Embedded Files
What is an Ocicat?
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?
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.
About Us?
About Us?
We are a small, hobby cattery. What exactly is a hobby cattery?
The Core Principles of Hobby Breeding
The Core Principles of Hobby Breeding
Unlike commercial breeders or puppy/kitten mills, hobby breeders prioritize the health, temperament, and breed characteristics of their animals. Their primary goals include:
Breed Improvement: Hobby breeders carefully select breeding pairs based on a breed’s standard, aiming to enhance desired traits and minimize genetic predispositions to health issues.
Ethical Breeding Practices: They typically conduct thorough health screenings on their breeding animals, such as hip and elbow x-rays, and genetic testing to ensure they aren’t passing on inheritable conditions.
Lifelong Commitment: Hobby breeders often offer lifetime return policies for puppies/kittens they’ve bred, demonstrating their commitment to the animals’ well-being.
Passion over Profit: Unlike backyard breeders, hobby breeders rarely turn a profit from breeding. Their motivation comes from a love for the breed and a desire to see it thrive.
Transparency and Communication: They welcome potential buyers to visit their facilities, meet the parents of the puppies/kittens, and ask questions. They are usually forthcoming with information and will not pressure anyone into buying.
Active Involvement: Hobby breeders are typically involved in breed clubs and show their dogs/cats at events, engaging with the community and contributing to the knowledge base surrounding their chosen breed.
Our purpose is to introduce others to these wonderful cats through showing and running our cats in agility. We have one or two litters in a year with the goal of showing and enjoying our cats. We sometimes have a few kittens to place, we also will have retired show cats. Most of our cats are shown in premiership so they are spayed or neutered prior to ever being shown.
Google Sites
Report abuse