Ocicat vs Oriental Short Hair

Which cat breed is right for you?

Ocicat

Size
6–15 lbs
Lifespan
12–18 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Social Playful Confident Athletic

Oriental Short Hair

Size
5–10 lbs
Lifespan
12–15 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Vocal Social Playful Intelligent

About the Ocicat

The Ocicat was created entirely by accident in 1964 when a Michigan breeder crossed Siamese and Abyssinian cats, producing a spotted kitten that resembled a wild ocelot. Despite its exotic appearance, the Ocicat has no wild blood whatsoever. This muscular, athletic cat weighs 6–15 pounds and boasts a short, satiny coat covered in distinctive thumb-shaped spots arranged in a classic bull's-eye pattern, available in twelve recognized colors from tawny to lavender silver.

Temperament & Personality

Ocicats are exceptionally social, dog-like cats that greet visitors at the door, play fetch, and can be trained to walk on a leash. They are highly intelligent and demand interaction — this is not a breed that does well left alone for long hours. Their confident, outgoing nature makes them wonderful companions for active families with children and other pets.

Pros

  • Wild, exotic appearance without any wild cat bloodlines
  • Highly trainable — responds to commands, learns tricks, walks on a leash
  • Short coat requires minimal grooming
  • Confident and social with strangers, children, and other animals

Cons

  • Extremely high need for attention and stimulation — may develop destructive behaviors if bored
  • Very vocal and demanding when they want interaction
  • Not suited for owners who are away from home frequently
  • Strong prey drive — may not coexist well with small pocket pets

Want a wild look with a domestic heart? Find Ocicat cats seeking loving homes on Puplister now.

About the Oriental Short Hair

The Oriental Shorthair emerged in the 1950s and 1960s when British breeders crossed Siamese cats with Russian Blues, British Shorthairs, and Abyssinians to create a Siamese-type cat in a rainbow of non-pointed colors. Sleek and angular at 6–12 pounds, this breed has a wedge-shaped head, strikingly large ears, vivid green eyes (or blue in white coats), and a short, fine, glossy coat in over 300 color-and-pattern combinations — more than any other cat breed.

Temperament & Personality

Oriental Shorthairs are among the most extroverted and opinionated cats in existence — they will tell you exactly what they think in a loud, distinctive voice. Fiercely loyal, they bond tightly to their humans and follow them everywhere, including into the shower. They are athletic, curious, and endlessly entertaining, making them ideal for active households with children and other social pets.

Pros

  • Incredible coat variety — virtually every color and pattern available
  • Minimal grooming needs thanks to the short, close-lying coat
  • Highly intelligent and trainable — enjoys puzzle feeders and learning tricks
  • Deeply loyal and affectionate with family members

Cons

  • One of the most vocal cat breeds — constant meowing can be overwhelming
  • Severe separation anxiety when left alone — does best with a companion cat
  • Prone to dental issues, heart disease, and amyloidosis
  • Demands constant attention and can become destructive if under-stimulated

Think you can keep up with this talkative, spirited feline? Search for Oriental Shorthair cats on Puplister and meet your new best friend.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Ocicat and a Oriental Short Hair?
The Ocicat is 6–15 lbs sized while the Oriental Short Hair is 5–10 lbs sized. They differ in size (6–15 lbs vs 5–10 lbs), lifespan (12–18 years vs 12–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Ocicat or Oriental Short Hair?
Ocicat is generally good with kids. Oriental Short Hair is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Ocicat or Oriental Short Hair?
The Ocicat has a lifespan of 12–18 years while the Oriental Short Hair has a lifespan of 12–15 years.

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