, developed in the USA. The first spotted Ocicat was born out of an Abyssinian and a Siamese. The breeder started to develop a new breed. She used the Abyssinian, the Siamese and the American Short-hair as basis.

The American Short-hair delivered the silver and because of his heavy bone structure he is responsible for the size and striking weight of the present Ocicat. 

In 1966 it was allowed to register the Ocicats with the C.F.A. Only in 1987 the new breed received the champion status and was acknowledged in 12 colors. Only the tabby spotted pattern is an acknowledged show specimen.

The FIFE acknowledged the breed in 1992 thanks to a number of European breeders who had imported some cats from the USA.

The following colors have been acknowledged: Tawny (black) spotted, Chocolate (brown) spotted, Cinnamon spotted, Blue spotted, Lilac spotted, Fawn spotted and the Silvers with the same colors; in total 12 colors.

The Ocicat is a pretty large cat with the characteristic spotted pattern. They look like wild cats, athletic and muscled. The spots have the size and shape of a thumb-print and must be divided over the body. The female cats weigh between 3,5 and 5 kg, the tomcats between 6 and 8 kg.

The Ocicat looks elegant and rangy but if you lift him he will be surprisingly heavy. The hind paws are a bit longer than the forepaws. His character is special. They are loyal to their owner, intelligent and people-oriented. They are active, playful and curious but are used to take a deep breath before they come into action. The Ocicat is a special and loyal friend.