Using Abyssinians, Siamese and adding the American Shorthair, the breeders worked towards creating a medium to large cat, with the appearance of a wild cat, without the addition of any wild genes. The out-crossing between the three breeds has led to the Ocicat having a very wide genetic background, giving them hybrid vigour, meaning that they are particularly healthy and easy to care for. The Ocicat was finally accepted as a recognised breed in America in 1986, and was first imported into the UK in 1988. American Shorthair and Siamese are no longer allowed as out-crosses, although Abyssinians are.

Physically, the Ocicat is a medium to large cat, solid and substantial, of wild appearance, with a short spotted coat. They are graceful, well-muscled cats, effortlessly jumping long distances both vertically and horizontally. They have expressive almond shaped eyes, acceptable in any colour except blue. Their head is a modified wedge, with a broad muzzle and moderately large ears and they also have a fairly long tail. Ocicats come in 12 colours – Tawny, Chocolate, Cinnamon, Blue, Lilac and Fawn and the silver version of each of these, where the ground colour is mixed with silver hairs, giving a much lighter overall appearance.
Although most Ocicats are spotted occasionally a marbled kitten is born, with a pattern resembling the classic tabby. In New Zealand these are called Jungalas, but in this country they are still called Ocicats – although they cannot be shown they are very pretty, make wonderful pets, and can still be used in breeding programmes.

They have wonderful temperaments, not only bonding with the whole family but also greeting visitors with equal enthusiasm. They are easy to train, being very intelligent and eager to please. They love to play and can make virtually anything into an entertaining toy. They are also happy to walk on a harness and lead if it means they can go outside with the family – they hate being left out of anything!

They get on very well with other cats and dogs; they are so sociable that they love everyone and everything. They would not be a happy cat if they were the only pet and they were left totally alone for hours a day. Their exuberance for life makes them a total delight to have around, and it’s rare for them not to be purring. They are extremely popular in the USA but still relatively unknown in the UK, which is a great shame – they are wonderful pets!