Ocicat

The Ocicat originated from the hybridization of the Abyssinian, Siamese and American Shorthair, all different cat breeds. It is the only spotted domesticated cat bred especially to emulate the cats of the wild but it has no wild DNA genes.

The ideal Oci is large, active and athletic in appearance. Solid and well-muscled, the Oci has a short, tight coat with a satin sheen that shows off both the animal's muscles and spots.

The original Oci was the unexpected result of an experimental breeding that attempted to produce Aby-point Siamese. It was in the second generation breeding that the surprise occurred: an ivory kitten with golden spots! The breed was called the Ocicat, because of its resemblance to the ocelot. The CFA recognized the Oci for registration in 1966, but it wasn't until May 1987 that the breed gained the support for championship status of different cat breeds.

The Oci is well-structured of different cat breeds with good muscle tone, a wedge-shaped head and a broad chest and shoulders. The beautiful, large, well-defined and contrasted spots are what most attracts people.There are 12 colors approved for the ocicat breed.

The Oci truly looks like a "wild cat" but its temperament is easy going and not demanding. It is devoted to its human, curious, intelligent and easily trained. Some even enjoy the water! However, it does like lots of attention.

Some owners consider them to be a dog in a cat's body because of its ability to be easily trained to respond to many dog-type commands such as to come when called, sit, lie down, etc. They adapt well to leash training, love to fetch so toys are a "must have", and also many will respond to voice commands and adapt to household rules somewhat better than different cat breeds making them great family pets.