Page 91 - The Complete Cat Breed Book (DK)

SHOR THAIRS 89

OCICAT

AN ADAPTABLE AND CONFIDENT CAT THAT OFTEN RESPONDS WELL TO TRAINING

Place of origin US Despite its name, this spotted beauty is not a cross between the
Date of origin 1960s domestic cat and the ocelot—the native jungle cat of South and
Breed registries CFA, FIFe, Central America—but it looks as though it ought to be. The Ocicat
GCCF, TICA
was actually the surprise product of an attempt in 1964 to breed
Weight range 6–14lb
(2.5–6.5kg) a Siamese (pp.54–7) with colorpoints that matched the ticked coat
Grooming of the Abyssinian (p.83). The first spotted kitten that appeared
was kept solely as a pet, but others produced later were used
to create the new breed. The inclusion of American Shorthairs
Colors and patterns
Black, brown, blue, lilac, and (p.61) in the Ocicat’s development program introduced
fawn in spotted tabby pattern. greater size and substance. Ocicats have a delightful
temperament, love company, and are easy to manage.
Broad, slightly
square muzzle
Silver-spotted
tabby coat
Characteristic
tabby “M” mark
on forehead

Large, almond-
shaped eyes Lighter markings
with dark rims around eyes
and on chin

Dark lines
on cheeks
Powerful,
Darkest coloration athletic body
appears on tip of tail

Short, shiny chocolate
tabby coat marked with
“thumbprint” spots

Necklace
pattern
around neck

Long, slightly
tapering tail

Oval paws