Ocicats are named for their resemblance to the wild ocelot. They are not dissimilar in appearance to hybrid breeds such as the Bengal or Savannah, but fortunately for the Ocicat, they do not have any wild cat DNA in their gene pool. This exempts them from many of the health and welfare issues faced by hybrid cats. But does that mean the Ocicat is a healthy breed, and do they make good pets?
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History
The Ocicat first appeared in the 1960’s as an accidental product of the pairing of Siamese and Abyssinian parents. The breeder was looking to develop a Siamese cat with Abyssinian points but instead, striking spotted kittens appeared. The breeder’s daughter felt these kittens bore a resemblance to the wild ocelot, and so Ocicats were named. They became a recognised breed in the 1980’s and have become steadily more popular since, with breeders now found all over the world.
Health and hereditary disorders
Ocicats seem to be healthy in the main but can be predisposed to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency. When choosing any pedigree cat, it’s important to bear in mind that all pedigree cats are at higher risk for disease than the average moggy. This is because gene pools in pedigree cat populations tend to be smaller, which can result in the development of inherited disease. For this reason, it is usually more expensive to insure a pedigree cat, and Ocicats are no exception.
Looks and personality
Ocicats come in a variety of coat colours, but all have the same eye-catching spotted pattern. They are medium to large cats with a muscular build. Active and intelligent, Ocicats enjoy spending time with their caregiver and playing games. They tend to be just as chatty as their Siamese ancestors and dislike being on their own for too long. They need plenty of physical as well as mental exercise and can demand attention if they are feeling overlooked. This breed can cause a little chaos in the home if these needs aren’t met. They can be good with children and other pets if properly socialised during the crucial kitten socialisation period of 2-7 weeks of age.
Care
Places to climb, interactive toys and feeding puzzles will keep this clever and active breed happy. Access to the outdoors is also preferred; a secure garden or purpose-built cat run would be ideal.
The Ocicat’s coat requires a weekly brush and like all cats, they require a yearly or twice yearly check up with the vet, vaccinations, and parasite control. It’s important (and will soon be a legal requirement) to microchip your new cat. Neutering is also a must unless you are a registered breeder.
So, do Ocicats cats make good pets?
If you are looking for a fun-loving, active cat with an inquisitive personality, this breed may be the perfect companion. Ocicats can make excellent pets for an owner willing to engage their cat in regular play. A calm, quieter household without small children and with lots of space would be ideal. For peace of mind, pet insurance is advisable. As with any pedigree cat, it’s essential to look for a reputable breeder committed to producing healthy, well-socialised kittens. A helpful resource, The Kitten Checklist, has been created to help guide decision making when it comes to buying a kitten.
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