Longevity
Life expectancy
With an appropriate diet, good lifestyle hygiene and regular veterinary follow-up, the Ocicat can live a long time and maintain great vitality. Its life expectancy varies depending on bloodlines, lifestyle and the prevention put in place from the earliest age.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
It is a toned and generally hardy cat, with good musculature and an active temperament. Its robustness nevertheless depends on the quality of the selection, the prevention of hereditary diseases known in certain lines, and the maintenance of a stable body weight.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Even if the breed is not among the most fragile, it is advisable to remain attentive to hereditary conditions sometimes mentioned in its founding lines. Choosing a breeder who is transparent about tests and the health status of the parents plays an important role.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Cardiac monitoring may be useful in certain lines, as this condition exists in several related breeds.
Pyruvate kinase deficiency: This hereditary abnormality can lead to anemia and supports the use of tested breeding cats in the lines concerned.
Progressive retinal atrophy: Certain lines may be affected by this hereditary eye condition that progressively impairs vision.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Thanks to its short coat, the Ocicat lives well indoors in a temperate environment but tolerates very cold conditions or prolonged exposure to humidity less well. In hot periods, access to water, to cool areas and to quiet rest times remains essential.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
As the Ocicat is active but greedy in some individuals, portion control and regular physical activity help prevent weight gain. Daily play and a stimulating environment are useful for maintaining its body condition.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Plan for at least an annual veterinary check-up.
- Monitor weight and body condition throughout the year.
- Check the origin of the breeding cats and the health tests carried out.
Vaccination
Ocicat vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Ocicat need? Like all cats, Ocicats should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. Kittens receive their initial Ocicat vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if they live indoors. Depending on their lifestyle (outdoor access, living with other cats, shows, travel), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Depending on lifestyle Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisDepending on lifestyle Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Ocicat booster shots are given annually for feline herpesvirus and feline leukemia if your cat goes outdoors. For feline panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your cat's lifestyle.
Which boosters does your Ocicat need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Ocicat
An annual veterinary check-up, supplemented depending on the lines by cardiac monitoring and by verification of the tests recommended by the breeder, helps to better oversee the health of this cat. It is also useful to monitor the teeth, weight and coat quality over time.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
