Ocicat

The Ocicat's appearance suggest a wild cat, spotted with a long athletic body and balancing tail, but the truth is quite different. Virginia Daly of the Dalai Cattery in the USA bred some extremely successful cats and was interested in experimental matings. The foundation of the Ocicat was a mating between a Sealpoint Siamese and a Usual Abyssinian; she carried on with the experiment and several generations on the first Ocicat, to be called Tonga was born.

Tonga was never used for breeding, but having established the route to produce the spotted cat a number of breeders became interested in working towards the Ocicat, and so a wide genetic base was created from which to refine, improve and standardise type.

In personality they are similar to the Siamese and are very people-oriented. Their sleek and satin-like coat is in a wide range of colours though all are spotted. There are occasional kittens within litters that a marbled on the body with spots only on the tummy, and these are not acceptable for showing. A very attractive cat, again one that would be very appealing to thieves if allowed to wander.

Registration mumbers of the Ocicat have grown slightly over the past 10 years or so. In 1994, 58 kittens were registered and in 2003, 75.

Although Ocicats have no particular health problems, it makes good sense to insure your cats.  Many breeders sell their kittens with six weeks free insurance cover.  More and more owners are now insuring their pets as advances in veterinary medicine, plus the soaring costs of drugs can mean astronomical bills.

Ocicat Breed Clubs and Rescue

• Ocicat Club
• Ocicat & Bengal Cat Club

Ocicat Breeders

Contact the Breed Clubs who will have lists of Breeders and may have Kitten Lists. Whiskas kitten food has been developed to ensure your kitten gets the right level of nourishment he needs to grow up happy and healthy. Click here for your free Kitten Care pack. about breeders.