Ocicat

Ocicats live 12 to 18 years and are a generally healthy breed. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occurs in the breed so cardiac monitoring is worthwhile. Periodontal disease and certain liver conditions occur occasionally. Pyruvate kinase deficiency, a red blood cell condition, has been documented in the breed. Request health testing information from your breeder and schedule annual vet visits.

Your Ocicat has a short, tight, lustrous spotted coat that needs minimal grooming. Brush once a week with a rubber grooming mitt to remove loose hair and enhance the coat shine. Bathe only occasionally. Trim nails every two weeks, clean ears monthly, and brush teeth regularly. This is one of the lowest maintenance coats of any cat breed.

Ocicats are athletic, active, and playful. They love interactive play sessions, climbing, and games with their owners. They can be taught to play fetch and walk on leash. Provide wand toys, a tall cat tree, and puzzle feeders daily. Two vigorous play sessions daily keeps most Ocicats content and well behaved.

The Ocicat is one of the most trainable cat breeds. They respond enthusiastically to treat rewards and learn tricks, leash walking, fetch, and their name quickly. They are social, outgoing cats that enjoy interaction with people and other pets. Socialize kittens early. Their confident, dog like temperament makes training fun and rewarding.

Feed a quality high protein diet twice daily that supports their athletic, muscular build. Two measured meals daily work better than free feeding. Monitor weight monthly. Choose foods with real meat as the first ingredient. Wet food supports hydration. Always provide fresh water.

The Ocicat developed accidentally in the United States in 1964 when breeder Virginia Daly crossed an Abyssinian with a Siamese to create an Aby pointed Siamese. The first litter produced an ivory kitten with golden spots. Daly named it Tonga and her daughter called it an Ocicat for its resemblance to the wild ocelot. American Shorthairs were later added to the breeding program to add size and the silver color. The CFA recognized the Ocicat in 1987.