Bengal cats and Ocicats are two popular breeds of domestic cat that are known for their striking appearances and friendly personalities. While they share some similarities, there are also some key differences between the two breeds.
In this article I’m going to walk you through the key differences between a Bengal cat and an Ocicat.
Because of the exotic nature of the two breeds, prospective owners might see them as “interchangeable” options, so I wanted to write a short piece on the differences and similarities of the breeds.
Please note I’ve never had an Ocicat as a pet, so I’m speaking from research/feedback here and not personal experience.
About The Bengal Cat
Bengal cats are a breed that was developed by crossing Asian Leopard Cats with domestic cats. The article at the following link provides more information on the history of the Bengal cat.
They are known for their distinctive coat, which resembles the fur of a leopard or ocelot. You can learn more here about the various different Bengal cat colors and coat patterns.
Bengal cats are typically larger than most other domestic cats, with a strong and athletic build. They are also known for their playful and energetic personalities, and are often used in breeding programs to create exotic-looking cats.
There is plenty more information on this website about the Bengal cat, so take the time to browse around and check out the various articles I’ve added over the past couple of years of running this website as a hobby.
About The Ocicat
Ocicats, on the other hand, are a relatively new breed that was developed in the 1960s through a breeding program that involved crossing Siamese cats with Abyssinian cats.
They are known for their coat, which resembles the fur of an ocelot, as well as their friendly and affectionate personalities.
Ocicats are generally smaller than Bengal cats, and have a more domestic appearance.
They are often described as being a good choice for families with children, due to their social and outgoing nature.
Ocicats are also frequently described as being the “dogs of the cat world”, being capable of training to do stereotypically canine things like fetching objects.
Bengal Cat & Ocicat Differences
One of the main differences between Bengal cats and Ocicats is their ancestry. Bengal cats are bred from Asian Leopard Cats and domestic cats, while Ocicats are the result of breeding Siamese and Abyssinian cats.
This means that Bengal cats tend to have a more exotic appearance, while Ocicats have a more domestic look.
Bengal cats are also typically larger than Ocicats, and have a more athletic build.
Another difference between the two breeds is their personalities. While both breeds are known for being friendly and affectionate, Bengal cats are generally more energetic and playful than Ocicats. They are also known for being more independent and less demanding of attention than Ocicats.
Recap
In conclusion, Bengal cats and Ocicats are both popular breeds of domestic cat that are known for their striking appearances and friendly personalities. However, there are some key differences between the two breeds, including their ancestry, size, and personalities.
While both breeds make excellent pets, the right choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and lifestyle. If you want a cat that is as much like a dog as possible (while remaining a cat … if that makes sense) then an Ocicat might be the best bet.
On the other hand, if you prefer an exotic domestic cat that is more “cat-like” in its behavior, then a Bengal might be the better option.
However, it’s important to stress that just as every human is different, so is every cat. You might have a Bengal that behaves more like a stereotypical Ocicat, or vice versa – it can be challenging to predict exactly how your cat is going to turn out!
Have you had an Ocicat as a pet? If so, I’d love to hear your experience with the breed. Feel free to leave a comment below. I’d be particularly interested in hearing any feedback from readers who have had both an Ocicat and a Bengal in the past; if this is you, then please do take the time to leave a comment below outlining your experiences!
