Reputable Ocicat Breeders on the West Coast

Hello! I am new to this forum and I would love to pick you guys' brains. I am looking to get a pet Ocicat kitten and I have been calling around in hopes of finding a good breeder, but thus far I've had little luck - many of the breeders advertised on Google are retired or are very difficult to get a hold of. The one that is local to me (10 minutes down the street, in fact) allowed me to visit her cattery, and let's just say that I was less than impressed with what I saw there. Now it is more important than ever for me to find a REPUTABLE breeder, who breeds for health and personality. I was wondering if you guys have a recommendation? I live in Southern California but would be willing to travel to Nevada, Oregon, or Arizona (and possibly Washington) for the right kitten. Thanks!

Welcome to the site

Have you looked on the CFA website for registered Ocicat breeders ?

I just did a quick search on there for all Ocicat breeders in USA, there are a few in California but these might be the ones you have already looked at

Here's the link

http://secure.cfa.org/SearchResults.aspx?cp=0

Thanks for the welcome, GemsGem! 

Unfortunately two of those breeders are out of commission, and the other two I have already contacted. It's very difficult to get a response from breeders, I'm finding.

Hmmm.......I see what you mean. I've just tried other breeder lists for other cat registries and the same breeders keep coming up.

Im surprised at how few Ocicat breeders there actually are. I didn't realise they were quite that rare

Have you thought about going to cat shows? There may not be ocicats entered in every show, but I think it would be worth the $6-10 spectator fee to get in and find out. The ocicat exhibitors may or may not be the breeders, but you can make personal contact with them and get a better feel for who is still breeding/selling.

The next CFA show in California is next weekend, August 23-24, at the Orange County Fair & Events Center in Costa Mesa. You can find information here. It looks like this is one of the more expensive shows to visit and there may be a parking fee as well.

There is a smaller show in San Jacinto on September 13, and 2-day show in Las Vegas September 20-21.

I don't show in TICA, but looking at their show schedule there is nothing on this side of the country until near the end of September.

This is a great idea! I'd LOVE to go, actually... and I had no idea this was coming up so soon! I've never been to a cat show before, and I'm sure it would be a fun experience. Thanks for the recommendation!

Oh do go to a cat show, just for the experience if not for a particular cat.
I went to a cat show about a year ago and it was fascinating. My twin sister and I gravitated towards the competition(?) for house pets (as opposed to specific breeds). There were mini educational seminars (lasting maybe five to ten minutes) about specific breeds--often by the person who won best in that class/breed. And it was interesting to observe the, um, personalities of judges and participants alike.

I just saw the count for the Costa Mesa show. There are two ocicat kittens entered. The count just gives numbers, no indication of who entered.

L leef did you get to the show in Costa Mesa?

No, unfortunately I was unable to. However, I did get my kitten, and I am SO thrilled.

Leef said:

 
No, unfortunately I was unable to. However, I did get my kitten, and I am SO thrilled.

Click to expand...

That's great to hear!

Can we purrty please see a picture?