The Ocicat Classic

The Ocicat Classic (or Classic Ocicat) is a full pedigree Ocicat but exhibits the stunning classic coat pattern rather than being spotted. These cats differ solely in the pattern; type, temperament and possible colours will be identical to the spotted Ocicat. Having the same athletic prowess, the classic pattern offers an alternative 'wild' look, while still providing the wonderful temperament, friendliness and intelligence that the Ocicat is renowned for.

The Abyssinian and the Siamese were the two foundation breeds used to develop the beautiful spotted Ocicat, but when the breed was recognised in America, the American Shorthair breed (ASH) was allowed to be used in the further development of the Ocicat. The American Shorthair added substance and size to the Ocicat, as well as introducing the silver gene and the classic pattern. This varied genetic mix has made the Ocicat what it is today. The classic pattern can be truly magnificent, being adorned with striking whorls and oyster markings (also commonly known as bulls eye pattern or blotched classic pattern).

The classic pattern on the Ocicat results in a very striking cat indeed. The Ocicat has both the build and coat texture to show the pattern extremely well. The individual hairs are banded (agouti), and it is how the banding lies together that forms the pattern you see. Ideally the pattern is symmetrical on both sides of the cat. There should be oyster marks or blotches on the flanks and a butterfly shape on the shoulders. The contrast should be as clear and crisp as possible to make the pattern truly outstanding. They should have the same tabby facial markings as the spotted Ocicat, with the tabby 'M' frown markings above the eyes. The Classic pattern can occur in all of the 12 beautiful Ocicat colours.

The Classic pattern has been valued around the world in breeding programs, as it is believed that carrying just one classic gene can improve the pattern and definition in any spotted Ocicat. As the gene for the classic pattern has been integral to the Ocicat since the breed’s origins, it is commonly held that if this gene is carried it can influence the spotting pattern, giving a 'whorled' pattern of spots around a central spot, resulting in a good clear 'bulls eye' of spots on the flank.

The classic pattern has already been granted recognition in New Zealand under the names Classicat and Jungala. They have been recognised as a new breed rather than a new pattern, to allow the Ocicat to retain its spotted status. The breeding policy permits the breeding of Classicats or Jungalas with the Ocicat, from which you could expect a mixture of classic and spotted kittens, the kittens are then registered to the breed appropriate for their pattern.

Although the Ocicat Classics can be registered and used in breeding programs in the UK, we have yet to achieve the official recognition for the breed as exists in New Zealand. Several UK breeders are now working together with the hope of gaining recognition for these beautiful cats as a breed in their own right. We very much hope to see them on the show bench in the near future.

The Ocicat Classic as a New Breed

During 2008 an application for New Breed Status was submitted to the GCCF.  This application requested that the Classic patterned Ocicats were recognised as a New Breed under the name Ocicat Classic*.  Prior to this a seminar was held to officially present the Ocicat Classic, they were very well received and interest was high among breeders and judges alike. The name of Ocicat Classic has been granted by GCCF, along with the Breed Number of 73 41.  The granting of a breed name and breed number does not mean that the breed will automatically be accepted, but does give a name and number with which to register any kittens fitting the description of an Ocicat Classic.  Any cat registered as an Ocicat Classic under the new breed number will be able to be shown in competition for Merit Certificates if approval is granted.

The application has to go through several stages of approval with GCCF before the Ocicat Classic becomes officially recognised, it has currently passed the initial stage. This means we are at a very exciting juncture, hopeful that final approval will be granted later this year!

*The application for 'New breed' status for the Ocicat Classic means the status of the Ocicat is unaffected. The Ocicat is a spotted breed by definition, and will remain so!

Sneak Peek!

We are very proud and excited to announce our new Ocicat Classic Stud boy 'Neo'!

His name is S*Marble & Silk´s N. Tiramisú (the N. is for Neo), he is a Tawny Ocicat Classic, who will be arriving in the UK this Winter from Sweden.  We are very grateful to his breeder Pernilla for entrusting us with one of her much loved babies.  Pernilla has been very supportive of the recognition being sought for the Ocicat Classic in the UK, and we are sure her boy will make her proud!  We hope he will play his part in the foundation of the Ocicat Classic, allowing us to provide a broader genetic base on which to establish our own breeding program.

Thank you to Pernilla for these lovely pictures.

Left: Will he ever grow into those HUGE paws!?             Right:  Maturing and developing a really wild look

He is just 6 months old here and clearly still has a lot of growing to do, as his paws are still too big for him!