There has been tremendous controversy about the genetics of inheritance associated with the spotted pattern of the Ocicat. In the earlier days, when life was simpler, all patterned cats were believed to display one of the three tabby patterns: ticked (Abyssinian), mackerel (tiger striped), or classic (blotched or bull's eye). The spotted pattern of the Ocicat, at least on the better examples of the breed, is notedly different from other spotted breeds or varieties. While some believe this comes from a different gene altogether, there is no conclusive evidence and it might be that selective breeding is responsible for the Ocicat's beautiful pattern.


The different tabby patterns.