Ocicat Cats

History

The Ocicat is another of the manufactured breeds of spotted cat and is very popular; because they look like little ocelots, they were called 'Ocicats'.

In the early 1960s an American breeder was trying to develop Siamese with Abyssinian points, and so crossed a Siamese with an Abyssinian. These early litters produced the patter of Siamese, but they also contained assorted patterns of tabbies, including  one spotted kitted who was called 'Tonga'; this little cat is generally seen as being the first Ocicat, although he arrived as a side effect of another breeding programme.

Tonga was shown once only, in 1965, but by the end of that decade the breed had become increasingly popular and more and more Ocicats were being shown. Championship status was granted in America in 1987 by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), and they have recently been imported into the UK.

Character and Temperament

This is another breed that has been genetically manufactured to produce what looks like a wile cat in colour and pattern of coat. In temperament and disposition, however, it is just like any other domestic cat, and is characteristically intelligent and playful.

Type and Standard of Points

The Ocicat is a moderate-type cat which should be large and well spotted. The head is a modified wedge with a broad muzzle, with just a suggestion of squareness to the jaw. In profile there should not be a visible nose break but more a gentle rise from the bridge of the nose to the brow; the chin should be strong and the jaw firm without  any sign of either being overshot or undershot. The ears are quite large and set wide apart and should never be too high or too low; ear tufts are preferable but not essential and, if present, should extend vertically from the tips of the ears. The eyes should be large and almond shaped, displaying a good depth of colour; blue is an unacceptable colour.

The Ocicat can be bred in ten main colours, or any of these ticked with silver. In general the cat should give the appearance of elegance but muscularity and, when held, should feel heavier than it looks.