About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 33-41 cm

Height range  : 23-28cm

Weight range : 2.7-6.8kg

Coat : Short|smooth|satiny|tight close-lying spotted coat

Life expectancy years : 10-18

Colors: Tawny|Chocolate|Cinnamon|Blue|Lavender|Fawn|Ebony Silver|Chocolate Silver|Cinnamon Silver|Blue Silver|Lavender Silver|Fawn Silver.

Activitity Level : High

Origin: United States

Similar Breeds : Abyssinian|Siamese|American Shorthair|Bengal|Savannah|Toyger

 

History

The breed began in 1964 when breeders crossing Abyssinian and Siamese cats produced a spotted kitten named Tonga. American Shorthair was later added to broaden the gene pool and add boning , substance and silver. CFA accepted the breed for registration in 1966 and advanced it to championship status in 1987.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

Playful

Personality

confident|outgoing|social|intelligent|active|devoted|friendly|playful|people-oriented

Needs

Needs high-level enrichment , simulated hunting games , interactive play , climbing and space. Training , puzzle feeders and regular companionship are important because this breed may become unhappy if left alone for long periods.

Social Needs

Very social and people-oriented , often devoted to owners , usually outgoing with visitors and may do well with other pets or busy households if companionship is available.

Grooming 

Minimal grooming is needed. A weekly brush or comb may be enough and some owners simply use a rubber brush or chamois to remove loose hair and add luster. Teeth and nails still need regular attention.

Nutrition

Commercially prepared cat food can work well and fresh water should always be available. Some guidance suggests wet food at least once daily and feeding to maintain ideal body condition. Puzzle feeding and enrichment-based feeding may suit this active breed.

 

Breed Standard

Breed standard describes a medium to large well-spotted agouti cat of moderate type with an athletic , muscular , solid yet graceful body. The head is a modified wedge with a broad well-defined muzzle , large almond eyes , moderately large ears , fairly long tail with dark tip and a short sleek satiny coat showing thumbprint-shaped spots with strong contrast.

Did you know?

The first Ocicat was an accidental 1964 kitten named Tonga whose ocelot-like look inspired the name. Despite the wild appearance the breed has no wild ancestry and is entirely domestic.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Pyruvate kinase deficiency , Progressive retinal atrophy , Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy , Renal amyloidosis , Dental disease

 

Symptoms

1. Lethargy , weakness , exercise intolerance , pale gums , jaundice and enlarged abdomen may occur

1. Night blindness , bumping into things in low light , dilated pupils , overly reflective eyes , cautious movement and progressive vision loss may occur

1. Early stages may show no signs
2. Lethargy , decreased appetite , rapid or open-mouthed breathing , collapse , hind leg paralysis or lameness from blood clots may occur

1. Excessive thirst and urination , weight loss , poor coat , lethargy , loss of appetite , vomiting and chemical-smelling breath may occur

1. Halitosis , excessive salivation , blood in saliva , pain on chewing , difficulty eating , loose teeth and weight loss may occur

Onset of symptoms

 

Pyruvate kinase deficiency

1. Genetic defect is present from birth
2. Intermittent signs may appear in young adults around 2-3 years though some cats may be older before crisis occurs

Probability Of Onset:

1. Low in lines from responsible breeders with DNA testing
2. The supplied text indicates a 25% risk if two carriers are bred

Progressive retinal atrophy

1. It is described as late onset and vision loss may become noticeable at 3-6 years

Probability Of Onset:

1. Low in lines from responsible breeders with DNA testing
2. High if two recessive copies are inherited

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

1. Predisposition is present from birth but clinical signs often appear in adulthood or middle age around 3-8 years

Probability Of Onset:

1. Moderate because HCM is common in cats and the breed has elevated inherited risk from parent lines

Renal amyloidosis

1. It may cause kidney failure in young cats around 1-5 years

Probability Of Onset:

1. Low to moderate because it is a known Abyssinian-line risk but not common and inheritance is complex

Dental disease

1. Mild gingivitis may begin at 1-2 years and many cats over 2-3 years may have disease needing intervention

Probability Of Onset:

1. Very high because the great majority of cats over the age of 3 years may warrant intervention

Reasons

Pyruvate kinase deficiency       

1. This is a genetic enzyme deficiency and not a nutritional lack though iron and B-vitamins are relevant to red blood cell formation

 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:

1. Cause is mainly genetic but taurine , L-Carnitine and Coenzyme Q10 are noted as heart-support nutrients

 

Pyruvate kinase deficiency       

1. This is a genetic enzyme deficiency and not a nutritional lack though iron and B-vitamins are relevant to red blood cell formation

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:

1. Cause is mainly genetic but taurine , L-Carnitine and Coenzyme Q10 are noted as heart-support nutrients

 

Progressive retinal atrophy

 1. This is genetic and not caused by a deficiency though antioxidants support general eye health

Renal amyloidosis

1. This is a protein-folding disease and not a deficiency though phosphorus , sodium and protein control become relevant in kidney management

Dental disease

  1. 1. This is not a chemical deficiency and plaque accumulation from insufficient oral hygiene is the main issue

Normally Treament Methods

Pyruvate kinase deficiency:

  1. 1. Genetic testing of breeding cats may reduce risk
    2. Supportive care , stress reduction , transfusion in severe crisis and splenectomy in some chronic cases may be used

 

Progressive retinal atrophy:

  1. 1. Genetic testing of breeding cats may reduce risk
    2. Indoor living , stable home layout and sound cues may help affected cats adapt

 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

  1. 1. Early stages may not require treatment for years
    2. Echocardiography and monitoring may help
    3. Clopidogrel , furosemide , ACE-inhibitors , pimobendan , hospitalization and drainage of pleural effusion may be used in some cases

 

Renal amyloidosis:

  1. 1. There is no cure
    2. Management may follow chronic kidney disease care with renal diet , fluid therapy and medications for phosphorus , appetite or blood pressure

 

Dental disease:

  1. 1. Periodontal therapy under general anaesthesia , scale and polish , root surface debridement , possible extraction and home oral care may be used. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Pyruvate kinase deficiency :

  • 1. No supplement can, might cure the disease
    2. B-vitamin complex can, might be helpful for red blood cell support in diagnosed cats
    3. Iron can, might be helpful for red blood cell support in diagnosed cats
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Progressive retinal atrophy

  • 1. Vitamin A can, might be helpful for general retinal support only under veterinary guidance
    2. Vitamin E can, might be helpful for antioxidant support
    3. Lutein can, might be helpful for general retinal support
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Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

  • 1. Omega-3 fatty acids can, might be helpful for heart support
    2. Coenzyme Q10 can, might be helpful for heart muscle energy support
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Renal amyloidosis

  • 1. Omega-3 fatty acids can, might be helpful for kidney inflammation support
    2. Renal probiotics can, might be helpful for waste product management
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Dental disease

  • 1. No specific supplement was identified in the supplied periodontal disease text
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