Ocicats are a sort of cat that instantly attracts consideration. They’ve a novel look that resembles an Ocelot. However there may be much more to the Ocicat than first meets the attention. From the historical past and the origins to the habits and bodily traits, there’s a lot to be taught and so much to like concerning the Ocicat. Ocicats have a novel look and a novel background that make them totally different from different pet cats.
Listed here are 11 fascinating info concerning the Ocicat that everybody ought to know.
Ocicat Overview
| Top: | 9–11 inches |
| Weight: | 6–15 kilos |
| Lifespan: | 12–18 years |
| Coloration: | Tawny, Cinnamon, Chocolate, Blue, Lilac, and Fawn |
| Breed Group: | Asian |
The 11 Fascinating Details About Ocicats
1. The Ocicat Is Not a Wild Cat
The Ocicat was named after the ocelot, a sort of small wild cat, because of its measurement and look. However regardless of its identify and look, the Ocicat will not be a wild cat. The truth is, the Ocicat has no wild cat lineage in any respect. The genetics of the Ocicat are utterly home. Different cats, just like the Bengal Cat, have some wild cat genetics and fogeys, however that’s not the case for the Ocicat. This may be complicated, and many individuals purchase Ocicats considering that they’re some type of wild pet, particularly as a result of the Ocicat additionally acts like a wild cat with its excessive vitality ranges and searching instincts.
2. The Ocicat Was First Bred in 1964
The Ocicat was created by Virginia Daly in 1964. Meaning the Ocicat is a comparatively new breed of cat. Different cats can hint their lineages again a long time and even centuries. The Ocicat is a relative newcomer to the stage. It took a few years and plenty of good publicity to garner the popularity that the Ocicat has right now. The Ocicat didn’t acquire official recognition till 1987. As soon as that occurred, breeders started popping up, and the cat gained fame around the globe. It took over 20 years for the Ocicat to achieve traction.
3. The First Ocicat Was Named Tonga
The very first Ocicat was named Tonga. The primary distinctive kitten of this new breed was named by Virginia Daly’s daughter. On the time, nobody anticipated little Tonga to be the progenitor of a complete new line of cats. As we speak, Tonga is acknowledged as the primary cat within the Ocicat line and was the muse of a complete new breed of cats. The identify is each cute and speaks to the unique look of the unique Ocicat kittens.
4. The Ocicat Is a Combination of Two Frequent Breeds
The Ocicat is a hybrid breed created from mixing commonplace Siamese and Abyssinian cats. Someway, this combination produced the distinctive noticed tabby phenotype that the cat is prized for. This combination is quite common, however the genetic mashup created the noticed look that makes the Ocicat appear like the ocelot. The existence of the Ocicat has truly been described as a contented accident. Usually, when you breed two commonplace home cats, you don’t get something as distinctive or thrilling because the Ocicat.
Later, breeders started including American Shorthair cats into the lineage as a way to give the Ocicat extra colours and a bigger physique. As we speak, most Ocicats comprise Siamese, Abyssinian, and American Shorthair genes.
5. The Ocicat Started in Michigan
Regardless of the unique identify and unique look, the Ocicat truly began in the US. The breeder who created the Ocicat, Virginia Daly, was in Berkley, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit, when the primary litters had been born. There may be nothing tropical or unique concerning the Ocicat. The truth is, with out the distinctive look of the coat, the Ocicat wouldn’t be any totally different from the handfuls of cat breeds that hail from locations like Scotland, England, and the US.
6. Ocicats Can Be Giant
Many home cats are small and petite, however Ocicats could be fairly giant. These cats are stout and muscular. They’ve a strong construct and might weigh over 15 kilos. The males are usually bigger than the females. Ocicats can stand practically a foot tall, which is a few inches taller than well-liked cats just like the Siamese. These cats look highly effective, and they’ll visibly look larger than most domesticated cat breeds.
Male Ocicat Measurement
Top: 9–11 inches
Weight: 11–15 kilos
Feminine Ocicat Measurement
Top: 8–10 inches
Weight: 6–9 kilos
7. Ocicats Can Reside a Lengthy Time
Since Ocicats are a hybrid breed of different well-liked domesticated cats, they’re very wholesome. Hybrid or combined breeds are inclined to have fewer points than purebreds. Because of this Ocicats can stay for a very long time. A wholesome and nicely cared for Ocicat can simply stay over 15 years, and a few of the oldest will method 20 years of age. That implies that getting an Ocicat is a large time funding. Should you get a younger Ocicat, you’ll doubtless have them as part of your life for a decade or extra.
