Ocicat Pros & Cons: 9 Things To Consider Before Bringing One Home
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Ocicats are not a very common breed. In fact, finding a breeder can be downright difficult. However, if you are lucky enough to live close to a breeder (or determined enough to travel to one), that doesn’t necessarily mean that you should absolutely purchase one. While these cats have very unique coats and are very energetic, they can also be a lot of work.
We’ll review the pros and cons below. It’s important to have a complete view of any breed before you adopt a kitten.
The 5 Ocicat Pros
1. Unique Appearance
One of the biggest “benefits” of this breed is their unique coloration. Many people are drawn to Ocicats because they look rather wild despite having no wild DNA in their bloodline. They’re spotted and come in a wide range of colors, including the common brown to more rare colors like “lavender.” Their unique appearance makes them stand out from other breeds and draws in new cat owners.
2. Energetic
If you’re looking for a playful, interactive cat, an Ocicat may be a great option. These felines love to play with their humans and do well in large, active families. They even do well with children, especially children who are open to playing with them.
While these cats do cuddle, they spend much of their time running around. For some cat owners, this is exactly what they’re looking for.
3. Intelligent
Ocicats are one of the smarter cat breeds, especially when it comes to trainability. While every cat breed is trainable to some extent, Ocicats rival some dogs in their trainability. They are quick learners and decently obedient. You can train them to walk on a leash, and they can easily master the basic commands like “sit” and “stay.”
They enjoy the mental stimulation that training provides, so we recommend training them regularly.
4. Social
Ocicats tend to be very social and socialized properly. They can adapt well to many living situations, including larger homes and even apartments. They get along with other cats, children, and dogs. That said, they do have a high prey drive, so we don’t recommend keeping them with small pets like rabbits.
Of course, Ocicats are still cats. They tend to be independent to some extent, though many do not like being left alone for hours at a time.
5. Low-Maintenance
While these cats do need a lot of exercise, they require no grooming. Some owners do give them a quick brush once a week to control shedding, but these felines don’t necessarily need it. Like most cats, they also don’t need baths.
Their short coats do a good job of keeping them pretty clean.
The 4 Ocicat Cons
6. High Energy
While their energetic nature is a boon for some cat owners, it can be too intense for others. These cats can be fun for more active families, but those who want to cuddle may find them frustrating. You’ll also need to plan on regular playtime to keep these cats from being hyperactive and destructive. If you’re very busy or just don’t find playtime enjoyable, this can be challenging.
Out of all cat breeds, Ocicats can be the most destructive due to their high energy. When properly controlled through exercise, they shouldn’t be destructive, though. It’s very easy to let things go, however, which can lead to your cat literally climbing your curtains.
7. Climbing Instincts
Ocicats are known for their love of climbing, which also comes from their energetic nature. They’ll get on top of your cabinets and scale your bookcases. They tend to get into things more than other cats, and you may have a hard time placing things high enough to keep them away.
If you decide to adopt this breed, plan on cat-proofing your whole house from the ceiling to the floor.
8. Vocal
Ocicats can be pretty loud. They are part Siamese, which is known for being one of the loudest cat breeds. They tend to follow their humans around the house and meow. In some cases, they may even lay around and “talk” to themselves. If you want a quieter pet, this cat breed isn’t for you.
Some owners do find this talkative nature endearing, but many also find it annoying.
9. Separation Anxiety
Ocicats form very strong bonds with their owners, which comes from their more social nature. While many owners get joy from this relationship, it can also lead to separation anxiety. If you don’t teach these cats how to be alone, they may become very anxious when left alone. This can lead to excessive meowing and destructive behaviors.
We recommend investing in plenty of interactive toys to keep these cats busy while you’re gone. Having stuff to play with can help lessen a cat’s anxiety. You should also play with your cat plenty before you leave. These felines tend to be pretty high-strung, so wearing them out before you walk out the door can help combat anxiety.
Of course, they also need lots of practice being alone from a young age. Don’t stay with your kitten 24/7, even if they do seem small and needy.
Final Thoughts
Ocicats can be great companions—for the right person. Some find these traits endearing, but others may find them downright annoying. For instance, if you want a more active cat, you may love how playful an Ocicat is. If you want to spend much of your day cuddling, you should avoid this breed. Most pros and cons are simply different sides of the same coin.
Sadly, these cats are often adopted solely due to their appearance. However, it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into before you adopt any kitten, especially one that is as unique as the Ocicat.
Featured Image Credit: Vicky Gosselin, Shutterstock
