The Ocicat was created spontaneously by Virginia Daly (Dalai) of Berkley, Michigan, US, who in 1964 attempted to breed a cat with the mixed features of the typical reddish-brown ticked tabby agouti pattern of a black Abyssinian and the oriental-built with colourpoint pattern of the Siamese. The ocicat is a wild-looking feline with domestic origins, bred from a combination of Abyssinian, Siamese, and American shorthair breeds. They were also named after the ocelot because they look so much like the wild cat.

Context Explanation

Despite their appearance, ocicats are completely domestic, social, and playful. Likely the most exotic-looking domestic cat breed, the Ocicat combines the best of both worlds. Learn more about their temperament, care and much more in our guide. Ocicats aren’t all that new and they’re anything BUT wild!

Insight Material

Selectively bred from three of the cat fancy’s most popular breeds, this 100% domestic hybrid was designed to emulate the spotted wildcats of Central and South America. The Ocicat gets its cheerful, outgoing personality from the breeds that formed its foundation, namely Siamese and Abyssinian. This fantastic cat is capable of walking on a leash, playing fetch, and learning tricks and commands that are typically associated with dogs rather than cats. The Ocicat is a large, well-spotted cat of moderate type. It displays the look of an athletic animal, well-muscled and solid, graceful and lithe, yet with a fullness of body and chest.

Final Conclusion

Ocicats are medium to medium-large cats, weighing 6–15 pounds and measuring 9–11 inches at the shoulder. They’re confident cats that are highly devoted to their humans, so much so that the Ocicat and Classic Society call them “dogs in cats’ fur.” Exotic looks, affectionate temperament - the Ocicat is a breed set apart. Your next best friend is incredibly intelligent, lovable, and carefully bred and socialized to adapt to your household.