Ocicat Cat (Felis catus) Description and Complete Care Guide

The Ocicat (Felis catus), is named because of its resemblance to an ocelot, it doesn’t have the DNA of a wild cat. The Siamese, American Shorthair, and Abyssinian breeds are actually mixed to create Ocicats. However, this does not reduce the fact that cat lovers all over the world highly prize and desire this particular breed.

The Abyssinian, Siamese, and American shorthair breeds were combined to create the domestic cat breed known as the ocicat, which has a wild appearance. Ocicats are extremely domestic, social, and playful despite how they appear.

They have a muscular body with a short, low-maintenance coat and grow to be around 15 pounds, which is similar to a large house cat.

Even though they don’t have any wild DNA, their patterns, which include different spots and tabby stripes, give them a wilder appearance than most domestic cats. This breed has a 15-year lifespan.

The Ocicat has a beautifully striped coat, which will catch your eye right away. The majority of prominent cat registries acknowledge a total of 12 different coat color varieties of this breed. Breeders attempting to obtain an Abypoint Siamese cat accidentally developed the first Ocicat, named Tonga, in 1964.

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Ocicats are well recognized for their large, robust bodies, powerful claws with an oval shape, and almond-shaped eyes. The head is shaped like a triangle because it is longer than it is wide. Their ears are large.

One of this breed’s most striking characteristics is the large, unique spots that resemble thumbprints. The breed’s huge, well-muscled body gives it an impression of strength and power. Males and females typically weigh between 9 and 15 pounds and 6 and 9 pounds, respectively.

Ocicats are small cats, but they have strong, muscular bodies that respond well to physical activity and competition. They can be any color, including blue, silver, lavender, cinnamon, fawn, and chocolate, and have tabby and spotted patterns on their short, dense, and shiny coats.

Ocicats have features from both Siamese and Abyssinians, two breeds that are said to have been domesticated for many thousands of years. They are pleasant and outgoing and frequently greet visitors. Because they typically tolerate calm children and other pets, they make the best pets for the majority of homes.

Despite their enormous size and athletic, muscular appearance, the Ocicat is actually incredibly gentle, dedicated, and curious.

Along with its stunning coat and massive, prominent facial features, these traits have helped the cat establish a stronghold not just in cat shows throughout the world but also in the hearts of cat lovers.

Ocicats are so sociable and outgoing that they frequently welcome strangers at the door. They enjoy playing and participating in household activities, but they are also content to cuddle during naps.

They are eager to learn tricks and appear to enjoy performing because they are incredibly intelligent and equally curious. Ocicats are easygoing housemates because, despite all of their energy, they have a stable personality.

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Health

Responsible breeders carefully inspect their cats for potential health issues, especially those related to certain breeds. Ocicats may be subject to a range of health problems, including:

▪ Renal or liver amyloidosis:

▪ Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a prevalent disorder of the heart that thickens the walls of the left ventricle in particular.

▪ Gum or periodontal disease.

In order to identify health issues early before they worsen, make sure to schedule routine examinations with your veterinarian.

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Ocicat Grooming Care Guide

The Ocicat, which has a wild appearance but is entirely domestic, was created by combining Abyssinian and Siamese cats.

The Ocicat is distinguished by its spotted fur, big ears, and athletic build. If you own an Ocicat, you must give your cat wholesome food, grooming, amusement, comfort, and medical attention.

▪ Choose quality cat food: You must give your Ocicat a diet of quality cat food if you want to keep her in top physical shape. Reading the components is a smart approach to choosing quality cat food. The food is likely of good grade if the first two ingredients are meat.

▪ Provide your Ocicat with a lot of clean, pure water: At all times, your Ocicat must have access to a bowl of fresh, clean water. Make sure you have a dedicated stainless steel or ceramic bowl for the water in your Ocicat. Daily bowl cleaning and at least once-daily water replacement.

▪ Ocicats have short fur that doesn’t need much care, so you only need to brush it once a week. Brush your Ocicat with a rubber hand brush or one made of natural bristles about once a week to keep his fur in good condition.

▪ If necessary, trim your Ocicat’s claws because they are necessary for mobility but can occasionally become dangerously sharp. If you can, try to clip your cat’s claws once every few weeks to avoid painful interactions.

▪ Clean the teeth on your Ocicat: Maintaining the health of your Ocicat’s teeth on a daily basis is a terrific idea. You will need a special cat toothbrush and cat toothpaste to brush your Ocicat’s teeth because human toothpaste can make him ill.

▪ If necessary, give your Ocicat a bath: Ocicats have short fur and are capable of maintaining their own cleanliness, so you might never need to bathe them. However, you must give your Ocicat a bath if he gets dirty or starts to smell unpleasant.

▪ Rub your Ocicat: Despite being more independent than some breeds, occiats nevertheless like receiving love and attention from their owners. Ensure that you give your Ocicat the attention he requires and takes the time to pet him each day.

▪ Take a stroll with your Ocicat: Ocicats are frequently compared to dogs in terms of certain of their mannerisms, and some of them even enjoy going on strolls. For your Ocicat, purchase a cat belt and leash, and try walking him around your neighborhood.

▪ Make a comfortable bed for your Ocicat: A comfortable, soft bed to sleep in each night will be appreciated by your ocicat. Get your Ocicat a special bed, and put it where you’ve seen him resting. Placing the bed on a strong shelf or dresser may encourage him to use it more frequently because many Ocicats enjoy being up on high perches.

▪ Visit a vet with your Ocicat: Ocicats require routine veterinary care to be healthy. As soon as you have your Ocicat, be sure to take him to the doctor for a checkup, and then once a year after that. The veterinarian will examine your cat, perform tests, and give immunizations throughout these visits.

▪ Neuter or spay your Ocicat: Spaying and neutering your pet is a great strategy to reduce the pet population and guard against some behavioral and health problems. To avoid your cat developing undesirable tendencies like spraying, aggressiveness, and roaming, speak with your cat’s veterinarian about spaying or neutering your cat as soon as possible.

Be careful to do your research before buying an Ocicat or any other purebred cat. Before purchasing a kitten, it is typically advised that you get to know the breeder by visiting their house (breeders often have waiting lists).

A breeder in your area might be able to help you find a purebred ocicat, but if you’d prefer to adopt from a shelter, try pet4homes in the US or Pefinders.

From $800 to $2,500 is what it costs to buy an Ocicat from a licensed breeder. In addition, factors influencing the cost of an Ocicat include the breeder’s standing, the cat’s age, temperament, and appearance.

In conclusion, although they may have a wild appearance, ocicats are friendly, adaptable, curious, and playful animals that have a close bond with their human friends.

Ocicats are very clever, active, and social animals who respond rapidly to their names and can be trained to perform a number of tasks, such as coming when called. Another skill that Ocicats effortlessly mastered is pleading for food.

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