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Cat breed · Shorthair

Ocicat

Looks like a small wild ocelot but is entirely domestic — Abyssinian, Siamese and American Shorthair ancestry. Confident, sociable and fetch-loving.

Medium12–18 yearsUnited StatesCan suit apartments
Shorthaired domestic cat sitting on a cream armchair

Representative breed photography. Appearance varies within every breed.

Breed characteristics

Group
Shorthair
Origin
United States
Size
Medium
Weight
3–6.5 kg
Height
25–30 cm
Lifespan
12–18 years
Coat
Short, spotted 'wild cat' coat in twelve colours
Temperament
OutgoingDog-likeAthleticSocial

History

Created accidentally in 1964 Michigan when an Abyssinian-pointed Siamese cross produced a spotted kitten.

Appearance

Athletic, muscular cat with thumbprint-shaped spots, a long tail and large ears.

Exercise and activity

High; needs climbing trees, interactive play and ideally a companion.

Care and grooming

Easy short coat; the real work is meeting its social and activity needs.

Health considerations

  • Generally healthy
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (screen)
  • Periodontal disease

Honest challenges

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