Ocicat History

Cats have roamed the planet for many years and there is evidence of this recorded from many different eras. As time has moved on, the introduction of selective breeding and understanding of its science has led to the birth of new breeds under a standardised classification. Many breeders aspire to create new exotic breeds and much of this has been possible over the past few decades through import and export of cats from different parts of the world. The Ocicat is a peculiar specimen that was discovered by chance which birthed one of the most exotic appearing cats that are known today in the breeding world.

Ocicats are exotic in appearance and one would be forgiven for mistaking it as a wild cat. It features spotted patterning and a muscular frame. This breed would come into existence through chance as a certain breeder from the United States in Michigan conducting experiments would realise a unique looking litter. In the early 60s, a cross between an Abyssinian sire with colour points and a Siamese queen would produce unique looking set of kittens. These kittens carried traits from both genetic pools but were mostly Siamese in appearance. After some time, further breeding of these kittens with other Siamese cats was carried out with the intention to produce another set of Siamese kittens. Much to the breeder’s surprise, there was an outlier in this new litter that featured a spotted patterning that were golden in colour. This chance discovery was the first realisation of the potential genes that were present within the parents.

After some thought, the breeder would go on to construct a breeding programme involving the same cross. Through this, a consistent litter was soon realised that appeared very similar to the wild ocelot cat. For this reason, the cat would go on to be called the Ocicat. Patterning, colouring and other features were very similar but these cats are very much domesticated without a trace of wild temperament. Other breeders would come to know about this practice in achieving this new breed, consequently launching a number of other breeding programmes with the intention to emulate success. The Ocicat would later become recognised as an official breed after a few years and would realise championship status towards the 90s. Further breeding would spread to different parts of the world with repeated success. The Ocicat is a well-known breed throughout the world and is held with high regard.