I have an Ocicat named Boo. I got him when he was about 3-years-old from a breeder (he is now 9). He had been returned by his previous owners and needed a home. I had just put my other cat down and was not really planning on getting another pet right away. But, a friend emailed a breeder and asked if they had any runts they were giving away. They contacted her with details about Boo. I had always admired how beautiful ocicats were and jumped at the chance to get him.

I find his temperament very much dog-like. He follows me around everywhere and is always extremely interested in what is going on. He hates a closed door and will try anything to open one. He has developed a taste for cardboard. He chews it and spits it out everywhere; a cardboard box is not safe when he is around. He can get quite aggressive at times after play and is very strong. I have a few scars from some of those encounters.

Boo, due to what seems like a birth defect, is now blind. He does see shadow but basically has no vision left. However, that does not seem to bother him in the least. He doesn't walk into walls as often as he used to now. After meeting Boo for the first time it would take you a while to realize that he can't see. I only realized it after I noticed he had trouble finding toys when I threw them to him. The only thing he does differently that other cats is that he will not jump up on anything higher than he can reach.

Boo is definitely a comfort to me, he provides a lot of companionship and love. He is very affectionate and we always have to have at least one petting session a day. If I have not paid him enough attention he will sit right by my computer chair and meow at me. If I go sit on the couch he will jump up next to me looking to be petted and purring away. He doesn't lie on my lap but he will always make sure that his butt is touching my leg. At night he always sleeps right next to me, again making sure his butt or part of his body is touching my leg.

Now that I have had an ocicat I think it would be hard to go back to just an average tabby cat. My next cat will either have to be another ocicat or a bengal cat.