About Us
What is an Ocicat?
The Ocicat originates from interbreeding of Abyssinian, Siamese, and American Shorthair and is the only spotted domestic breed selectively bred to emulate the cats of the wild. This is different from the Egyptian Mau, a naturally occurring spotted cat.
Available in 12 colors, the ideal Ocicat is a large, active animal with an athletic appearance. It is very solid and well-muscled and has a short, tight coat with a satin sheen that shows off muscles and spots to their best advantage. In 1964, the original Ocicat was the unexpected result of an experimental breeding which attempted to produce an Abypoint Siamese. Mrs. Daly’s daughter named the breed the Ocicat because of its resemblance to the Ocelot, contrary to what some people think there is no Ocelot in the breed.
Tonga, the first Ocicat, was neutered and sold as a pet. When the Detroit newspaper publicized the lovely spotted cat, noted geneticist Dr. Clyde Keeler expressed his desire to see a domestic cat which would mimic some of the vanishing wild species. With this in mind, the breeding was repeated, and the Ocicat breed was truly born!
Recognized for CFA registration in 1966, it took another twenty years to develop the breed and gain the support for provisional status. The Ocicat was advanced to championship status in May 1987. They can now be seen at many shows.
While the Ocicat looks wild, its temperament is anything but ferocious. It is a lot like a dog in that it is absolutely devoted to its people. Not a demanding, clinging-vine type, the Ocicat is confident as well as dedicated to its owners. Bred for spots, the Ocicat also comes in four other patterns: ticked, classic tabby, solid, and pointed. But regardless of color or pattern, they all have that trademark personality to capture your heart. While many people are drawn to Ocis because of their being "hypoallergenic" they are not. Their tight coat allows many with cat allergies to enjoy a cat, myself included. However, some people still react to them, especially when they live with them.
Why Ocicats?
I had grown up with Siamese cats and had fallen in love with Abysinnians. Our son saw Ocicats at a local show as a young child and said that that was what he wanted at some point in the future. Fast forward, he was 16 and so was our Siamese when we lost her. He had never forgotten that Oci that he fell in love with and asked if we could look for an Oci. We found a retired breeding boy, Ocicountry Tarot, and adopted him. We were hooked. Here was a cat that was a perfect blend of the three parent breeds. Active like the Aby, devoted like the Siamese, and more mellow like the American Shorthair. When we knew that Tarot was going to the Rainbow Bridge I knew that I would feel lost without an Oci in the house. We were able to find a pair of kittens to try and fill the void that Tarot had left behind. Little did we know that this was going to be the beginning of a new and wonderful chapter in our lives.
Where are we located?
We spend our time between eastern Virginia and eastern North Carolina. You would need to discuss our current location around the time of delivery unless you choose to have us deliver the kitten to you. We will discuss the cost of delivery, if any, individually with you. If we are going to be driving to a show near you then there is no charge. If we are driving you will be expected to pay gas costs round trip. If a flight is necessary you will be expected to pay for the round trip airfare plus the cost of a kitten in cabin. We do not charge for our time or meals. So far we have not charged for our motel either.