Group Classification: shorthair
Country of Origin: U.S.
Date of Origin: 1964
Weight (M): 12-14 lbs.
Weight (F): 6-11 lbs.
Life Expectancy: 15+ years

History
When Virginia Daly of Michigan crossed a Siamese with an Abyssinian, she'd hoped to develop a Siamese with Abyssinian points. When one of that litter's kittens was bred to a Siamese, one of them was a uniquely spotted kitten that resembled an ocelot, which her daughter christened an Ocicat and the name stuck.

The process was repeated to establish a foundation; Dalai Talua was the female progenitor of this wild looking breed. Later, breeder Tom Brown began work to continue and strengthen the Ocicat's development. He added American Shorthairs, which brought a string of positive traits to the breed.

General Description
When a litter of Ocicats is born, the kittens are almost white, with the palest of tabby patterns discernable. As the cat matures, so does the pattern and color. They resemble nothing so much as a tiny ocelot. No matter which of the variety of colors it may be, each Ocicat is distinctly spotted. They have lines on their face, spots on the body and bracelets on their legs. Their tails have brushstrokes and spots and end in a dark tip.

Colors
Tabby colors (spotted)

Tawny or brown, chocolate, cinnamon, blue, lavender fawn

Classic and mackerel patterns

Silver tabby colors (spotted)

Classic and mackerel patterns

Self and Smoke colors

Same as for tabbies

Coat
Short and fine, the Ocicat coat is smooth and shiny.

Notable Features
Looks like a tiny ocelot.

Health and Care
Ocicats are truly maintenance free when it comes to grooming: they don't need anything more than regular petting to stay sleek and shiny. The touch of your hands is enough to remove loose hair from their fine coats.

Thanks to their mixed heritage, these are intelligent cats that are lively and outgoing. Chatty like their Siamese forefathers, but they do not have the same harsh voice. These are people cats and they do not thrive in homes where they are left alone for long periods. They are playful and intelligent and respond well to training.

Resources
Ocicats of North America at www.catoninetail.com ;Ocicats of the United Kingdom at www.ocicatclubuk.org