Ocicat: A Wild Mix of Siamese Cat and Ruddy Abyssinian

The Ocicat breed was first developed in 1964 by Virginia Daly, who crossed a Siamese with an Abyssinian, then bred the offspring back to a Siamese.

The result? A stunning ivory kitten with golden spots that reminded Daly’s daughter of a wild ocelot.

The first Ocicat was born, and with further input from other breeders, the line was refined using American Shorthair cats to add bone structure and bring out the breed's distinctive markings and short coat.

Ocicat cats are known for their spotted coat, which comes in a range of dramatic colors like blue silver, chocolate silver, cinnamon silver, fawn silver, lavender silver and ebony silver. These colors are laid over a lighter background, giving them an intricate tabby pattern with a lustrous sheen that’s hard to ignore.

These cats are medium to large cats with an athletic body, almond-shaped eyes, and a strong, muscular build. Some even have a dark tip on the tail.

Their wild appearance makes them look like a mix of the Egyptian spotted fishing cat and other wild cat species, though they are entirely domestic. With an affinity for perches, these athletic animals adore climbing a tall cat tree.

You might find a tawny spotted male snoozing in the sun or a playful Ocicat kitten chasing shadows. The variety of colors and markings in this breed makes each cat unique.

Don't let the wild style fool you. Ocicat behavior is more Labrador than leopard. These are confident cats that love people and even get along with other cats. They’re known for being interactive, curious and affectionate, making them ideal companions for pet parents seeking an engaging feline.

They're not shy around strangers and often greet visitors with enthusiasm. Ocicats form strong bonds with humans, making them one of the more socially adept cat breeds. Their energy and intelligence mean they do best in households with plenty of stimulation.

The Ocicat’s short coat requires minimal grooming. A weekly once-over with a rubber brush helps remove dead hairs and keeps their coat in top form. For show cats or just a little pampering, use a pearl tone shampoo to enhance lighter coats or a bronze tone shampoo to deepen richer shades.

Ocicats are a relatively healthy breed, but like many other breeds, they may be prone to genetic issues. Progressive retinal atrophy is one condition to be aware of, as it can affect a cat's vision. Always work with a reputable breeder and ask about health screenings.

Thees spotted cats are not prone to excessive grooming, but their high energy means they need space and activities. Toys, climbing structures and attention help keep them content and fit.

The Ocicat has achieved championship status with major organizations like the Cat Fanciers Association and the International Cat Association. Though bred to look wild, the breed is a mix of Abyssinian points, Abyssinian pointed Siamese, chocolate point Siamese and American Shorthair.

The breed may resemble wild cats, but its temperament is pure pet. Ocicats do well with children, adults and even other pets, adapting easily to most homes.

So whether you’re drawn to the classic tabby pattern or enchanted by chocolate silver or lilac silver tones, Ocicats are sure to capture your heart. And don’t be surprised if you find your Ocicat nestled on a windowsill, watching the world go by, looking every bit the part of a wild hunter — while dreaming of its tuna-flavored dinner.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.