The Ocicat breed is a large, active animal with an athletic appearance. It is very solid and well-muscled and has a short, tight coat with a satin sheen.
In 1964 the original Ocicat was the unexpected result of an experimental breeding which attempted to produce an Aby-point Siamese. But the ivory kitten with golden spots was a surprise! Mrs. Daly's daughter named the breed the Ocicat, because of its resemblance to the ocelot. Tonga, the first Ocicat, was neutered and sold as a pet. Other breeders followed Mrs. Daly's recipe to develop other Ocicat lines with a broad genetic base.
While the Ocicat looks wild, its temperament is anything but ferocious. The Ocicat is not a demanding, clingy type, but is confident as well as dedicated to its owners. Most Ocicats are also quite extroverted around strangers, not at all bashful about checking out the possibilities for a few playmates or a lap to curl up on when visitors come to call.
Ocicats are quite bright and easily trained. Many will fetch, walk on a leash, respond to voice commands and readily adapt to household rules. Because of their adaptability, they are a joy to work with and easily get used to traveling. Their sociable nature may make them less suited than some other breeds to being left alone for long periods of time, but it does make them a good choice for a household already owning other cats or dogs.
Ocicats are exotic, but they are easy to keep and require no special care. Their short coats need only the occasional bathing and grooming. They are not prone to any particular health problem and their broad genetic background gives them vigor and vitality.
There has been tremendous controversy about the genetics of inheritance associated with the spotted pattern. The spotted pattern of the Ocicat, at least on the better examples of the breed, is notedly different from other spotted breeds or varieties. While some believe this comes from a different gene altogether, there is no conclusive evidence and it might be that selective breeding is responsible for the Ocicat's lovely pattern.
Ocicats come in many colors : tawny, chocolate, cinnamon, blue, lavender, fawn, silver, chocolate silver, cinnamon silver, blue silver, lavender silver, and fawn silver. A great family pet.
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Ocicat
