Ocicat
The Good
- Dog-like personality that greets visitors at the door
- Highly trainable and can learn tricks and commands
- Gets along brilliantly with children and other pets
- Low-maintenance grooming with minimal shedding
The Real
- Needs constant companionship and suffers from separation anxiety
- Extremely vocal and will chat your ear off
- High energy levels require plenty of interactive play
- Can be prone to several inherited health conditions
Gallery
Breed Overview
The Ocicat is a fascinating contradiction - a completely domestic cat that looks like it just stepped out of the wild. These spotted beauties are the result of a happy accident in 1964, when breeder Virginia Daly was trying to create something entirely different but ended up with a golden, spotted kitten that resembled an ocelot.
Don't let their wild appearance fool you though. Ocicats are absolute softies with personalities more akin to golden retrievers than jungle cats. They're the type of cat that'll follow you around the house, greet your guests at the door, and probably try to join in on your Zoom calls from their favourite perch on your desk.
These medium to large cats are built like athletes, weighing up to 7 kilograms with muscular, solid bodies that benefit from plenty of exercise. Their short, dense coat comes in stunning spotted patterns in colours ranging from chocolate and cinnamon to silver and blue. They're incredibly social creatures who form strong bonds with their families and genuinely seem to enjoy being the centre of attention - perfect for Australian households that love an interactive, engaging pet.
History
The Ocicat's story begins with what might be the most productive "oops" in cat breeding history. In 1964, American breeder Virginia Daly was attempting to create an "Abypoint Siamese" by crossing a ruddy Abyssinian male with a seal point Siamese female. After several generations of careful breeding, she got her Abyssinian-pointed Siamese kittens as planned - and then came Tonga.
Tonga was an unexpected ivory kitten adorned with golden spots, looking remarkably like a wild ocelot. Daly's daughter coined the name "Ocicat," and though Daly initially wasn't interested in developing a new breed, geneticist Dr. Clyde Keeler saw potential. He wanted to create a domestic cat that could resemble some of the vanishing wild spotted cats, particularly the Egyptian spotted fishing cat.
This sparked Daly to repeat the breeding, and American Shorthairs were later introduced to add the desired silver colouration and robust build. Other breeders joined the effort, developing new bloodlines and establishing the breed we know today. The Cat Fanciers' Association recognised the Ocicat for registration in 1966, with championship status following in 1986.
Today, these spotted beauties are recognised by major cat associations worldwide, though they remain relatively rare - making them quite the conversation starter at dinner parties across Australia.
Traits & Characteristics
Ocicat characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Ocicats are generally robust cats with lifespans ranging from 12-18 years, but like many purebreds, they can be susceptible to certain inherited conditions. The most significant concern is amyloidosis, a condition where abnormal protein deposits in organs like the kidneys and liver, potentially leading to organ failure. Watch for increased thirst, changes in appetite, lethargy, or yellowing of the eyes - these warrant immediate veterinary attention.
Other health considerations include pyruvate kinase deficiency (which can cause anaemia), progressive retinal atrophy leading to vision loss, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy affecting heart function. Responsible breeders screen for these conditions, so always ask for health testing results when choosing a kitten.
Australian Climate Considerations: During our scorching summers, particularly in places like Alice Springs or western Sydney where temperatures soar above 40°C, ensure your Ocicat has access to air conditioning or at least cool, shaded areas with fresh water. Their short coat provides little insulation, making them vulnerable to both overheating and cold snaps. In Melbourne's unpredictable weather or Canberra's frosty winters, provide warm bedding and draft-free sleeping areas.
Dental health deserves special attention with Ocicats, as they're prone to periodontal disease. Regular teeth cleaning and dental check-ups with your local vet are essential. Pet insurance is worth considering given the potential for inherited conditions - many Australian providers now offer comprehensive coverage for purebred cats.
Ocicats need high-quality nutrition to fuel their athletic builds and active lifestyles. Choose commercial cat foods with strong nutritional adequacy statements, focusing on animal protein as the primary ingredient. Their muscular physique and high energy levels mean they often do better on grain-free diets rich in quality proteins.
Kittens require specially formulated kitten food with higher protein and fat content to support their rapid growth, while adult Ocicats benefit from foods that maintain their ideal weight without excess calories. As they age, senior formulations may help support joint health and organ function.
You can approach feeding through timed meals or free-feeding, though timed meals are generally recommended for weight management. These intelligent cats often enjoy puzzle feeders and slow-feed bowls, which provide mental stimulation while preventing gulping. For busy Australian families juggling work and school schedules, automatic feeders can help maintain consistent meal times.
Regional Considerations: In humid coastal areas like the Gold Coast or tropical Darwin, ensure fresh water is always available and consider wet food to increase hydration. During Perth's dry summers or Adelaide's heat waves, cats may drink more and eat less - this is normal, but monitor for any dramatic changes.
Always consult with your veterinarian about your cat's specific nutritional needs, especially if they develop any health conditions or as they transition through different life stages.
One of the Ocicat's most appealing qualities is their low-maintenance grooming routine. Their short, dense coat requires minimal fuss - a weekly brush with a rubber curry comb followed by a polish with a chamois cloth will keep their coat gleaming and help remove loose hair during shedding seasons.
While they're not heavy shedders year-round, you'll notice increased hair loss during Australia's seasonal transitions, particularly heading into summer. A good quality lint roller becomes your best friend if you favour dark clothing, though their shedding is manageable compared to longer-haired breeds.
