The content of the article
Cats of the Ocicat breed appeared not so long ago, but the story of appearance is rich in facts and events. The cat has a spotted color and in appearance bears a close resemblance to the ocelot. This circumstance explains its name.
Ocicats saw the light by crossing three breeds. Siamese cat crossed with an Abyssinian representative and a short-haired American.
The history of the breed
Occurrence of ociktov was absolutely not casual. The Siamese and Abyssino-Siamese cats were crossed specially. Pursued the goal of obtaining a spotted breed. Litter for the first time contained clean Abyssinian cats. During the second litter a spotted kitten appeared. He received the name Tonga, and the breeder's daughter christened him “Ocicat”. Therefore, despite the exotic character of the name, the United States is still the birthplace of the breed.This kitten was not left for itself, but was sold after preliminary castration.
Modern Ocicats have ancestors, representatives of which are represented by kittens in the third litter. With them, and began a social program that provides activities related to the breeding of ociket. A large number of breeders took part in its implementation.
Later the breed was complemented by an American Shorthair representative. In addition, a silver color was obtained. In addition, the bone became larger. The breed received registration only in 1987. At this time, the championship exhibition was held. After that, the breed received general recognition.
Breed description
A person poorly versed in feline representatives often confuses the ocicles and the usual spotty yard cat. But this is not the same thing. Ocicat - pedigreed cat, with the content of all the characteristic features. A detailed description of the appearance is characterized by the following features:
- The head has a rounded shape, somewhat close to the shape of the triangle. There is a powerful chin, and the head itself is devoid of sharpening.The muzzle most likely resembles a square and is somewhat elongated when viewed in profile. Such cats have a muscular graceful neck.
- The ears are large, sometimes with brush on the ends. The angle of the ears is 45 degrees. The ears are arranged in such a way that one gets the impression that the cat is constantly on guard with something.
- The eyes are almond-shaped. Landing them wide with the presence of some raskososti. The color palette is the most varied. Color is not always combined with color. But a cat with blue eyes is considered a clear deviation from standard characteristics.
- The Ocicat has a powerful muscular body with an athletic build, with a slight elevation of the back line in relation to the tail.
- Cats of the Ocicat breed are distinguished by the presence of long muscular paws having an oval shape.
- The breed is characterized by a thin long tail, which completes the dark narrowed tip.
- The coat has a silky shiny look. Wool fleeces are short and thin, and the surface of the body itself is marked by the presence of round or oval-shaped spots.
The breed is of medium size, although sometimes it gives the impression of a powerful species.The mass of cats is somewhat higher and sometimes reaches 6 kg. Cats have a more modest weight, which rarely exceeds 3-4 kg.
Color
The main highlight of acyctes lies specifically in color. That it distinguishes them from representatives of other breeds. The main difference is ticked hairs. Differently, the color of each hair has different shades. This is how a spotted pattern is formed. Hairy, having bright tips, get a circular arrangement with respect to the dark patches.
On the forehead of this ocicat is marked the location of the figure, which looks like the outlines of the letter "M". Spots on the head are located in the form of ripples, and in relation to the spine is built a number of them.
12 colors are recognized as a standard. In addition, there is also an internal division into 8 classes. Addition is another 6 colors, where there is a silver tint. The standard allows for a white color in the eye area - where the nostrils are located, in the area of the chin and neck.
Character
Otsiki cats appreciate communication with a person. The cat is ready to constantly go after the owner on the heels, but it will not disturb him at all. Loneliness is transferred by them very hard and painful.This, by the way, is typical of most breeds artificially bred by man. If the owner does not have enough time to pay attention to cats, it is better not to start this breed at all. It will not work for those who, even at home all day, but rarely get up from the sofa. Breed differs mischievous character and requires playing with them.
Quite easily, the Ocicat can be taught to simple everyday habits. She can learn to open the door and even, like a dog, bring a slipper to her master in her teeth. Not bad undergo training for various tricks. To carry out safe walks it is quite possible to accustom him to the leash.
Cats purr well. They do it not just like that, but in case of any need. They do this to attract attention, to express displeasure, or to express a request. They learned how to do it from their ancestors.
If the cat wants to ask for something, she literally looks into the owner's eyes. The four-legged pet is perfectly adapted to the conditions of being close to a person. He remembers his name very well and very quickly.
Fact! Ocicat - lover of solving various puzzles.He will surely climb to where he is not supposed to be, open the door that was closed from him.
The need for communication is characteristic of all ocicats. But he does not tolerate tenderness at that moment when he has completely different plans. He really, if he needs a caress, he literally will not get rid of the owner.
He is equally friendly with both children and old people. To the elderly, he will play the role of an indispensable listener and interlocutor, and for children he will become an excellent companion in a perky game.
You should always remember that the Ocicat is a strong animal. He will not tolerate anything that is related to liberty and familiarity, and on occasion is able to protect himself.
Living character in combination with a playful disposition require the presence of a sufficiently large space in the home.
Health
Ocicat is different, in general, excellent health and endurance. But unfortunately, one cannot escape from heredity. They are characterized by the same diseases that are characteristic of the breeds that were crossed when receiving the breed. Cats are prone to the development of renal amyloidosis and pyruvate kinase deficiency, as a result of which anemia develops. The Siamese line also left its mark on the occurrence of hereditary diseases.In this regard, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is dangerous. The death from this comes unexpectedly and, as a rule, in young cats.
In cats of this breed there is a risk of periodontal disease and the formation of plaque. To prevent this phenomenon, it is recommended to regularly use special toothpastes. You must select a special miniature toothbrush. If for some reason it is not possible to carry out this procedure at home, feel free to go to the vet. It will help solve any thematic problem.
All this does not mean that such cats must be sick. There is simply a certain predisposition to the occurrence of diseases, and it is slightly higher than that of cats of other breeds. The average life expectancy of an Ocict is 16 years. However, long-livers can mark their 19th birthday, and some even more.
Care
Care of the breed is not fraught with severe difficulties.
- Due to the fact that they have no undercoat, they fade not too intensively. Sometimes it is necessary to use only a rubber brush. It is impossible to apply designs from various metals.
- Bathe ocict need when this is necessary. There are no general recommendations for the selection of shampoo for swimming. It is chosen strictly individually. If the cat is prepared for the exhibition, 2-3 days before it should be washed. After bathing, the animal is dried with a bath towel. After the water treatment, the cat should stay in a warm room for some time. When it is completely dry, it must be combed.
Nutrition
The food is no different from those used to feed other cats. Some kind of special diet is not required. It is quite enough if a balanced feed is used for food.
Breeding
The challenge is to raise a balanced calm kitten. To do this, from early childhood, they are accustomed to various extraneous sounds. The same must be done if the plans include participation in exhibitions. In addition, you also need to introduce them to other cats. It is important from early childhood to teach them to the proximity of man. To do this, they must often take on their hands, surrounded by care and affection.
Price
Along with uniqueness, it is also a rather rare breed. A kitten of an Ocicat will cost the buyer approximately 30,000 rubles. Some manage to buy such kittens and much cheaper. But low prices always force the guard and doubt the animal's pure blood.
Video: Ocicat cat breed
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