Ocicat Cat Insurance

The Ocicat is a domestic cat breed resembling a wild cat but without any wild DNA. It's known for its spotted coat, resembling an ocelot, and comes in various colours. This breed is large, muscular, and active, with a friendly, sociable nature. Ocicats are intelligent, easy to train, and make excellent pets.

The Ocicat is a stunning domestic cat breed, renowned for its wild, exotic appearance reminiscent of a small leopard. It has a large, well-muscled, and athletic body, displaying strength and agility. The most striking feature is its coat, marked with a distinctive pattern of large spots and rosettes, resembling that of an ocelot. This coat comes in various colours like tawny, chocolate, and cinnamon, often with a shimmering, iridescent quality. Their almond-shaped eyes can be of any colour, add to their captivating look.

The Ocicat's legs are proportionally long, ending in compact, oval paws, while its tail tapers to a dark tip. Its head is a modified wedge shape, with a strong chin and prominent cheekbones, giving it a regal, alert expression. Overall, the Ocicat's appearance is a harmonious blend of wild elegance and domestic grace.

Ocicats are generally healthy, but like many purebred cats, they can be prone to certain health issues. They may inherit a predisposition to periodontal disease, so dental hygiene is important. Some may develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition common in many cat breeds.

Additionally, liver or renal amyloidosis, a rare condition affecting the liver or kidneys, has been observed in some lines. Responsible breeding practices have minimized these risks, but it's crucial for owners to maintain regular veterinary check-ups and be aware of these potential health concerns for the best care of their Ocicat.

Ocicats are often described as having a "dog-like" personality. This breed is known for following its owners, being trained to fetch, or walk on a leash.

The Ocicat is a unique breed that originated in the United States in the 1960s, and despite its wild appearance, it does not have any wild cat DNA. Its creation was somewhat accidental. The breed emerged when Virginia Daly, a breeder in Michigan, sought to develop a Siamese cat with Abyssinian-colored points. She crossed a Siamese with an Abyssinian, and the resulting kittens looked like typical Abyssinians. However, in a subsequent litter, a kitten with a striking spotted coat, named Tonga, was born. This kitten was the first known Ocicat.

Recognising the potential of this distinctive look, breeders continued to develop the breed, later adding the American Shorthair to the mix for size, bone structure, and silver colouring. This breeding program was purely domestic, with a focus on achieving the wild look without any actual wild cat ancestry. The Ocicat was officially recognised as a breed in the 1980s, and quickly gained popularity for its exotic appearance and delightful temperament.