The original Ocicat was the unexpected result of an experimental breeding by Virginia Daly
that attempted to produce Abyssinian-point Siamese. The first cross of an Abyssinian male to a seal point Siamese
produced a predictable litter that resembled badly marked Abyssinians. One of these hybrids was then
mated to a chocolate point Siamese. The resulting litter produced mackerel and classic tabbies, a black,
a lynx point, the sought after Aby point....AND..a striking male with distinct golden spots on an ivory colored
body. Daly never did perfect the Aby point, but instead developed an altogether new breed..the Ocicat!
Ocicats are medium to large cats with a well designed pattern of spots. Females usually weigh between 7 and 10 pounds and males usually no more than 15. An impression of power and strength is an important feature of the Ocicats. Legs are powerful and muscular with sturdy, oval paws. Tail is long and slender. The M-shaped tabby marking extends over the top of the head. Fur is short, soft and lustrous. Ocicats make good companions for those with allergies as they do not have the downy undercoating of fur that other cats have. For this reason, shedding is minimal in the Ocicat.
Found in 12 colors—including blue, chocolate, cinnamon, fawn,
lavender, silver and silver versions of the other colors—the Ocicat's coat features
darker spots on a lighter background.
A variety of methods are used in determining the color of an Ocicat, but
the deciding factor in identifying the correct color of an Ocicat will always be the color
found at the tip of the tail regardless of what the body markings are.
As an example, a Cinnamon-Spotted Ocicat will display the following characteristics:
Cinnamon spotting on a warm ivory agouti ground.
Nose leather: Pink rimmed with cinnamon.
Paw pads: Pink or rose colored.
Tail tip: Cinnamon
All colors should be clear and pleasing with the lightest color usually found on the face around the eyes, and on the chin and lower jaw. Spots are scattered across the shoulders and hindquarters, extending as far down as possible. There are broken bracelets on the lower legs and broken necklaces at the throat.
Showing OcicatsBoth TICA (The International Cat Association) and CFA accept Ocicats for showing in the championship ring. TICA was formed in 1979 and admitted Ocis from the start. The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) accepted the Ocicat for registration in 1966 but Ocis were not allowed into the championship show world until 1987.
During this time, the breed was perfected even more. Because the Siamese and Abyssinian genetic bases were diverse, the Ocicat profited from hybrid vigor. American Shorthairs were used in the breeding program to maintain and increase size and also to contribute the silver factor. The goal was always to offer the spotted beauty of the wild cat while maintaining the predictable disposition of the domestic cat. The registry was closed to Siamese and American Shorthair crosses, and outcrossing to Abyssinians will end in 2005. More than 8,000 Ocicats have been registered with CFA alone and every year the breed seems to increase in popularity. Today Ocicats rank as the tenth most popular breed behind such well-established breeds as the Persian and the Siamese. Rarely does a year go by without an Oci in the top national wins.
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