Life expectancy: 12–18 years
Size: 9–11” (height), 13–16” (length), 6–14lb (weight)
Coat: spotted cinnamon, fawn, blue, lilac, chocolate, blue silver, chocolate silver, cinnamon silver, ebony silver, fawn silver or lavender silver
Eye colour: gold, green, hazel or amber
Temperament: dog-like, people-oriented, friendly and trainable
Origin/native country: United States
Large, muscular and full of energy, the ocicat is a beautiful mix between a Siamese, American Shorthair, and an Abyssinian. And while ocicats have a wild-like appearance to them, they’re a completely domestic breed.
According to history books, the ocicat originated by pure chance after breeder Virginia Daly crossed a Siamese cat with an Abyssinian in 1964. After a few attempts, she discovered a male kitten called Tonga that resembled a wild ocelot with ivory fur and golden spots. And, after later incorporating the American Shorthair into the breeding program, the athletic and muscular ocicat we know and love today was formed.
Today, ocicats come in 12 colors and patterns and are still relatively rare in the US due to being a relatively new breed. This makes them quite an expensive cat breed to purchase, with some breeders asking for up to $2,500. Aside from their high price tag, ocicats are vocal creatures who have a love for climbing, running and playing in water. It’s why they are often referred to as 'dogs in cats' fur.
If you're wondering whether your four walls could be an ocicat's forever home, stick right here. We spoke to expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan, who shared everything on the characteristics, temperament and health conditions of this lovable breed.
Are ocicats hypoallergenic?
“Ocicats may be hypoallergenic, as they are reported to produce less allergy-triggering Fel d1 protein than other cat breeds as well as shedding a bit less,” explains Dr MacMillan. “This doesn’t mean that they are completely allergen-free, however, and some sensitive allergy sufferers will still be triggered,” the vet adds.
That’s because, technically speaking, no cat can be classed as fully hypoallergenic as all cats produce the Fel d1 protein.
That’s why fur fans who are allergic to cats but still want to share their home withone tend to adopt hypoallergenic cat breeds, like the Balinese, Javanese, Devon Rex and now the ocicat, as they either produce less of the allergy-triggering protein and/or shed a lot less than other cats, which may reduce the amount of allergens spread by their hair.
Are ocicats rare?
Yes, Ocicats are considered a rare cat breed so finding one may be tricky.
“They are a relatively new breed, so there aren’t that many breeders around, although they are becoming more common in the US,” Dr MacMillan highlights. “This means your kitten may be an expensive one to purchase compared to many other cats.”
Are ocicat cats friendly?
You should never judge a book (or cat) by its cover because ocicats may look wild, but they have no recent wild DNA in their genetic makeup.
“They are actually friendly, playful, and outgoing cats that make great pets for the right owner,” says Dr MacMillan. “This inquisitive cat is very sociable and needs plenty of stimulation and play.”
How much grooming does an ocicat need?
Ocicats might be a type of large cat, but this independent breed requires minimal grooming due to their short fur.
“Brushing them once a week to remove any loose hairs should be enough,” states Dr MacMillan, and you should do so with one of the best cat brushes to help keep your cat mat-free and silky soft.
How much exercise does an ocicat cat need?
Due to their large and muscular body, ocicats are a fairly active breed and they will need at least 30–45 minutes of exercise each day.
“They are athletic and will need space in which to climb, run, and play,” Dr MacMillan confirms. They are also a breed that likes water, so if you have access to some outdoor space with some H2O, they will love taking a dip.
“They can also be trained to do simple commands and tricks, which is a great way of keeping them stimulated,” Dr MacMillan says. Therefore, if you are looking for ways to be the best cat owner, teaching this cat a new trick or two will keep you in their good books.
Ocicat health problems
Ocicats are generally healthy cats, but according to Dr MacMillan there are a couple of health issues they are susceptible to, such as amyloidosis.
“Amyloidosis is an uncommon condition, but it is more prevalent in certain breeds, including Siamese, Abyssinians and ocicats,” the vet says. “In this genetic condition, abnormal amounts of protein are deposited in tissues around the body, especially the kidneys. This can affect organ function, leading to problems like kidney or liver failure.”
Dr MacMillan says ocicats can also suffer from progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which is another genetic condition.
“It causes gradual vision loss, leading to blindness,” she says. “It is not curable, but responsible breeders should only mate healthy animals to avoid passing the genes for this on to future generations.”
How much does an ocicat cost?
If you are planning on buying an ocicat from a reputable breeder, you can expect to pay anywhere between $800–2,500. This is around the same price you might pay for a Siamese cat, but this is more expensive than the price of an American Shorthair, which typically costs between $500–1,500 depending on the breeder and color.
Should I get an ocicat?
Ocicats are a large breed so would perhaps suit larger homes where there is plenty of space to jump, climb and run. Due to their athletic nature, an ocicat would also suit owners who have plenty of time to spend playing and practicing training exercises with their cats.
Ocicats are also very vocal and they are considered to be one of the loudest cat breeds. Therefore, potential owners should account for this, as their home would never be quiet with an ocicat around!
Adobe all, ocicat cats enjoy spending time with their owners, so a family that doesn’t travel or work away much would also be ideal.
“Some can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for more than a short period,” explains Dr MacMillan.
Having graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London as a veterinary surgeon, Rebecca is highly experienced in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. Rebecca recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation).
Rebecca writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
