Ocicat

USA · 1964

Spotted like a wildcat, fully domestic, very social

SizeMedium6–15 lb
Life span12–18 years
CoatShort, spotted
Typical price$1,000–$2,000

Ocicats look wild with bold spots but have no wild blood: they come from Abyssinian, Siamese and American Shorthair crosses. They are confident, outgoing and dog-like.

At a glance

EnergyNon-stop
Cuddlylikes touch and being heldFriendly
TalkativeSome talk
GroomingMinimal
SheddingLow
With kidsGreat
With petsLoves company
Alone timehow long they’re happy aloneNeeds company

Life with an Ocicat

They learn their name, fetch, walk on a leash and greet visitors at the door. They are active and need company — long days alone don’t suit them.

Great for
  • Families with kids
  • Homes with other pets
  • People who want a trainable, social cat
Think twice if
  • You’re away all day
  • You want a quiet, independent cat
Care tips
  • Weekly brushing.
  • Daily play, training and puzzle toys.
  • Dental care.

Health

Generally healthy. From Abyssinian and Siamese ancestry: PRA, pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK-def), kidney amyloidosis and gum disease.

Ask the breeder for
  • PRA (rdAc) DNA test
  • PK-def DNA test
Typical US price$1,000–$2,000
RegistriesCFA · TICAAsk for both parents’ papers

Prices are rough ranges from registered breeders and vary by line, color and region. A much cheaper “purebred” kitten is a common scam sign.

See Ocicat kittens

Similar breeds

BengalVery active · IndependentAbyssinianVery active · IndependentEgyptian MauVery active
Compare with similar breeds

Sources: breed standards and profiles from CFA and TICA, DNA tests listed by the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, and veterinary breed profiles.