rec.pets.cats: Ocicats Breed-FAQ

Archive-name: cats-faq/breeds/ocicats
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URL: http://www.fanciers.com/breed-faqs/ocicat-faq.html
Last-modified: 12 Mar 1997

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OCICATS

__________________________________________________ _______________

AUTHORS:

* Michael & Laura Raybaud
Rabeau Ocicats

(810) 771-5602
* Don & Rachel Wood
Wyldots Ocicats

* Jimmy & Stephanie Thompson
Wrentree Ocicats
(719) 395-2610

Copyright (c)1994, 1995 by the authors, All Rights Reserved.
__________________________________________________ _______________

CONTENTS

i. FOREWORD

I. DESCRIPTION/SHOW STANDARD
A. Head
B. Body
C. Coat & Color
D. Pattern

II. BEHAVIOR
A. Temperament
B. Training
C. Adaptability
D. Intelligence

III. GENETICS/HISTORY
A. Origin
B. Breed Recognition
C. Health/Longevity

IV. OCICAT CLUBS

V. COLOR CLASSES
A. Tawny Class
B. Chocolate Class
C. Cinnamon Class
D. Dilute Class

1. Blue
2. Fawn
3. Lavender


E. Silver Class

1. Silver
2. Chocolate Silver
3. Cinnamon Silver
4. Blue Silver
5. Fawn Silver
6. Lavender Silver


F. A.O.V. (Any Other Variety) Class

VI. COMPETITION/STANDARD
A. Quality Levels

1. Pet
2. Breeder
3. Show

__________________________________________________ _______________

FOREWORD

"Spots! Is it tame? What kind of cat is this? "It must be something
special!" Indeed they are. When we take our Ocicats out in public, we
are constantly questioned about them. This magnificent spotted cat
never fails to steal the show, not to mention the hearts of those
fortunate enough to own one.

In the years we have been involved with the breed, typical comments at
shows have changed from a perplexed "Ocicat? ...What is that?" To "I
have heard so much about them, we drove two hours just to come and
seen one."

Rare, wonderful, exotic, and beautiful are all words used to describe
this breed of cat. The Ocicat clearly answers the wish many cat
fanciers have for a well muscled, imposing, and intelligent cat that
resembles the spotted cats of the wild, while displaying the gentle
temperament of a domestic cat. Ocicats are the best of both worlds:
the feral look of a wild jungle cat, without the wild cat blood and
thus, none of the problems associated with raising an animal that has
wild blood.

The Ocicat is still considered a rare breed, but the interest in, and
number of people breeding and showing this feline has risen steadily.

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I. DESCRIPTION/SHOW STANDARD

The most general breakdown of the Ocicat Show Standard is the Head,
Body, Coat and Color, and Pattern. Each of these four areas of
confirmation is allotted 25 points for a total standard score of 100.
Point's and description:

_A. HEAD_

+ Skull: 5 points
+ Muzzle: 10 points
+ Ears: 5 points
+ Eyes: 5 points

Large alert ears at a 45 degree angle, slightly slanted almond shaped
eyes and a modified wedge head completes the picture, of a cat that
looks as if it would be more at home in a Tarzan movie than in your
living room. Eye color is typically golden, green or copper.

_B. BODY_

+ Torso: 15 points
+ Legs & Feet: 5 points
+ Tail: 5 points

The Ocicat is a well-spotted cat of medium to large size, displaying
the look of an athletic animal. They are well muscled and solid,
graceful and lithe, yet with a fullness of body and chest. People are
usually surprised when they first hold an Ocicat, as Ocicats are very
heavy for their size. An Ocicats weight is primarily composed of
muscle and great bone. Female Ocicats weigh between 6 to 9 pounds.
Male Ocicats weigh between 9 & 14 pounds and larger.

_C. COAT & COLOR_

+ Coat Textu 5 points
+ Color: 5 points
+ Contrast: 10 points
+ Eye Color: 5 points

The short, spotted coat lays flat against their bodies and shining
like satin over rippling muscles. An Ocicat radiates power and grace.

_D. PATTERN_

+ Pattern: 25 points

While the Ocicat is not the only spotted breed, it is distinctively
different in its spotting pattern. The Ocicat has thumbprint-shaped
spots in a bullseye pattern on the torso (from the classic tabby
pattern). In contrast, the Egyptian Mau's spots are randomly
scattered. Each hair has several bands of color and where these bands
fall together a thumbprint-shaped spot is formed.

