Ocicat vs Abyssinian
The Abyssinian is one of the Ocicat’s ancestors, so they share the ticked colouring and active nature. The Ocicat adds spots and a bigger body.
Side by side
| Ocicat | Abyssinian | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Michigan, USA | Disputed: genetic studies point to the Indian Ocean coast and South-East Asia |
| Size | Medium to large | Medium, slim |
| Weight | Usually 3.5 to 7 kg | Usually 3 to 5 kg |
| Lifespan | Often 12 to 18 years | Usually 12 to 15 years |
| Coat | Short, satiny and spotted | Short, fine and silky, with “ticking”: each hair has several dark and light bands |
| Energy | 4 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
| Affection | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| Chattiness | 3 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 |
| Grooming needed | 1 out of 5 | 1 out of 5 |
| Good with children | 5 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
| Good with other pets | 5 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
Scores are our own rough guide. Every cat is different.
The main differences
- Pattern: the Ocicat has thumbprint spots over a ticked coat, and the Abyssinian is ticked with no spots.
- Size: the Ocicat is bigger and more muscular.
- Personality: both are active and clever, and the Ocicat is more dog-like and outgoing.
- Health: both can inherit PK-def and PRA, so ask about testing.
Choose a Ocicat if
- You want an outgoing, sociable cat
Choose a Abyssinian if
- You want a slimmer, busy, ticked cat
Our verdict
Both need play, climbing and company. Choose the Ocicat for the spots and the sociable nature, and the Abyssinian for the slimmer, ticked look.
Read the full guides: Ocicat and Abyssinian. Or see more cat breeds. This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice.
Questions people ask
Is an Ocicat related to the Abyssinian?
Yes. Abyssinians were used in the Ocicat’s development.
Which is bigger?
The Ocicat.
