History:
In 1964, the American Virginia Daly from Michigan, who is also an honorary member of the CFA, began a breeding program with the aim of obtaining a cat of oriental type with the reddish-brown fur of the Abyssinian. However, the mating of a chocolate-point Siamese male and an Abyssinian female did not produce any Agouti kittens, but rather one with cinnamon-colored spots on an ivory background stood out. The cat was christened „Dalai Talula“, nicknamed „Tonga“, and was to be at the head of the lineage of a new breed called OCICAT. This name is a combination of the names of the small American wild cat ocelot and the domestic cat. The mating was repeated, and thus the actual breeding program began. The breeder Tom Brown and the geneticist Clyde Keeler from Detroit also took part. In order to obtain a larger stature and more varied colors, American Shorthairs were crossed. The CFA registered the kittens as early as 1966, but it would take another two decades for the Ocicat to take on its current form. The first purebred specimens reached Europe in 1991 and were recognized by the FIFe in Budapest in 1992. The first European champion of this breed is the female cat „Zohora’s Sepeheria“. Unfortunately, the breed is still very rare in European countries.
Character:
She is highly intelligent, playful, very active and cuddly. A docile and sociable cat that pursues its goals very intensely. The Ocicat is very affectionate and requires a lot of attention. Most of them like to „talk“. After extensive play of their choice, they just as determinedly seek out your lap for a cuddle! In the group, this breed develops a great sense of sociality. This is not least due to their personal charisma and strength of character. Nevertheless, they are true „cuddly cats“, especially the males, which is shown in the loving way they treat their offspring. Although it is much larger than its Siamese and Abyssinian relatives, the Ocicat has an oriental, active temperament, albeit less pronounced than the true Oriental. It is less vocal, but very sociable and usually chooses one person in the family with whom it forms a close bond.
Despite its wild appearance, the Ocicat is naturally the gentlest, most lovable and most sociable cat breed. Their affection for their people is 100% sincere and they show it. Some Ocicats are very talkative and take part in every conversation that takes place in the family circle. Ocicats definitely want to know what is going on in the house at all times and also want to take part in all household chores. Even in adulthood, the Ocicat retains its puppy-like character. As the only cat in the family, it needs a lot of company and exciting things to do. Ocicats are smart and easily learn commands, little tricks like opening doors and picking up and fetching toys. The Ocicat gets on brilliantly with other, similarly active breeds and dogs! Ocicats cannot be described in words. To experience them is to fall in love with them! Ocicats are magical paws! Share your life with one or better two of these magical creatures and your everyday life will never be the same again! Your Ocicat will enchant you. ♥