In this article on our site we discover a feline like no other, a cat that looks like a wild cat but with all the characteristics of a domestic cat. Do you want to discover everything about this wonderful breed? We tell you all the curiosities about a new and exotic breed, the ocelot cat.
Originally from the United States, the ocicat is a truly extraordinary feline, whose care is not extremely complicated and whose character stands out for being affectionate and very affectionate. Keep reading and discover all about the ocelot cat, the characteristics of the ocicat and much more.
Ocicat origin
This curious breed has very recent roots, since it was not until the 60s that a American breeder crossed a Siamese with a cat that was a mixture of Siamese and Abyssinian, obtaining with this crossing a litter with a very particular specimen, with an ivory coat and golden spots. However, it was not then that the ocicat breed originated, since said specimen was sterilized. But, after several crosses between Abyssinian and Siamese, more kittens of these characteristics were obtained.
At first Siamese and Abyssinian were crossed, however, the number of cat breeds with which to hybridize was increased in order to reinforce the genetics of the breed and ensure that it was neither vulnerable nor unstable. In a short time the ocelot cat breed was established, being recognized by the TICA in 1987 and by the FIFE in 1992
In this way, after years of work the breeders achieved their goal, to get domestic cats that emulate the appearance of ocelots, of which the breed took its name by mixing the term "ocelot" with "cat", that is, cat in English. However, and as we can suppose, ocicats and ocelots only share the appearance and belong to the order of felines, but they are not similar in terms of life, care or personality, because while ocelots are wild cats, ocicats are like any other domestic cat.
Physical characteristics of the ocicat
Ocicats have a somewhat variable size, but are usually medium or large, weighing between2 and 6 kilograms As we can see, there is a considerable difference between some specimens and others, this being the reason why we find the ocelot cat in different sizes, all of them pure. What is certain is that in individuals from the same litter, the females are, as is often the case in other gelina breeds, slightly smaller than the males.
Continuing with the characteristics of the ocicat, the body of these felines is fibrous, stylized and quite large The limbs are long, muscular, the front ones are shorter, ending in compact and oval-shaped palms. Its tail is long and wider at the base than at the tip. The head of the ocicat has a triangular silhouette, but with very soft and rounded edges, highlighting the presence of its large and almond-shaped eyes, which almost all the tones, blues not being generally accepted, except in cases where the color of the coat itself justifies it.
The ocelot cat's hair is short, fine but dense and with a slight shiny touch, which makes its muscular silhouette stand out. The coat pattern is its key feature, as it is what simulates the coat of ocelots, with medium-sized spots and well-defined bude pattern. The tone of the coat is lighter in the part of the face between the upper jaw and the chin, being especially dark in the rest of the face, the legs and the tail, in which the color darkens as it grows. approaches the tip. Quite a few colors are acceptable for that spotted or spotted tabby coat: lilac, blond, cinnamon, brown, blue, corsican, silver and fawn.
Ocicat Character
Although their wild appearance can be imposing and arouse suspicion from those who have not de alt with them, the temperament of the ocicat is that of a cat extremely affectionate and playful, pouring out his love and affection towards his humans and also towards almost everyone who gives him his attention.
In general, it is a very active cat, very fond of playing and jumping, but, at the same time, the ocicat's behavior is balanced Likewise, it should be noted that this is a cat very intelligent , which is why he especially loves elaborate and changing intelligence games that keep his intellect active and especially that they satisfy their avid curiosity.
Although they are excellent companions for families, the elderly, couples or single people, They are not always adapted to living with other cats, as they usually show a markedly dominant attitude. For this reason, if there is already a feline in the home and an ocelot cat is to be adopted, it is recommended that habituation be progressive and that it occur in the earliest possible growth stages. In this way, if it is possible to adopt an ocicat puppy to socialize it with the adult better. However, in case of welcoming an adult ocicat, it is important to highlight that an adequate presentation and socialization can also be carried out. To do this, we recommend reviewing this article: "How do I introduce my cat to another cat".
On the other hand, although it may seem contradictory when we see their exotic appearance, these cats are more recommended if they live in an apartment than in a farm or rural area, as they need a lot of attention and care. don't tolerate loneliness very well.
Ocicat cats have a peculiar meow, similar to that of the Siamese, and they use it frequently. Especially to bring out his strong character, with which we will sometimes have to deal and find a balance between his demands and our concessions to him.
Caring for an ocicat
Ocelot cats do not need us to spend too much time keeping them he althy and clean, because with one or two weekly brushings and a bath sporadic will be more than enough. Although his hair is short, at the time of shedding we may need to use products against hairballs to prevent them from forming in our kitten's digestive system, causing him a lot of discomfort and discomfort.
We will have to take care of our feline's diet, providing them with a varied and balanced food that suitably covers their dietary needs. We also have to ensure that there are toys that they like at their disposal, so that they can channel all the energy and vitality that characterize them in a convenient and non-destructive way.
Finally, due to its intolerance to loneliness, it is essential to bear in mind that the Ocicat breed requires more attention from us than others. Thus, it is not enough to leave the toys and provide a correct environmental enrichment, it is necessary that we dedicate time to play with the cat, to give it cuddles and affection. Likewise, socializing him is essential to help him learn to relate to other people and animals.
Ocicat he alth
Perhaps due to the genetic enrichment carried out when consolidating the breed, the ocicat does not present notable congenital pathologies, being a robust and resistant breedDespite this, we must bear in mind that this is a really recent breed, so it may not yet have been irrefutably proven that they do not suffer from certain diseases more easily than other breeds.
What we can never neglect will be the frequent visits to our trusted veterinarian, to keep the vaccination schedule up to date, carry out the pertinent deworming and the periodic check-upsAt the same time, we have to take care of our pet's ears, mouth and eyes and make sure that they are always in the best possible state, using appropriate cleaning products if necessary. As we say, although ocicat diseases have not yet been found, if you do suffer from one, early detection is always the key to success.
