Ocicat

Ocicats are usually loving, intelligent and playful companions. Many owners describe them as dog-like: they enjoy interacting with their family, respond well to the voice, often follow their people around the house and are easily trained with positive rewards. They are typically confident and outgoing with visitors.

The two sources differ on how easy they are to live with. The GCCF describes an adaptable cat that is not demanding and takes life in its stride. Purina describes a cat that is often quite extreme in its behaviour, likes a lot of attention, and will demand it, loudly if needed. Purina warns that if its needs for mental and physical exercise are not met, an Ocicat may develop problems such as toileting in the wrong place, scent marking, self-harm or aggression towards people. Both agree it can be fairly vocal.

The Ocicat is a medium to large cat with strong, dense bones, so both males and females are surprisingly heavy for their size. Purina gives an adult weight range of about 2.7 to 6.8 kg. Its low-slung stance and high shoulder blades when walking give it a fluid, big-cat style of movement.

On the spotted Ocicat, spots are scattered all over the body and form a bullseye pattern on the sides, with an M shape on the forehead. The Ocicat Classic has a symmetrical classic tabby pattern with an oyster-shaped patch on each flank. There are 12 colours: tawny, chocolate, cinnamon, blue, lilac and fawn, and the same six on a silver background. The coat is short and close-lying with a satin sheen.

Ocicats are typically very active and athletic. They can jump to high places, balance on narrow ledges and reach spots other cats would not think of.

Purina says the Ocicat is probably as demanding as a dog when it comes to attention, play and training. Clicker training can teach useful behaviours, such as going into a carrier or getting off certain surfaces, as well as tricks. Purina also suggests feeding most of its food from puzzle toys that use hunting, searching and climbing skills. Expect ornaments to be pushed off shelves, paper to be shredded and shiny objects to be taken and hidden.

The coat is low maintenance and needs no special attention. Running a brush or comb over it now and again, or once a week as Purina suggests, removes dead hairs, and a polish with a chamois adds shine. Many Ocicats enjoy being brushed, and it is good handling practice. Shedding is low.

Purina says Ocicats should not be given unsupervised access to the outdoors: they are bold, very curious and inclined to get into trouble, and they are a theft risk. They need space to run, climb and jump, so a large and very secure cat run, or a fully cat-proofed garden, is recommended. You may also need a safe space to leave the cat when you go out, unless the whole house is cat-proofed.

Because they are so intelligent and social, Ocicats are less suited than many breeds to being left alone for long periods. They usually do best where someone is at home a lot of the time.

The GCCF says Ocicats are often captivated by children and suit busy, active households. Purina disagrees, saying the breed is not ideal for family homes and is better suited to a calm, quiet household with older teenagers and plenty of space.

Whatever the breed, young children should be supervised around cats and shown how to stroke them gently and let them walk away.

The GCCF suggests the Ocicat can be an ideal companion in a busy household that has other pets.

The GCCF says the Ocicat needs no special care and that its broad genetic background gives it robust vigour. Purina names one inherited condition.