This article was co-authored by Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD. Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.
There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 24,771 times.
The Ocicat resembles a wild cat because if their spots. However, they are a result of breeding between Abyssinian, Siamese, and American Shorthair cats. They are extremely active and loveable cats.[1] To identify an Ocicat, look for the signature spots, large eyes, and large ears.
Steps
Identifying Physical Characteristics
Look for a spotted coat. Ocicats are known for their signature spots. The spots may be in tawny, chocolate, blue, lavender, cinnamon, or fawn colors. The spots cover the entire body. The spots will appear dark on a lighter colored coat. The spots make this breed seem like a wild and exotic cat.[2]- The coat is short, tight, and satiny.
Notice the dark markings on the face. In addition to spots, the Ocicat has dark markings on the face. They have black lines around their eyes and on their cheeks. They also have black lines over their eyes and forehead that resembles the letter M.[3]Advertisement
Study the head. The Ocicat has a wedge-shaped head. Their ears are large and triangular with tufts of hair coming from the inside. The eyes are large and almond-shaped, and angle upward slightly.[4]- The eyes may be any color except for blue.
Look for a medium-sized muscular body. This breed is muscular and graceful, with a medium to large-sized body. They usually weigh between six to fifteen pounds. Their limbs are very powerful and strong and they generally have sleek bodies with proportionally sized heads.[5]- They also have many long features, such as a long body, long legs, and long tails with a dark tip.
Advertisement
Recognizing Behavioral Traits
Expect an active cat. Ocicats are very active. They are muscular and athletic and love to play. They like to climb to high surfaces, play with their owners, and amuse themselves with toys. They do not do well left alone all day without any physical activity.[6]- They are often possessive with their toys and will try to keep them away from you if you try to put them up.
Look for intelligence. Ocicats are a very intelligent breed. They can learn tricks easily. They will play fetch, learn to come when called, and can even be taught to walk on a leash. Ocicats are known to change unwanted behavior, like jumping on counters, when told no and given an alternative, like a stool to sit on.[7]- This breed loves playing with puzzle toys.
Anticipate a friendly cat. Ocicats are a very friendly breed. They are not independent cats who like to be left alone. They like to interact with people, including strangers. They want to be involved in anything that you do, from travelling to cooking dinner.[8]- Ocicats love sitting in your lap and even will let you carry them around. They don’t like being left alone since they are so social. They are very vocal and will use their voice to get your attention.
- This cat does well with other cats, dogs, and children.
Advertisement
Finding an Ocicat
Buy one through a breeder. If you want to get a cat from a breeder, make sure to choose a reputable breeder. Respectable breeders will raise the litters at home and will socialize them properly. Reputable breeders for this breed are usually members of Breed Clubs or Breed Councils.[9]- Start by checking cat breed websites, such as The Cat Fanciers’ Association, The Fanciers Breeder Referral List, and The International Cat Association.
- If you visit breeder websites, watch for red flags of an unethical breeder. Red flags include kittens that are immediately available, the breeder having multiple litters, paying online with a credit card, and your choice of any kitten.
- Make sure to choose a breed that has done health certification screening for genetic problems. Ocicats can be at risk for certain health issues, including kidney diseases (renal amyloidosis and pyruvate kinase disease), heart disease (hypertropic cardiomyopathy), and gingivitis.[10][11]
Adopt an Ocicat. Consider adopting or rescuing an Ocicat. Try rescue organizations, such as The Ocicat rescue through the Breed Council. You can also try pet adoption websites, like Petfinder.- You may also check your local shelter to see if you can find one.
Be patient. Finding your perfect Ocicat may take time. Most breeders make the Ocicat available to buy after 14 weeks, when the kittens have been spayed or neutered, had basic inoculations, and developed enough physical and social stability for a new home. Make sure to search all avenues when looking for an Ocicat before deciding whether you are want to adopt or rescue an adult cat or get a kitten from a breeder.[12]Advertisement
Expert Q&A
References
- ↑ http://cfa.org/Breeds/BreedsKthruR/Ocicat.aspx
- ↑ http://www.petmd.com/cat/breeds/c_ct_ocicat
- ↑ http://cattime.com/cat-breeds/ocicat-cats
- ↑ http://cattime.com/cat-breeds/ocicat-cats
- ↑ http://cats.animal-world.com/Hybrid-Cats/OcicatDilute.php
- ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/cats/ocicat#personality
- ↑ http://www.petmd.com/cat/breeds/c_ct_ocicat
- ↑ http://www.petguide.com/breeds/cat/ocicat/
- ↑ http://cfa.org/Breeds/BreedsKthruR/Ocicat.aspx
About this article
To identify an Ocicat, look for a light coat covered in darker spots, like lavender, fawn, or chocolate colors. You'll also notice dark markings on its face, including black lines around its eyes and on its cheeks. Additionally, check the shape of its ears, which are triangular with tufts of hair coming from the inside. Then, note its eyes, which are almond-shaped and look slightly upwards. When you’re around an Ocicat, expect to see it playing or climbing on high surfaces, since they are very athletic cats who like to be active. For tips from our Veterinary co-author, including how to buy or adopt an Ocicat, read on!
Did this article help you?
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.
- - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
- - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
- - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
- - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.
