The Ocicat is a
breed of cat descended exclusively from pedigreed domestic ancestors
that were selectively bred to closely resemble a jungle cat. This
breed continues to gain worldwide acceptance and popularity simply
because this spotted cat is a successful mimic of its jungle cousins
in appearance while possessing a temperament and adaptability which
makes it a welcome addition to many households.
The French writer
Fernand Mery said it best:
"God made the
(domestic) cat in order that humankind might have the pleasure of
caressing the tiger."
Visit the "Big Cat Rescue" web site for a bio of
these beautiful cats,
and read the philosophy of Big Cat Rescue and why
wild cats should stay wild.
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OCELOT |
LEOPARD |
FISHING CAT |
Pictures courtesy of
'BigCatRescue', click on name to visit the website.
The Ocicat has NO wild blood in
their pedigree, but have the striking wild look of spots.
The Ocicats are derived from domestic
breeds, therefore have the nature of a domestic cat.
Meet 'Bindi'
the Ocicat
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Bindi is a chocolate
spotted Ocicat |
But she wont eat your
pet dog! |
The Ocicat (pronounced Ossi-cat),
is an agouti spotted cat, originating from the breeding together of the Abyssinian, Siamese and American Shorthair.
The Ocicat is an effort to breed an entirely domestic cat, which can offer
the spotted beauty of the wild cats, while maintaining the pleasant, predictable
disposition of the domestic cat.
He has muscular, medium to long legs. He has the distinctive tabby "M" on
the forehead which extends over the head and breaks into small spots
when it reaches the lower neck and shoulders. He is also distinctly
marked with round spots running in rows along his spine from the shoulder
blades to his tail. His belly also will exhibit these spots.
The pedigreed Ocicat always has spots but comes in a number of colour varieties from
tawny, chocolate to lavender silver and fawn silver with chocolate
and cinnamon combinations.
Visit the Cat Fancy Association, CFA
in USA, website to view these
colours: Ocicat
Colours
Playful and curious, Ocicats enjoy company and respond well to training.
The males are
usually much larger than the
females.
Key Facts:
•Date of Origin: 1964
•Place of Origin: United States of America
•Ancestry: Siamese, Abyssinian, American Shorthair
•Weight Range: 2.5 - 6.5 kgs.
•Temperament: Social and Responsive
They need little grooming, are gregarious, vocal and active.