__________________________________________________ _______________

II. BEHAVIOR

A. Temperament

The Ocicat looks wild and displays the characteristics of the wild
cats in the jungle, but the temperament of the Ocicat is that of a
true "pussy cat." It is a lot like a dog in that it is absolutely
devoted to its people. The Ocicat is not a demanding, clinging vine
type. An Ocicat owner often feels like they have a shadow following
behind them. These cats do not meet strangers, just new laps upon
which to sit. Lapts are not a requirement - many Ocicats will gladly
perch on your shoulders and "allow" you to carry them around the
house. They check out the possibilities for that new playmate too.
Their playful inclination coupled with an unmatched curiosity often
result in humorous and comical antics. We find that Ocicats are
extremely playful, but when playtime is over, they curl up on their
people's lap for an extended purring session.

B. Training

Ocicats are quite bright and easily trained. Many will fetch, walk on
a leash, respond to whistled commands and readily adapt to household
rules. Because of their adaptability, they are a joy to show in the
show ring. If accustomed early to traveling and being handled by
strangers, they look forward to road trips and conduct themselves in
the show ring with glee.

C. Adaptability/Sociability

Their adaptability also makes them ideal companion animals, whether
you are a stay-at-home or frequent traveler in search of a travel
companion. They are extremely people-oriented, living well with
children and people of all ages and types. They do not display an
aloof temperament and actually act more like a dog than a cat. Their
sociable nature may make them less suited than some other breeds to
being left alone for long periods on a regular basis, but it does make
them a good choice for a house hold already blessed with other cats
and dogs. In general, they get along well in groups and with
individuals of other breeds as long as their personalities and
energies do not conflict.

D. Intelligence

The intelligence of the Ocicat is also intriguing. There are times
when Ocies are fully capable of opening doors or cage latches, many
others who in a "dog-like" manner will fetch, and the interesting case
of an Ocicat who would sit and wave "bye-bye".

The Ocicat is also a consummate hunter, lion-like in repose but when a
possible prey is presented they are like lightning with their
attention. It is a full body, intense attention and they will leap
higher that you can imagine to catch whatever has their interest. A
few moments later, they sit or recline and you would not know they
have moved.

__________________________________________________ _______________

III. GENETICS/HISTORY

A. Origin

The origins of the Ocicat can be traced back to 1964, when Virginia
Daly of Berkeley, MI crossed a Seal Point Siamese and a Ruddy
Abyssinian, in hopes of developing an Aby-pointed Siamese. The first
generations of cats were phenotypically Abyssinian. A cross between
one of these females and a Siamese produced not only the Aby-pointed
Siamese, but also a spotted cat, Tonga, dubbed an "Ocicat" by
Virginia's daughter, due to its resemblance to its wild cousin, the
Ocelot. Tonga was neutered and sold as a pet. Subsequent breedings of
the sire, dam, and other Abyssinians and Siamese formed the foundation
of the Ocicat breeding program. American Shorthairs were eventually
added to introduce the silver color, placement of spots, and enhance
size and boning.

B. Breed Recognition

The Ocicat was promoted to provisional status in the Cat Fanciers
Association in 1986. At that time, the registry was closed to Siamese
and American Shorthair outcrosses, although the use of Abyssinians is
allowed until 2005. The Ocicat reached championship competition status
in both CFA and TICA for the 1987 show season. The breed is recognized
in all other registries as well.

C. Health/Longevity

1. Health

To the best of our knowledge, there are no genetic problems
specifically associated with the Ocicat. The decision to allow the use
of Abyssininan outcrosses until 2005 will allow the creation of new
Ocicat bloodlines, with the intent on keeping the gene pool diverse
enough to prevent genetic defects from arising. Of course, responsible
breeding is the key to producing healthy, robust cats. We strongly
recommend that prospective buyers check out breeders and pedigrees
before purchasing an Ocicat, or any purebred animal.

2. Longevity

Ocicats have known to live as long as 18 years of age.

__________________________________________________ _______________

IV. OCICAT CLUBS

There are currently two Ocicat clubs. They a Ocicats International
and Ocicats of North America. For more information regarding these
clubs send your request to the address at the beginning of this
article.

