October is all about the Ocicat!

October is all about the Ocicat!


Rock The Cat Spa has yet to have an Ocicat guest! This breed is exotic-looking and intriguing, and the simple facts about it are surprising. Let’s learn more! 

In the mid-1960s, a professional cat breeder named Virginia Daly bred an Abyssinian with a Siamese, eventually resulting in a beautiful male kitten with a blend of his parents’ features. With continued breeding and the incorporation of the American Shorthair, Ocicats were introduced. In 1988, two Ocicats were imported to Britain, helping kickstart the breed’s international growth. 

Ocicats are known for their exotic spots and physical similarity to the wild animal Ocelot, which inspired the breed’s name. With 12 color variations, the cat’s coat is short and velvety, requiring no maintenance. There is usually the tabby “M” marking on their foreheads, and their bodies are medium-to-large muscular/athletic builds. 

These cats tend to live 15-18 years and make for a great outdoor cat. However, we don’t recommend cats go outdoors for safety reasons. Ocicats are doglike, active, and love to play.  They could be good with children as they’re easygoing. You’ll need to commit to giving them one-on-one attention and playtime. Being part Siamese results in a very vocal cat, so be prepared for yowling and meowing. One interesting fact is Ocicats can be clicker trained, which can lead to lots of fun. They do not like to be left alone, so having another cat to keep it company may be best. 

If you’re considering adopting an Ocicat, talking to your veterinarian about the breed may help in your decision-making. Ocicats, like other cats, can be prone to health issues. 

We hope to one day meet an Ocicat, and we will definitely post it on social media when we do. Keep watch on our Facebook @rockthecatspa and Instagram @officialrockthecatspa! 

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