by Mayy Feras

Created on: March 05, 2009

The Cheetoh became a recognized registered breed with the United Feline Organization in November of 2004. They are also listed under "experimental breed" with The International Cat Association (TICA) at this time.

The Cheetoh is a domesticated cat, descending from specific registered Ocicats and Bengal cats. It is a rather small, but strong and graceful cat, built with strong muscles. Cheetohs have have spotted or rosette coats, with large ears and eyes to complete its wild appearance.

Cheetohs were bred for their large size, intelligence, and their wild looks. The goal of the Cheetoh breeding program was to breed a tame cat with a wild appearance. Cheetohs are incredibly social cats; they rarely demonstrate signs of aggressiveness. It is common for the males to demonstrate maternal characteristics between smaller and/or younger cats and kittens. This characteristic is exclusive to the Ocicat; seldom seen in any other breed of cat.

Adult male Cheetohs often weigh from fifteen to thirty pounds, while female Cheetohs often weigh around fifteen pounds. Cheetohs are larger than their Bengal and Ocicat parents, a common occurrence in cross-bred species.

The most common colors for the Cheetoh are Black/Brown spotted sienna, (also known as rust) markings are shades of black, brown or tan. A light ground color is often preferred during breeding, with light color markings around the eyes.

Then, there's the Black/Brown spotted Tan. The ground coat is usually very light tan, or tan with silver highlights. The coat may also have a mixture of black, white, and shades of grey. The spots (or rosettes) are often deep brown or black, large, and scattered over the back, sides, and haunches of the cat.

The black spotted smoke has a ground coat of dark grey. Spots or rosettes are usually distinct, sometimes even having a pattern appearing down the shoulders and back. Sometimes, light colored or white marks appear across the ears, and encircle the eyes of the spotted smoke Cheetohs.

The Lynx pointed, gold spotted snow Cheetoh commonly has a snow white ground coat, with a slight grey shading on their back. Gold or buff colored spots can cover the entire body, including the belly. Sometimes, the gold spotted snow Cheetoh has spots on its legs.

Almost all colors of Cheetohs have black paw pads, and red hued noses. However, nose color can vary from red to black. Cheetohs eye colors can range from blue to deep yellow.

Because of the uniqueness of the Cheetoh, the average price for a quality marked registered
Cheetoh is $800. If the cat has show quality markings, the price may be higher. Cats with less pronounced markings or color sell for less. Sometimes, older kittens or retired Cheetohs can sell for a discounted price.

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