Bengal cats and Ocicats are both very popular breeds of cats that come from the same country. However, they do exhibit some differences that people should be aware of. These differences generally lie in body coloration, behaviors, temperament, etc. Let’s take an in-depth look at the two breeds to figure out their differences.
While both Ocicat and Bengal cats arose from the United States, they do share differences in traits. If you’re considering adopting either of the two, it is essential that you know more about these cats so you can provide the best care to them.
Ocicat vs Bengal Cat – Overview
| Traits | Ocicat | Bengal Cat |
| Average Length | 9-11 inches | 14-18 inches |
| Average Weight | 6-15 pounds | 8-15 pounds |
| Behavior | sociable, affectionate playful, active | sociable, affectionate bold, playful |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years | 12-16 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
| Exercise | 1+ hours a day | 2+ hours a day |
| Grooming Requirement | Low | Low |
| Family Friendly | Yes | Yes |
| Pet Friendly | Yes | Yes |
| Trainability | Easy | Easy |
Dalai Dotson, an Abyssinian/Siamese mix, is credited with creating the Ocicat breed. The Ocicat got its name from the spotted wild cat known as the ocelot. The Ocicat was registered with the CFA in 1966, as was Dalai Dotson.
In the CFA annual conference minutes, the Ocicat was wrongly described as a hybrid between Abyssinian and American Shorthair. They recognized their mistake and put Siamese on the list without removing American Shorthair. The American Shorthair influence added bulk and muscle to an Ocicat breed initially evocative of the graceful Abyssinian and exquisite Siamese.
On the other hand, Bengal cats are a relatively new breed that originated in the United States. Bengal cats could never be described as gentle. They’re athletes: agile and graceful with a strong, muscular frame, as befits a jungle cat. Feline hybrids such as Bengals exist only because of the crossbreeding process. In the early 1900s, breeders bred house cats with Asian leopard cats to create Bengals.
Appearance:
Male Ocicats weigh 9–12 pounds (may reach 14 pounds) and females 7–9 pounds. The Ocicat’s muscular build makes it as athletic as the Bengals. Ocicats do not have the Bengals’ “bump“; the fur appears similar but is not.
They have longer skulls, a squarer muzzle, and taller ears than Bengals. Ocicat spotting ought to be circular or thumbprint-sized.
The breeding of Bengal cats, which are the only domestic cats with “rosette marking,” is credited to Jean Mill, and it dates back to the late 19th century. It was developed as a cross between a domestic cat with Asian leopard cat, producing a generation of domestic cats with wild coats.
The First, Second, and Third Generation Bengal male cats are infertile. However, their females are fertile, which is used in successive Bengal Cat breeding. This is the reason why the successive generation of Bengal cats are termed G1 and G2, not F2 and F3.
Bengal cats have distinctively spotted coats. They sometimes also have marbled strips. Ticked and mackerel are two other common patterns.
Their weight lies in the range of 8–15 pounds. As far as their physique is concerned, Bengal cats have huge athletic bodies with sleek and shiny coats.
| Ocicat | Bengal |
| 9-12 pounds | 12-15 pounds |
| No bumps on the back | Have bumps on the back |
| No Wild Genes | Have Wild Genes |
| 12 colorations | 2 colorations |
Maintenance:
Ocicats have short, smooth coat that is easy to groom. Weekly brushing is enough to eliminate dead hair, and washing is rarely required. Their broad, upright ears can gather dirt and dust, so keep an eye out for any redness or illness and ensure you clean them regularly.
They may, however, have flaws inherited from the breeds that produced them. Some Ocicats have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and renal amyloidosis. The breed has developed progressive retinal atrophy on rare occasions.
On the other hand, Bengals are lively, agile cats who enjoy climbing and watching the action from afar. Bengals are people-loving cats that form strong bonds with their owners. They are curious and energetic, and they enjoy playing with their owners.
Bengals are known to join their owners in the evening shower! If you have a home aquarium, this is a severe threat. Bengals are affectionate and loyal but not as needy as Ocicats. Nonetheless, they enjoy a cuddle on their owner’s lap and being lifted up and handled.
They have thick coats, which means they require brushing very often. They know how to keep themselves clean. They have a high risk of periodontal disease, so cleaning their teeth is very important.
Temperament:
The Ocicat possesses a larger-than-life demeanor. These cats are gregarious and friendly, even to unfamiliar people, and frequently enjoy their company. They are not aggressive toward humans and are devoted to them.
They are playful, curious, highly intelligent, and can be trained. While most cats would scoff at being compared to dogs, the Ocicat has a dog-like demeanor. They are incredibly playful and enjoy interacting with their family members.
They are friendly and active and thrive on the mental and physical challenges of training. You can teach your Ocicat a variety of stunning maneuvers with a bit of time and effort! Additionally, they enjoy accompanying you on walks once they have been trained to walk with a harness and leash.
On the other hand, Bengal cats are extremely active by nature. They are following their wild heritage. Nothing will escape from them. They are hyperactive and try to get into everything they want. Based on their intellectual abilities, they love to play tricks and learn new things.
Bengal Cats love playing with water, they may even join you in the shower.
Check Out Other Cats Comparison Guides
- Compared Ocicat vs. Bengal Cat
- Comparison Ragdoll vs. Birman Cat
- Which one is best Siamese vs Ragdoll Cat
- British shorthair vs. American Shorthair Cat
- Tonkinese vs. Siamese Cat
Suitable For
To sum it up, Ocicats exhibit astonishing adaptability. They are great companions for RV trips and are happy in almost any city or town as long as their social needs are met. Additionally, they adore climbing, which is why providing them with some height options will make your Ocicat happy.
Provide him with at least one cat tree to climb, and a cat hammock or wall-mounted shelves would be a great addition as well. These cats are excellent family cats and are gentle with children. Ocicats also do well in houses with other animals, particularly dogs, provided they were socialized with them as kittens.
Similarly, Bengal cats are easy to teach, intelligent, athletic, fun to be around, devoted, and water-loving, making them ideal as family pet. In addition, they are talkative and social with humans. As soon as they’re exposed to other pets in the household, they form strong bonds and quickly become socialized.
Bengal cats are usually highly friendly with children; however, it’s ideal for introducing a Bengal to a child as a kitten rather than an adult cat. Bengals make excellent, affectionate pets in general.
Which cat is right for you?
There are numerous factors that interested cat owners should examine before purchasing a cat.
Even though the Ocicat was designed to look like a wild cat, it doesn’t act like one. The breed is intelligent and energetic, curious and gregarious, and can be somewhat obnoxious when it comes to attention. They prefer company, as do all active cats, and are pretty content with human companions, but if the humans are out all day, having two Ocicat cats may help keep each other happy.
Bengals have distinct personalities and healthcare requirements. Bengals are gaining popularity among cat enthusiasts, and for good reason. Bengals combine the best attributes of cats and dogs. The Bengal is one of the most exotic cat breeds you will ever encounter. The uniqueness of its breed comes from the fact that its parents came from different places.
