California Spangled Cat: Care and Personality | What You Need to Know If You’re Thinking of Getting a California Spangled Cat
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Last Updated: February 9, 2024
- The California Spangled cat was developed in efforts to raise awareness about the poaching of African wild cats.
- The breed’s most distinct feature is its spotted coat, which resembles that of a leopard.
- California Spangled cats are best suited to owners who are looking for an active yet affectionate cat.
- These cats are generally healthy but are considered rare.
Did you know that a cat breed had its roots in Hollywood? Well, in this exploration, we will unravel the intriguing history, distinctive physical features, endearing personality traits, health considerations, and special care needs of the California Spangled cat.
Let’s see what these cats have to offer!
Brief History
In the 1980s, playwright and Hollywood scriptwriter Paul Arnold Casey Jr. developed the rare and exotic California Spangled cat breed with the intention of creating a feline that closely resembled a leopard. His inspiration came from his friend, the anthropologist Louis Leakey, who was concerned about the poaching of wild cats in Africa and who wanted to raise awareness around the issue.
Casey and Leakey hoped that by breeding a domestic cat that resembled a leopard, they could raise awareness and reduce the demand for leopard fur. In particular, they were hoping that people would stop wearing fur that looked like their pet’s.
To achieve his vision, Casey crossed several breeds, including the Abyssinian, Siamese, American shorthair, British shorthair, and Angora cats. He also used cats from the streets of Cairo, Malaysia, and India, as well as a cat that belonged to the king of Thailand.
The result was a long, lean, and muscular cat with a spotted coat that came in various colors, such as bronze, gold, blue, brown, charcoal, red, black, silver, or white. The California Spangled cat also had distinctive facial features, such as prominent cheekbones, large whisker pads, and almond-shaped eyes.
The breed was finally perfected in 1985, and the cats were introduced to the public in 1986, when they graced the cover of the Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog. The price was very high for the time: $1400 for a kitten and an additional $2500 for a week-long training session with Casey.
The California Spangled was originally sold with the goal of raising funds to protect endangered wild cats in South and Central America. Among the early adopters were celebrities like Barbra Streisand and Burt Reynolds.
However, the popularity of two other spotted cat breeds, the Ocicat and the Bengal, overshadowed the development of the California Spangled cat. The breed also faced some challenges, such as genetic health issues, lack of recognition by major cat associations—only TICA (The International Cat Association) registered it—and limited availability of breeding stock.
After Casey and Leakey passed away, only a few breeders continued to offer California Spangled cats on a very limited basis. Today, the breed is considered extremely rare and at risk of extinction.
Physical Features
The California Spangled is a medium-sized breed that has a muscular physique and a spotted coat that resembles a miniature leopard. These cats have a long, tubular body and a low-slung walk that gives them an exotic and graceful appearance. Their eyes are usually a deep copper or a pale amber color, and they have prominent cheekbones and large whisker pads.
Their average size is 8 to 10 inches in height and 12 to 18 inches in length. They weigh an average of 8 to 15 pounds, depending on the gender and the individual cat.
The most distinctive feature of the California Spangled is their spotted coat, which comes in various colors, such as white, silver, black, red, charcoal, brown, blue, gold, or bronze. On the other hand, the spots are well-defined and can be round, triangular, square, or oval. They are located along the back and sides of the cat’s body, occasionally forming rosetted patterns. Additionally, dark bars adorn the tops of the forelegs.
The California Spangled cat may be a good choice for people who are allergic to cats because, although they are not truly hypoallergenic, they produce less dander than other breeds and shed minimally. As such, they do not trigger allergic reactions as much as other cats. However, it is still advisable to consult with your doctor before getting this breed of cat.
Personality
The California Spangled cat is a loyal, affectionate, and sociable breed that enjoys human attention and interaction. They are gentle, but they also have a playful and curious side that makes them fun and entertaining companions. They are intelligent and independent, but they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They prefer to be involved in whatever their owners are doing, and they often communicate with their eyes and vocalizations.
