Ocicat

The Ocicat was created accidentally in 1964 in Michigan when a breeder tried to produce a Siamese-type cat that physically resembled the Abyssinian cat. Instead, they ended up creating a spotted cat that looked similar to the wild Ocelot cat, hence the name. 

These fun-loving, high-energy cats want owners who can go toe-to-toe with them while playing games and exercising. They love interactive play, toys, and being social, so the more you do around the house that they can observe, the better. They do well with training, which can help calm some of the Ocicat’s hyperactive mind. If you don’t mind a little chaos wrapped in fur, the Ocicat might be a good fit. 

The Ocicat is known for their dog-like behavior. They enjoy their humans around the house, but this behavior also extends to their exercise needs. They need a lot of attention and enrichment. Training them to do commands such as “place” and “off” will be helpful in controlling the chaos, and they’ll excel at trick training. They can become loud and vocal about their needs if not given sufficient stimulation. 

Ocicats will thrive in a home that can accommodate a secure cat run or a similar outdoor cat-proofed space. They love running, climbing, and jumping. Ocicats should not be unsupervised outdoors as they are bold and curious cats that might bolt.

An Ocicat can mostly take care of its own grooming needs, but a brush or comb through weekly can help them get used to grooming and handling.

Highly intelligent and highly active, the Ocicat benefits greatly from training. They can learn tricks and commands fairly easily through positive reinforcement methods. Like a dog, the Ocicat is eager to please their owner and enjoys being socially active with them during training time. Try getting them to play fetch, walk on a leash, or perform tricks.

If trained well, the Ocicat can make a good family cat for anyone who doesn’t mind having things knocked off shelves occasionally or having a full-time shadow. They are high-energy and highly intelligent cats and thrive in a family setting where they receive enough attention. 

The cost of an adult Ocicat from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.