Where does the Osicat get its name?

Ocicats are named after the wild cat called an ocelot because their coat pattern resembles that of the ocelot.

What are the color variations of the Ocicat?

There are Tawny (brown), Ebony Silver, Blue (silver), Chocolate (silver), Cinnamon (silver), Lavender (silver), and Fawn (silver) colors.

・Spotted tabby. Only spots all over the body.

There are yellow, gold, orange, copper, green, and hazel eye colors.

Ocicats are only short-haired.

What is the difference between an ocicat and a Bengal?

I introduced the Egyptian Mau as a breed that has a similar coat pattern to the Ocicat. In fact, there is another breed called the Bengal that is similar to the Ocicat, so let's compare them.

While the Ocicat has only one type of spotted pattern, the Bengal has three main types of spotted tabby patterns. Among them, the pattern called "rosette" can be considered a unique pattern that only appears in Bengals.

The Ocicat has a semi-foreign body type, while the Bengal has a long and substantial body type. Although the Bengal tends to have a more solid appearance with a sense of weight, there is not a significant difference in weight between the two.

Both the Ocicat and Bengal have affectionate aspects, but the Ocicat is more sociable and tends to get along well with family members and even strangers, including the owner. On the other hand, due to its lineage from the Asian leopard cat, the Bengal can be a bit strong-willed and may have a desire for exclusive attention from the owner, so it may not be as friendly towards strangers.

Interestingly, both the Ocicat and Bengal are not good at being left alone for long periods of time. Therefore, if you live alone and often leave your home, it may be challenging to keep them as pets. Additionally, since Bengals require a considerable amount of exercise, it is necessary to provide them with ample space for physical activities. While the Ocicat is also an active cat, it should be fine to play with them like a regular domestic cat. Depending on the household environment, the Ocicat can be considered a breed suitable for beginners.

Both the Ocicat and Bengal are known to be hypoallergenic cats. The Ocicat has fewer allergenic proteins, while the Bengal is said to shed less hair, making them more suitable for people with cat allergies.

How much does it cost to buy an Osicat?

When keeping animals, it is necessary to follow the laws established by each country. This time, I will talk about keeping Ocicats at home in Japan. Since Ocicats are almost impossible to find in pet shops, it is common to purchase them from breeders or catteries. The price is around 200,000 to 400,000 yen. When considering a purchase, it is a good idea to visit and see the kitten you are interested in.

Furthermore, if you purchase from a “cattery,” which is the highest qualification for breeders, the price may be higher than that of a general breeder. Since catteries require certification from the pedigree issuing organizations “CAF” and “TICA,” breeders with this qualification are highly reliable and have added value. The reason for the high price is that it is a proof of trust.

In addition, here are some conditions that can cause the price to vary:

・Being a kitten. ・Having excellent pedigree. ・Having rare colors or patterns.

Although there are other conditions, it seems that the price tends to be higher if the above conditions apply.

Learn more about the personality and traits of the Osicat!

Despite its wild appearance, the Ocicat is a sweet and affectionate cat. Unlike the Bengal, it does not have any Asian leopard cat blood, so it can be considered a pure domestic breed. As a result, it often actively approaches even people it meets for the first time. It shows an even more affectionate side to its family and owner, making it a perfect breed for those who love such cats.

While there are many cats known for their intelligence, the Ocicat is said to be even smarter. It is loyal to its owner, so training is usually not a problem, and with some practice, it can even learn to play fetch like a dog.

Although the Ocicat is an affectionate cat, it also has an active side and loves to move around and play. Providing a cat tower with vertical movement or a catwalk that allows it to walk in high places would be a good idea. On the other hand, it also has a lonely side. Therefore, it is not good at being left alone for long periods of time. It may be more suitable for families rather than people living alone.

As I mentioned earlier, the Ocicat is said to be a breed that is less likely to cause “cat allergies”. These types of cats are called “hypoallergenic cats”, and the Siberian and Sphynx are also part of this group. In the case of the Ocicat, it has fewer allergenic proteins, which makes it less likely to cause allergies.

However, whether or not allergy symptoms occur varies from person to person, so it cannot be said with certainty that it is completely safe! It is more like “less likely to cause allergies compared to other cats.” Therefore, if you have symptoms of cat allergies, I recommend consulting a doctor before keeping one.

What diseases are Osicat susceptible to?

Ocicats are susceptible to two common health issues: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and lower urinary tract disease.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a disease in which the heart muscle becomes thickened, leading to impaired heart contractions. It is often caused by genetic factors, and there are no specific preventive measures yet.

The disease may not show noticeable symptoms, and in severe cases, it can lead to complications such as blood clots, which can be fatal. Regular health check-ups are essential for early detection of the disease.

Although there is no definitive cure for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, early diagnosis can help slow down the progression of the disease through symptomatic treatment.

Cats, in general, have a natural tendency to drink less water due to their evolutionary history. As a result, they are prone to lower urinary tract diseases caused by the strain on the kidneys.

Specific conditions include urinary stones that form in the kidneys and block the urethra, causing damage to the body’s tissues, and cystitis. If you notice symptoms such as a decrease in the frequency of urination, blood in the urine, or a change in the color of the urine, it is important to consult a veterinarian promptly.

While prevention is possible by paying attention to diet and the frequency of water intake, there is still a possibility of developing these conditions even with proper care. Therefore, I recommend regular health check-ups if possible.

What is the lifespan of an ocicat?

The lifespan of an Ocicat is said to be 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of a cat is 12 to 16 years, so it can be considered average.