A wild-looking but fully domestic spotted breed created by crossing the Bengal and the Ocicat. Cheetohs combine an athletic, leopard-like appearance with an exceptionally affectionate, dog-like temperament.
- Origin
- United States
- Category
- shorthair
- Lifespan
- 13–15 yrs
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 5–10 kg
- Coat
- Short, dense, soft and plush
- Colours
- Spotted and marbled tabby — golden, brown, and silver
😺 Temperament
🏡 Best suited to
📊 Personality ratings
📜 History & origin
The Cheetoh was developed in 2001 by breeder Carol Drymon, who set out to create a cat with the exotic spotted appearance of a wild cat but a reliably gentle, fully domestic temperament. By crossing two already-established domestic breeds — the Bengal and the Ocicat — she avoided introducing any new wild blood. The breed was accepted for registration by the United Feline Organisation, though it remains rare and is still working toward wider championship recognition.
🧼 Care & grooming
The short, plush coat is virtually maintenance-free, needing only an occasional brush. What the Cheetoh truly demands is exercise and stimulation: these are powerful, intelligent athletes that need tall cat trees, puzzle feeders, and daily interactive play. Many enjoy water and can be leash-trained. A bored Cheetoh will invent its own — often destructive — entertainment.
🩺 Health notes
Drawing on two robust foundation breeds, the Cheetoh is generally healthy, though it can inherit the Bengal's predisposition to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Reputable breeders screen breeding cats for both. Standard preventive care and a high-quality, protein-rich diet keep these muscular cats in peak condition.
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