The content of the article
Ocicat cats appeared not so long ago, but the history of the appearance is rich in facts and events. The cat has a spotty color and in appearance has a great resemblance to the ocelot. This circumstance explains its name.
Ocicots saw the light thanks to the crossing of three breeds. Siamese cat was crossed with an Abyssinian representative and a short-haired American.
The history of the breed
The emergence of Ocicats was not at all accidental. The Siamese and Abyssinian-Siamese cats were specially bred. The aim was to obtain a spotted breed. The litter for the first time contained pure Abyssinian cats. During the second litter, a spotted kitten appeared. He received the name Tonga, and the breeder’s daughter dubbed him the “Ocicat”. Therefore, despite the exotic nature of the name, the United States is still the birthplace of the breed. This kitten was not left to itself, but was sold after preliminary castration.
Modern oocytes have ancestors whose representatives are represented by kittens in the third litter. It was with them that the social program began, which envisaged activities related to the cultivation of Ocicatus. A large number of breeders took part in its implementation.
Later the breed was supplemented by an American Shorthair representative. In addition, they received a silver color. In addition, the bone has become larger. The breed received registration only in 1987. At this time, a championship exhibition was held. After this, the breed received general recognition.
Breed description
A person who is poorly versed in feline representatives often confuses an ociet and an ordinary spotted yard cat. But this is not the same thing. Ocicat is a thoroughbred cat, with the content of all characteristic features. A detailed description of the appearance is characterized by the following features:
- The head has a rounded shape, somewhat close to the shape of a triangle. There is a powerful chin, and the head itself is devoid of pointedness. The muzzle most likely resembles a square and is somewhat elongated when viewed in profile. Such cats have a muscular graceful neck.
- Ears are large, sometimes equipped with tassels at the ends. The angle of the ears is 45 degrees. The ears are positioned in such a way that it seems that the cat is constantly wary of something.
- The eyes are almond shaped. Their landing is wide with the presence of a certain slanting. The color palette is the most diverse. Color is not always combined with color. But a cat with blue eyes is considered a clear deviation from standard characteristics.
- The Ocicat has a powerful muscular body with athletic build, with a slight elevation of the back line in relation to the tail.
- Cats of the Ocicat breed are distinguished by the presence of long muscular paws having an oval shape.
- The breed is characterized by a thin long tail, which completes the dark narrowed tip.
- The coat has a silky shiny appearance. Wool villi are short and thin, and the surface of the body itself is marked by the presence of round or oval spots.
The breed is medium in size, although sometimes it gives the impression of a powerful appearance. The weight of cats is slightly higher and sometimes reaches 6 kg. Cats have a more modest weight, which rarely exceeds 3-4 kg.
Color
The main highlight of acicets is precisely in a special color. It is she who distinguishes them from representatives of other breeds. The main difference is ticked wool. Otherwise, the color of each hair has different shades. This is how a spotty pattern is formed.Wools having light tips receive a circular arrangement with respect to dark inclusions.
On the forehead of this ocicat is marked the location of the figure, which looks like the outlines of the letter "M". The spots on the head are arranged in the form of ripples, and in relation to the spine there is a whole row of them.
The standard recognizes 12 colors. In addition, there is also an internal division into 8 classes. A complement is another 6 colors, where there is a silver tint. The standard allows white color in the eye area - where the nostrils are located, in the area of the chin and neck.
Character
Ocicat cats appreciate communication with humans. The cat is ready to constantly follow the owner on the heels, but at the same time will not interfere with him at all. Loneliness is endured by them very hard and painfully. This, incidentally, is characteristic of most breeds artificially bred by humans. If the owner does not have enough time to pay attention to cats, it is better not to breed this breed at all. She will not be suitable for those who, although for days at home, rarely get out of the couch. The breed is naughty and requires playing with them.
Quite easily, you can teach an easy cycle to simple household habits. She can learn to open the door and even, like a dog, bring slippers to the owner in her teeth. Not bad are training courses on various tricks. To carry out safe walks it is quite possible to accustom him to a leash.
Cats purr well. They do this not just like that, but in case of any need. They do this in order to attract attention, express displeasure or when expressing a request. They learned to do this from their ancestors.
If the cat wants to ask for something, she begins to literally look into the owner’s eyes. The four-legged pet is perfectly adapted to the conditions of being near a person. He remembers his name very well and very quickly.
Fact! Ocicat is a lover of solving various riddles. He will certainly climb up to where he should not be, open the door that was closed from him.
The need for communication is a feature common to all Ocicats. But he does not tolerate tenderness at a time when he has completely different plans. He really if he needs affection, he literally will not get rid of the owner.
Equally friendly, both to children and to old people. To the elderly, he will act as an indispensable listener and interlocutor, and for children he will become an excellent companion in a provocative game.
You must always remember that the Ocicat is a strong animal. He will not tolerate anything related to liberty and familiarity, and on occasion is able to defend himself.
A lively character in combination with a playful disposition require the presence of a sufficiently large space in the home.
Health
The Ocicat is distinguished, in general, by excellent health and stamina. But unfortunately, there is no escape from heredity. They are characterized by the same diseases that are characteristic of breeds that were crossed when receiving the breed. Cats are prone to developing renal amyloidosis and pyruvate kinase deficiency, resulting in anemia. The Siamese line also left its mark on the occurrence of hereditary diseases. In this regard, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is dangerous. Death from this occurs unexpectedly and, as a rule, in young cats.
Cats of this breed have a risk of periodontal disease and plaque formation. To prevent this phenomenon, it is recommended to regularly use special toothpastes. It is necessary to highlight a special miniature toothbrush. If for some reason it is not possible to carry out this procedure at home, feel free to go to the veterinarian. It will help to solve any thematic problem.
All this does not mean that such cats must be sick.There is simply a certain predisposition to the occurrence of diseases, and it is slightly higher than that of cats of other breeds. The average life expectancy of an ocicat is 16 years. However, centenarians can celebrate their 19th birthday, and some even more.
Care
Care of the breed is not fraught with severe difficulties.
- Due to the fact that they do not have undercoat, they do not fade very intensively. Sometimes you only have to use a rubber brush. Do not use structures of various metals.
- It is necessary to bathe an ocicat when necessary. There are no general recommendations when choosing a shampoo for bathing. He is chosen strictly individually. If the cat is being prepared for the show, it should be washed 2-3 days before it is held. After washing, the animal is dried with a bath towel. After the water procedure, the cat should be in a warm room for a certain time. When it is completely dry, it must be combed.
Nutrition
Food is no different from those used to feed other cats. Some special diet is not required. It is enough if a balanced feed is used for nutrition.
Breeding
The challenge is to raise a balanced, calm kitten. To do this, from early childhood, they are accustomed to various extraneous sounds. The same must be done if the plans include participation in exhibitions. In addition, you also need to introduce them to other cats. It is important to accustom them to human proximity from early childhood. To do this, they must often be picked up, surrounded by care and affection.
Price
Along with uniqueness, it is also a rather rare breed. An ocicat kitten will cost the buyer about 30,000 rubles. Some manage to get such kittens and much cheaper. But low prices always make you wary and doubt the thoroughbred of an animal.
Video: Ocicat cat breed
Submit