Regular nail trims are essential - start this routine early if you have a kitten, as their climbing tendencies mean they'll use those claws frequently. Provide sturdy scratching posts or cardboard scratchers to help maintain healthy nails naturally.
Coat Specifications:
- Coat Length: Short and dense with a lustrous, silky texture
- Coat Colours: Twelve recognised colours including chocolate, cinnamon, blue, silver, lavender, and fawn
- Coat Patterns: Distinctive spotted tabby with thumbprint-sized spots and agouti ticking
- Hypoallergenic: No - they produce normal levels of allergens despite minimal shedding
Australian Grooming Tips: During humid Brisbane summers or Perth's dry heat, some Ocicats enjoy a cool, damp cloth wipe-down. Their Abyssinian heritage means many actually enjoy water, so don't be surprised if yours wants to join you in the shower! In dusty regional areas or during bushfire season, more frequent brushing may be needed to remove environmental particles from their coat.
Here's where Ocicats truly shine - they're among the most trainable cat breeds you'll encounter. Their intelligence, curiosity, and desire to please make them excellent candidates for clicker training, trick learning, and even harness training for supervised outdoor adventures.
Start with basic commands like "sit" and "come," then progress to more complex tricks. Many Ocicats excel at fetch, will walk on a leash, and can learn to open doors (sometimes when you'd rather they didn't!). Their problem-solving abilities mean puzzle toys and interactive feeders aren't just entertainment - they're necessities for mental stimulation.
These cats need multiple play sessions daily to burn off their abundant energy. Feather wands, laser pointers, and motorised toys can help simulate hunting behaviours. Climbing trees, cat shelves, and perches satisfy their love of high vantage points - essential for apartment living in places like inner-city Melbourne or Sydney.
Social Enrichment: Ocicats often do best with companion animals. If you're in a rental property where multiple pets aren't feasible, consider regular playdates with friends' pets or even doggy daycare visits - yes, many Ocicats enjoy canine company that much!
Australian Lifestyle Integration: These cats adapt well to our outdoor entertainment culture. They'll happily supervise weekend barbecues from a secure catio or screened balcony, and many enjoy car travel for holiday adventures to the family beach house or mountain retreat.
Who is an ideal owner?
The perfect Ocicat owner is someone who genuinely enjoys interactive pet companionship and has time for a socially demanding cat. These aren't the cats for people wanting a low-maintenance, independent feline - they're for those who want a furry shadow who'll be involved in every aspect of daily life.
Work-from-home Australians will find Ocicats ideal companions, as they love being near their humans throughout the day. They're perfect for active families with school-age children who can provide plenty of interaction and play. Empty nesters looking for an engaging companion will appreciate their dog-like loyalty and trainability.
Multi-pet households often work brilliantly, as Ocicats thrive with other cats or dogs for company when their humans are busy. They suit apartment living provided there's adequate vertical space and enrichment, making them suitable for inner-city Brisbane, Perth, or Adelaide living.
However, they're not ideal for FIFO workers, frequent travellers, or anyone regularly away for long hours without other pets for company. First-time cat owners should be prepared for a more demanding, interactive pet than typical cats.
Housing Considerations: Rental properties with pet-friendly landlords work well, as Ocicats are generally well-behaved and trainable. Body corporate rules in apartments should allow for climbing structures and enclosed balcony access for these active cats.
Interesting facts about the Ocicat
Interesting Fact
The first Ocicat was named Tonga and was actually neutered and given away as a pet before anyone realised the significance of the new breed
Interesting Fact
Despite their wild appearance, Ocicats contain no wild cat DNA - they're entirely domestic
Interesting Fact
They're often called "dogs in cats' clothing" due to their loyal, social nature
Interesting Fact
Many Ocicats can be trained to walk on a leash and even travel well in cars
FAQ
Expect to pay between $1,200-$3,500 AUD for an Ocicat kitten from a reputable breeder. Show-quality cats or those with rare colour patterns command higher prices. Due to their rarity, you may need to join waiting lists or travel interstate to find available kittens.
Yes, with proper enrichment! They need vertical climbing space, interactive toys, and preferably a companion pet. Their social nature actually makes them well-suited to apartment living where they're close to their humans, but they do require daily interactive play sessions.
Very minimal - a weekly brush and occasional nail trim is sufficient. During seasonal shedding periods (spring and autumn in Australia), you might want to brush twice weekly to manage loose hair, but they're generally low-maintenance.
They're affectionate but often prefer being near you rather than on you. They'll likely choose the chair next to yours or perch nearby where they can observe everything. They do enjoy cuddles, just often on their own terms.
Absolutely! They're known for being excellent with children of all ages, patient with handling, and often become devoted companions to kids. Their playful nature matches well with active families, though supervision with very young children is always recommended.
Not ideally. They're prone to separation anxiety and do best with either another pet for company or owners who work from home. If you must leave them alone, ensure plenty of enrichment toys and consider a pet companion.
Yes, they're quite uncommon. Finding a breeder may require travelling interstate or joining waiting lists. This rarity also means higher purchase prices and potentially limited local breeding knowledge, so research breeders thoroughly.
Their short coat provides minimal insulation, so they need access to air conditioning or cool areas during summer heat waves. They're more heat-tolerant than cold-tolerant, but still require temperature management during extreme weather across different Australian climates.