Ocicat
The Ocicat is a domestic breed with no wild DNA that mimics a wild ocelot through spotted markings, featuring a dog-like temperament and specific health risks.
The Ocicat is a domestic breed with no wild DNA that mimics a wild ocelot through spotted markings, featuring a dog-like temperament and specific health risks. This appearance is the result of a deliberate crossbreeding program starting in 1964, not a hybrid with wild species.
Origin is accidental, not wild
The breed was created by Virginia Daly in Berkeley, Michigan, who attempted to combine the reddish-brown ticked tabby pattern of an Abyssinian with the oriental build and colorpoint pattern of a Siamese. The first generation of kittens appeared Abyssinian-like, but a subsequent cross between a female from that litter and a chocolate point Siamese produced a kitten with cinnamon-coloured spots on an ivory background. A daughter of Daly's remarked that the kitten looked like an ocelot, suggesting the name 'ocicat', though the cat was officially named Tonga. Geneticist Dr. Clyde Keeler later encouraged Daly to breed Tonga's parents together again to solidify the spotted trait, leading to the creation of the breed's foundation stock.
Genetics are purely domestic
Despite the wild appearance, the Ocicat has no recent wild DNA in its gene pool. The breed was established by crossbreeding the Siamese and Abyssinian, and later the American Shorthair was added to enhance body structure, bone density, and to introduce the silver colouring gene. All 12 recognised spotted tabby colours are variations of domestic eumelanistic colours, including black, blue, chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, and fawn, each with a silver variety. The breed is a true domestic cat, distinguished only by the specific combination of genes that create the spotted agouti pattern.
Appearance mimics a wild cat
The Ocicat is a medium to large cat, weighing between 2.5 and 6.5 kg, with an athletic, well-muscled, and lithe build. The head features a broad, well-defined muzzle with a gentle curvature, and ears are set at a 45-degree angle. The eyes are large, almond-shaped, and spaced so there is more than an eye-width gap between them, with all colours accepted except blue. The coat displays a recognisable tabby 'M' pattern on the forehead, with markings extending to the back of the neck and mascara-like lines around the eyes. Spots cover the entire body, and the tail is long, slim, slightly tapered, with a dark tip.
Temperament is canine in a feline body
Owners frequently describe the Ocicat's temperament as that of a "dog in a cat's body". Most individuals can be trained to fetch, walk on a leash and harness, come when called, speak, sit, lie down on command, and perform other canine-style tricks. This high level of trainability and social engagement distinguishes them from many other breeds, making them active companions rather than aloof pets.
Health risks are breed-specific
While generally healthy, the Ocicat has a significantly higher incidence of certain conditions compared to the general cat population. In a review of over 5,000 cases of urate urolithiasis in the US, the Ocicat showed an odds ratio of 16.8, much higher than most other breeds. Additionally, a Swedish study found the Ocicat to have the third highest incidence of pyometra, a uterine infection, at six times the rate for all cats. These statistics indicate a need for vigilant health monitoring, particularly regarding urinary tract issues and reproductive health in intact females.
Breed recognition and variants
The breed was first recognised by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) for registration in 1966, achieving championship status in 1987. The International Cat Association (TICA) recognised it in 1986, followed by the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe) in 1992. In 2013, the GCCF recognised the Aztec as a separate breed for mackerel tabby coated Ocicats, but as of 2024, this variant has been merged back into the Ocicat as the Ocicat Classic. The breed is now universally recognised for its spotted tabby markings, with the mackerel pattern now considered a variant rather than a separate breed.