This breed is very active and adventurous, and they love to explore their surroundings. They are excellent hunters and climbers, and they need plenty of toys and high places to perch and exercise their natural instincts.
Some are also fond of water and may enjoy playing with faucets or splashing in bathtubs. They tend to retain their kitten-like behavior well into adulthood.
The California Spangled cat is a good choice for families with children and other pets, as they are friendly and adaptable. They get along well with people of all ages and personalities, and they are not shy or aggressive. They can also coexist peacefully with dogs and other cats, as long as they are properly introduced and socialized. Additionally, these cats are not territorial or possessive, and they are happy to share their space and toys with others.
Health Issues & Lifespan
The California Spangled cat is a relatively healthy breed that has no known genetic health problems or predispositions. However, like any cat, they can be susceptible to common illnesses and injuries, such as infections, parasites, dental issues, and accidents. Therefore, regular veterinary checkups, vaccinations, deworming, flea and tick prevention, and dental care are essential to keep them in good shape.
The average lifespan of California Spangled cats is 9 to 16 years, depending on the individual cat and the quality of care they receive. Some factors that can affect their longevity are diet, exercise, environment, and spaying or neutering.
A balanced and nutritious diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates can help these cats maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity-related diseases. Adequate exercise and stimulation, on the other hand, can keep them physically and mentally fit and prevent boredom and stress.
Additionally, a safe and comfortable environment that is free of hazards and toxins can protect them from harm and exposure, while spaying or neutering can prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce the risk of reproductive cancers and infections.
Special Care Needs
The California Spangled cat’s care needs are simple. However, they still need dedicated attention to their playful spirit and physical needs.
Grooming
The California Spangled cat is a low-maintenance breed that does not require much grooming. They have a short, smooth coat that sheds minimally and does not mat or tangle easily. A quick brushing or combing twice a week is enough to remove any loose hair and keep the coat shiny and clean.
Exercise
The California Spangled cat breed is very active and energetic, and they love to explore, hunt, and climb. As such, they need a lot of toys and high places to satisfy their natural instincts and prevent boredom and stress.
Some may also enjoy playing with water and may like splashing in sinks or bathtubs. They are not couch potatoes, and they will not be content to lie around all day. They need at least 30 minutes of vigorous play every day to burn off their excess energy and keep their muscles toned.
Consider investing in a sturdy cat tree or a screened-in porch to cater to their natural climbing instincts. You can also hide treats around the house, engage in impromptu wrestling matches (gentle, of course!), or play with them using a feather wand.
Attention
California Spangled cats are social and affectionate. They thrive on human attention and interaction. They are not independent or aloof, and they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time.
They prefer to be involved in whatever their owners are doing, and they will follow them around the house and communicate with their eyes and vocalizations. These cats need a lot of love and companionship to feel secure and happy. In addition, they may experience separation anxiety if they are ignored or neglected.
Fun Facts
Dive deeper into the world of California Spangled cats with these surprising tidbits:
- Their spotted coats come in a kaleidoscope of colors, from classic bronze and silver to fiery red and charcoal. No two patterns are exactly alike, making each Spangled cat a unique work of art.
- California Spangled cats have no wild cat genes, despite their appearance and some rumors. Casey denied that he used any wild cats in his breeding program, and genetic tests confirmed that the California Spangled is a pure domestic cat.
- The breed is very rare and at risk of extinction. After Casey and his friend, the anthropologist Louis Leakey, passed away, only a few breeders continued to offer California Spangled cats on a very limited basis.
Who is the Ideal Owner of the California Spangled Cat?
While their captivating beauty could win anyone over, California Spangled cats thrive with specific owners who match their energetic spirit and vibrant personalities. Consider these factors to see if you’re a purrfect fit for these miniature leopards:
- Energetic souls. Embrace your inner adventurer! These playful pumas crave daily playtime, from chasing feather wands to scaling cat trees. Regular exercise keeps them physically and mentally stimulated.
- Interactive enthusiasts. Prepare for playful pranks and mischievous antics. Dedicate time to engaging games, puzzle toys, and interactive activities to keep their minds sharp and boredom at bay.