__________________________________________________ _______________

V. COLOR CLASSES

Ocicats currently have twelve colors recognized for show competition.
The colors are broken down into the following Color Classes for
competition:

_A. Tawny Class _
Tawny: Black or brown spotting on a ruddy or bronze agouti
ground. The nose leather is brick red rimmed with black and the
paw pads are black or seal brown.

CH Rabeau's Buddy Boy (Tawny Spotted Male)

_B. Chocolate Class_
Chocolate: Chocolate spotting on a warm ivory agouti ground.
The nose leather is pink rimmed with chocolate and the paw pads
are chocolate pink.

GRC,RW Shamizod's Rusty Nail of Rabeau (Chocolate Spotted Male)

***
The color chocolate is one of the popular colors of the Ocicat
and probably the most misunderstood. This color has a very wide
range. On one end of the scale chocolate is referred to by
breeders and exhibitors as "HOT." On the other end it is
referred to as "COOL" or "COLD." There are many shades of
chocolate such as: milk, bittersweet, and dark.

Hot Chocolate refers to warm russet tones in the background
color of the coat with chocolate spotting. The russet tones are
also called rufous because of the rust color. The rust color is
considered warm or hot by breeders and exhibitors.

Cool Chocolate refers to the background color, which is more
oatmeal ivory color with chocolate spotting. With the lack of
rust in the background, the background is a more cool color.

***

_C. Cinnamon Class:_
Cinnamon: Cinnamon spotting on a warm ivory agouti ground. The
nose leather is pink rimmed with cinnamon and the paw pads are
pink or rose.

GRC Lovedots Bit O Honey of Rabeau & CH Lovedots Spice of
Rabeau (Cinnamon Spotted Females)

_D. Dilute Class_

1. Blue: Blue spotting on a pale blue or buff agouti ground. The
nose leather is blue rimmed with dark blue and the paw pads
are blue.
CH Rabeau's Blu Mist of Wyldots (Blue Spotted Female)
2. Fawn: Fawn spotting on a pale ivory agouti ground. The nose
leather is pink rimmed in fawn and the paw pads are pink.
3. Lavender: Lavender spotting on a pale buff or ivory agouti
ground. The nose leather is pink rimmed with dark lavender
and the paw pads are lavender-pink.

_E. Silver Class_

1. Silver: Black spotting on a pale silver/white agouti ground.
The nose leather is brick red rimmed with black and the paw
pads are black.
CH Rabeau's Tiffany (Silver Spotted Female)
2. Chocolate Silver: Chocolate spotting on a white agouti
ground. The nose leather is pink rimmed with chocolate and
the paw pads are chocolate pink.
GRC Rabeau's Sparkling Krystal (Chocolate Silver Female)
3. Cinnamon Silver: Cinnamon spotting on a white agouti ground.
The nose leather is pink rimmed with cinnamon and the paw
pads are pink or rose.
4. Blue Silver: Blue spotting on a white agouti ground. The nose
leather is blue rimmed with dark blue and the paw pads are
blue.
5. Fawn Silver: Fawn spotting on a white agouti ground. The nose
leather is pink rimmed in fawn and the paw pads are pink.
6. Lavender Silver: Lavender spotting on a white agouti ground.
The nose leather is pink rimmed with dark lavender and the
paw pads are lavender pink.

_F. A.O.V. (Any Other Variety) Class_
Solids/Smokes (Very faint spotting), Classic/Mackerel Tabbies
(American Shorthair markings).

__________________________________________________ _______________

VI. COMPETITION/STANDARD

A. Quality Levels
As in all registered breeds of Cats, the Ocicat is available in
different levels: Pet, Breeder, and Show.

1. Pet
A Pet quality Ocicat may be one of solid color, classic or
mackerel tabby markings, blue eyed type, smoke with a ghost
pattern, or a spotted with serious flaws in pattern or
conformation.
2. Breeder
A Breeder quality ocicat is one that displays excellent
conformation or other qualities, but would be disqualified
from the show ring by virtue of non-standard pattern (i.e.
classic tabbies or solids), or markings (i.e. barring on the
torso).
3. Show
A Show quality Ocicat closely resembles the written standard
in type and pattern.

For a copy of the complete breed standard, contact CFA.

__________________________________________________ _______________

We hope that this article about the Ocicat is helpful to all who read
it. If there is anything we can do for you, please contact us at the
numbers above.

__________________________________________________ _______________

Ocicat FAQ
Michael & Laura Raybaud,
Last updated 4/11/95