Saturday, March 22, 2014

OCICAT

The Ocicat is an all-domestic breed of cat which resembles a wild cat but has no wild DNA in its gene pool.  The breed is unusual in that it is spotted like a wild cat but has the temperament of a domestic animal.  It is named for its resemblance to the ocelot.  The breed was established from Siamese and Abyssinian stock; later, American shorthairs (silver tabbies) were added to the mix and gave the breed their silver colour, bone structure and distinct markings.


The first breeder of Ocicats was Virginia Daly, of Berkley, Michigan, who attempted to breed Abyssinian-pointed Siamese in 1964.  The first generation of kittens appeared Abyssinian, but the result in the second generation was not only the Abyssinian-pointed Siamese, but a spotted kiten, Tonga, nicknamed an 'ocicat' by the breeder's daughter.  Tonga was neutered and sold as a pet, but further breedings of his parents produced more spotted kittens, and became the basis of a separate Ocicat breeding programme.


Other breeders joined in and used the same recipe.  Siamese to Abyssinan, and offspring to Siamese.  In addition, due to an error by CFA in recording the cross that produced the Ocicat, the American shorthair was introduced to the Ocicat giving the breed larger boning and adding silver to the 6 colours.  The Ocicat was initially accepted for registration in the Cat Fancier's Association, Inc., and was moved into Championship for showing in 1987.  Other registries followed and today the Ocicat is found all around the world, popular for its all-domestic temperament and wild appearance.


There are twelve colours approved by Ocicat Org., for the Ocicat breed.  Tayny, chocolate and cinnamon, their dilutes, blue, lavender and fawn, and all of them with silver; black silver (ebony silver), chocolate silver, cinnamon silver, blue silver, lavender silver and fawn silver.  Ocicats have almond shaped eyes perfect for seeing at night.  They also have large, strong bodies, muscular legs with dark markings, and powerful, oval-shaped paws  One of the most striking features about these cats are the dark contrasting spots covering the fur.


Ocicats are said to be a very outgoing breed and many owners say that their temperament is similar to a dogs.  Most can easily be trained to fetch, walk on a leash and harness, come when called, speak, sit, lie down on command and a large array of other dog-related tricks.  Most are especially good at feline agility because they are very toy-driven.  Some even take readily to water.  They are also very friendly and sociable.  They are not often shy around strangers which makes them great family pets, and most can also get along well with animals of other species, although they are likely to assert their dominance over all involved.  Ocicats make excellent pets for people who want to spend a lot of time with their cat, as they do require more attention than cats who aren't so people-oriented.

I think these cats are so fascinating and I love the story of how the breed originated.

I just had to add a few more lovely photos (all are courtesy of Zayenah Ocicats for which many thanks).  Information, as usual, from Wikipedia. 

12 comments:

  1. These are gorgeous Mimsie. Thank you.
    ALL cats have some wild cat in their DNA. Some of them show it more than others (yes, Jazz I mean you. I am on to you buster. You are an undersized black panther.)

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    1. YVW and yes, they are gorgeous.
      I am sure many cats (and dog and humans for that matter) have a lot of wildness in them. Our Siamese Koko could be bit of a devil at times and, as you say, Jazz is a good example of having a wild streak.

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  2. They look like miniature leopards, rather pretty in fact.
    I've seen some of these on another blog, the writer has three of these ocicats.

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    1. I'd loved to own one but could, of course, never afford to buy one. They are so different with their spotty markings.

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  3. They have a beautiful body shape.

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    1. They certainly have and are beautiful in all aspects.

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  4. These ocicats are beautiful felines. Thanks for sharing so mich background info too, Mimsie. I am a cat lover who while petless at the moment wouldn't mind having one of these for a pet.

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    1. YVW Beatrice. I too love to learn about various creatures on our planet and I was so pleased to know more about these beautiful cats. Hope you can own a cat soon and perhaps one of these beauties could be yours.

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  5. I've been fascinated by this breed of cat for a long time, but didn't know a lot about them--Thanks for a post about this most beautiful and unusual feline! I hope you are doing well, and are having a good weekend!! :-)

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    1. I was as pleased as you to learn so much about these lovely felines.
      I am doing OK and our weekend was quiet....but still too hot. : )

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  6. Hari OM
    OHMIGOSH these are absolutely beautiful. Didn't know about this one. what a find! YAM xx

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    1. I too thought it a wonderful find in our world of cats. So very different and so beautiful. Thanks Yam. xx

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