Although they have a similar pattern to the Egyptian Mau, the Ocicat is a hybrid developed in the United States in the early  1960's, from Siamese, Abyssinian and American Shorthair breeds.  It contains no wild blood!

It resembles the long-extinct Egyptian spotted fishing cat in the markings of thumbprint-shaped spots scattered across sides, shoulders and hindquarters.  A rather large breed, the Ocicat has a well-knit, muscular body and a short, shiny coat.  The large alert cars, slightly slanted almond eyes and a strong, square muzzle complete the picture of a cat that looks as if it would be more at home in a Tarzan movie than in your living room.

The Ocicat comes in a variety of colours, with darker spots on a lighter background.  Each hair, except those on the tip of the tail, has several bands of colour.  When these bands fall together, a thumbprint-shaped spot is created.

A very active cat, the Ocicat has retained the intelligent, people-oriented personality of its Siamese ancestors.  They are gentle, sensitive animals, who are very responsive to their owners and adapt well to most environments.  These sociable cats tolerate other cats and dogs.