8. Ocicats Will Eat a Lot
Ocicats will eat a good quantity of meals. These cats are very energetic, they usually have hearty appetites. Ocicats will must be fed two to a few instances per day. Many homeowners decide to free feed their Ocicats. (Free feeding is once you go away your cat’s each day quantity of meals out always. Some cats can’t management themselves and can overeat once they have entry to a considerable amount of meals at one time.) Ocicats will eat ½ to ¾ of a pound of meals per day, which is a considerable quantity for a domesticated cat. Smaller Ocicats will want much less meals than the biggest examples of the breed. Nevertheless, when you get an Ocicat, be ready to feed them a great quantity every day.
9. Ocicats Do Not Like Being Scolded
Ocicats are robust willed, and they don’t like being scolded or reprimanded. This will put folks in a tricky spot. Ocicats could be naughty and mischievous, main folks to wish to punish them. Scolding an Ocicat will usually have the alternative impact than what you need. Some cats reply nicely to scolding or detrimental reinforcement, however not Ocicats.
Ocicats will usually double down on unhealthy habits when you scold them, which may make them very irritating to cope with. When you have an Ocicat, keep away from scolding them. Merely ignore unhealthy behaviors as an alternative.
10. Ocicats Are Not Often Overweight
Most domesticated cats are susceptible to weight problems. The truth is, over half of all cats seen by veterinarians in the US are estimated to be obese. Feline weight problems is a continuing wrestle for house owners and veterinarians to fight. Most cats are extremely meals motivated. Apparently sufficient, in contrast to most different home breeds, Ocicats usually are not susceptible to weight problems. Most Ocicats naturally hold a wholesome weight with little enter from their house owners. That’s regardless of consuming numerous meals frequently. Ocicats have excessive metabolisms and exercise ranges that hold them in form, whereas different cats are inclined to lounge round.
The explanation for that is that Ocicats are extremely energetic and can usually regulate their consuming naturally. Ocicats could be safely fed freely. Different cats which can be free fed usually find yourself obese. This makes Ocicats more healthy than different breeds. Nevertheless, this pure obesity-fighting habits comes together with excessive ranges of exercise and mischief, which may make them onerous to deal with.
11. Ocicats Are Not Household Pleasant Felines
Due to their unique appearance and inaccurate connection to wild cats, many individuals discover themselves wanting an Ocicat of their very own. Nevertheless, Ocicats is not going to be a great match for everybody. These cats are sometimes not household pleasant. They’re extremely energetic, good, willful, mischievous, and harmful. They want loads of area to roam round whereas inside. They don’t usually get together with different pets, and babies can run away from these specific cats, which may result in scratches and bites.
Ocicats want loads of psychological stimulation, an skilled proprietor, and a big house to stay in. Should you don’t have this stuff or the flexibility to offer this stuff, an Ocicat will likely be extra of a trouble than they’re price. There are various home cats which can be extra household pleasant as an alternative.
The place Can You Get an Ocicat?
Ocicats are particularly bred for his or her measurement and look. You would possibly be capable of discover cats within the shelter or from rescues that look like an Ocicat, however one of the simplest ways to get a real Ocicat is to undergo a good breeder. You’ll find Ocicat breeders on-line, however the most secure solution to discover a native Ocicat breeder is to undergo native cat fancier societies or breeding golf equipment. These teams hold tabs on good breeders focusing on cats just like the Ocicat. You’ll doubtless have to pay some huge cash for an genuine Ocicat.
Conclusion
These info concerning the Ocicat must be identified by anybody seeking to get one for themselves. Ocicats are not wild, but they act wild. They are often onerous to deal with, they don’t do nicely with households, they usually originated in Michigan, of all locations. The Ocicat has a captivating historical past and a surprising look that instantly attracts folks in. Everybody ought to do their analysis earlier than deciding on getting an Ocicat for themselves.
Featured Picture Credit score: dien, Shutterstock