- Lap lovers. Affectionate cuddles are a must! These social butterflies crave human interaction and will happily follow you around, purring their love songs. Be ready for snuggle sessions and constant companionship.
- Family-friendly felines. Gentle giants at heart, they can be wonderful companions for children and other pets with proper introductions and supervision. Their playful nature brings joy to the whole household.
- Vertical visionaries. Provide ample climbing opportunities! A sturdy cat tree or screened-in porch lets them channel their inner leopard, offering them safe high ground to survey their domain.
- Enrichment architects. Think beyond your walls! Consider secure outdoor enclosures or leash training for supervised exploration. Enrich their environment with rotating toys, hiding treats, and scratching posts to keep them curious and content.
- Veterinary champions. Regular checkups, preventative care, and responsible pet ownership are key to their long-term health and happiness. Research potential health concerns and be prepared to provide them with the best care possible.
Final Thoughts
The California Spangled cat stands as a testament to the creative vision of its founder, Paul Arnold Casey Jr., and the noble cause to raising awareness about the plight of wild cats. Despite facing challenges and being overshadowed by other spotted cat breeds, the California Spangled boasts a unique charm with its spotted coat, distinct facial features, and playful demeanor.
Today, as a rare and at-risk breed, it calls for the attention of enthusiasts who appreciate its energetic spirit, vibrant personality, and captivating beauty. If you’re one of the lucky ones to find a reputable breeder for this cat, then the California Spangled can be the perfect addition to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the California Spangled cat look like?
They boast a unique spotted coat that resembles the “ticking” found in some dog breeds, with dark spots layered over a lighter base color like silver, bronze, or charcoal. Their eyes are typically almond-shaped and green, amber, or gold.
Is the California Spangled a friendly cat breed?
Yes, they are known for their affectionate and playful nature. They enjoy human interaction and can form strong bonds with their owners. Their playful side makes them fun companions for children and other pets.
How active are California Spangled cats?
They are moderately active cats with bursts of playful energy, but they also enjoy lounging and relaxing. Providing enrichment activities like climbing structures and toys can help keep them stimulated.
Do California Spangled cats require special grooming?
Their short, sleek coat is relatively low-maintenance. Regular brushing once a week will suffice to remove dead hair and keep their coat shiny.
Are California Spangled cats prone to any health problems?
They are generally healthy cats, but like any breed, they can be susceptible to common diseases and injuries, such as infections, parasites, dental issues, and accidents.
Is the California Spangled cat extinct?
Thankfully, no! While currently a rare breed, California Spangled cats are not extinct. However, their low population numbers do put them at risk of extinction, so maintaining interest and responsible breeding practices is crucial to their future.
Which breeds were used to create the California Spangled cat?
The California Spangled is a multi-breed mix, not simply a combination of two specific breeds. Its ancestry includes Abyssinian, American Shorthair, British Shorthair, Burmese, Egyptian Mau, and others. Over several generations, selective breeding refined their unique spotted coat and temperament.
What does a California Spangled cat resemble?
These beautiful cats are often called “house leopards” thanks to their striking resemblance to their wild cousins. They boast a short, spotted coat with dark markings on a lighter base, creating a stunningly wild aesthetic. Their almond-shaped eyes, typically green, amber, or gold, further enhance their exotic look.
Where can I find a California Spangled cat?
Due to their relatively rare status, finding a California Spangled kitten may require contacting breeders specializing in the breed. You can also check with breed-specific rescues or shelters.
How much does a California Spangled cat cost?
The price can vary depending on factors like pedigree, breeder reputation, and location. Generally, expect to pay around $1,000 to $2,500 for a kitten.
Featured Image Credit: Flamingice007sg / Wikimedia Commons
Reina Marie Gonzales is the Founder of Sharp Minds Content LLC. She’s also an entrepreneur and a writer with over 20 years of experience. Cat mom to the sweetest and most adorable Persian kitty, her other passions include personal development, self-love, spirituality, and self-empowerment. She considers herself a lifelong learner and always sees the glass half full.
