While many cat owners joke about owning a “house leopard” or a “house panther,” the California Spangled cat was bred specifically to resemble their more wild cousins. While not actually related a leopard, this striking cat is a deliberate mix of the Angora, Siamese, American Shorthair, Abyssinian, Manx, and British Shorthair breeds, resulting in the distinctive spotted coat they desired. Breeders bred the Ocicat and Bengal for this purpose as well, overshadowing the development of the considerably rarer California Spangled. Inspired by the poaching death of a leopard, the breeders hoped the California Spangled would nobly bring awareness — and funds, as they originally cost $1,400 — to wild cat preservation.
What is the personality of a California Spangled cat?
This medium to large domestic cat is energetic, intelligent, and acrobatic, so don’t be surprised if you find your California Spangled on top of your refrigerator trying to open a cereal box. Your miniature leopard can come in a variety of colors, including blue, brown, charcoal, gold, red, bronze, black, silver, or white. Their long, lean, and muscular body will definitely try to pounce, and they particularly enjoy interactive play with their owners. It’s not uncmmon for them to perch like a parrot on your shoulders, so expect your devoted companion to join you in your daily activities.
When considering a California Spangled cat, it’s advisable to prioritize adopting from rescue organizations or shelters to provide a loving home to a cat in need. However, if you decide to purchase, it’s crucial to choose a reputable breeder. Conduct thorough research to ensure that the breeder follows ethical practices and prioritizes the well-being of their cats. Reputable California Spangled cat breeders prioritize the health and temperament of their cats, conduct necessary health screenings, and provide a nurturing environment for the kitties. This active approach ensures that you bring home a healthy and happy kitty while discouraging unethical breeding practices.
Quick Facts
- Origin: California, USA, 1980s, developed by Paul Casey to resemble spotted leopards.
- Size: Medium (8-15 pounds)
- Breed Group: Experimental (not yet recognized by major cat associations)
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Coat: Short, with distinctive leopard-like rosettes in various colors like brown, black, and silver.
- Temperament: Energetic, playful, intelligent, loyal, affectionate, enjoys human interaction and playtime.
- Exercise Needs: Moderate to high – they require both physical and mental stimulation.
- Training: Trainable with positive reinforcement due to their intelligence and desire to please.
- Grooming: Weekly brushing to maintain their sleek coat.
- Health: Generally healthy, but some potential for genetic health conditions
- The 1986 Neiman Marcus catalog introduced the public to the California Spangled cat.
- The breeders who created the Spangle thought people would buy less fur if their pets resembled their purchases.
- The cats were originally sold at an exorbitant price of $1400 to raise funds for protected wildlife.
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Affectionate with Family
Some cat breeds are typically independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since kittenhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; cats who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
See Cats Less Affectionate with Family -
Amount of Shedding
If you’re going to share your home with a cat, you’ll need to deal with some level of cat hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary among the breeds. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. This furniture cover can make it easier to clean up cat hair and keep it off your sofa!
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General Health
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems. This doesn’t mean that every cat of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk. If you’re looking only for purebred cats or kittens, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in.
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Potential for Playfulness
Some cats are perpetual kittens—full of energy and mischief—while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful kitten sounds endearing, consider how many games of chase the mouse-toy you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other animals who can stand in as playmates. A classic wand cat toy like this one is perfect for playful felines!
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Tendency to Vocalize
Some breeds sound off more often than others with meows, yowls, and chattering. When choosing a breed, think about how the cat vocalizes and how often. If constant “conversation” drives you crazy, consider a kitty less likely to chat.
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Kid-Friendly
Being tolerant of children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a nonchalant attitude toward running, screaming youngsters are all traits that make a kid-friendly cat. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual cat will behave; cats from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences and personality.
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Friendly Toward Strangers
Stranger-friendly cats will greet guests with a curious glance or a playful approach; others are shy or indifferent, perhaps even hiding under furniture or skedaddling to another room. However, no matter what the breed, a cat who was exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a kitten will respond better to strangers as an adult.
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Easy to Groom
Some breeds require very little in the way of grooming; others require regular brushing to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a cat who needs daily brushing. You should definitely pick up this awesome de-shedding tool for cats of any hair length!
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Intelligence
Some cat breeds are reputed to be smarter than others. But all cats, if deprived the mental stimulation they need, will make their own busy work. Interactive cat toys are a good way to give a cat a brain workout and keep them out of mischief. This scratcher cat toy can keep your smart kitty busy even when you’re not home!
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Pet Friendly
Friendliness toward other household animals and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some cats are more likely than others to be accepting of other pets in the home.
California Spangled History
The history of the California Spangled begins when Paul Casey, a screenwriter and physicist living in Los Angeles, and the anthropologist Dr. Louis Leakey worked together to breed a cat that would resemble a wild ocelot or leopard.
The idea was that, if people lived with a cat that looked like a wild cat, it would increase their awareness of the poaching trade and discourage them from purchasing fur coats.
When they originally hit the scene, the California Spangled was a highly expensive breed. These days, you’ll find many California Spangleds in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you!
California Spangled Size
The California Spangled is a medium-to-large sized cat. As is always the case, exact size standards might vary.
Most California Spangleds weigh in at eight to 15 pounds. That said, many can be smaller or larger than average.
California Spangled Personality
What exactly are you dealing with when you adopt a California Spangled? Well, first of all, you can be reassured that, while the mixed breed was developed to look like a wild cat, there’s nothing predatory or wild about this feline. In fact, they are one of the most affectionate and loving cats around, so much so that, if you leave a California Spangled alone for too long, they may act out if they become stressed or become withdrawn if they start to feel lonely.
Naturally, this is also a highly athletic mixed breed particularly known for their leaping and jumping feats. So make sure there are lots of opportunities for the cat to explore the homestead and climb to their heart’s content. It goes without saying that a cat tower is essential for this mixed breed. The California Spangled also has a playful heart, so if you have young children, you’ll find that the cat quickly becomes like a new best play buddy to your kids!
California Spangled Health
California Spangleds are generally considered to be healthy cats; although, it’s important to schedule regular wellness visits with your cat’s vet.
There aren’t any breed-specific health problems associated with the California Spangled, but always keep an eye out for signs that your cat might be in distress or pain.
California Spangled Care
The California Spangled is always going to be ready and willing to embark on a play session or explore the highest parts of their environment. So, as a responsible guardian, you’ll need to first make sure that their home is spacious enough and well equipped to satisfy the mixed breed’s exercise needs.
A cat tree is a must–or if you have the room, feline-friendly shelving that the cat can climb and jump between is ideal. If you have the option of adding a secure catio to your home, the California Spangled will love the chance to be safely outside!
Along with scheduling yearly wellness vet visits, your California Spangled will need to have their nails checked and trimmed on a regular basis. If you’re new to cat adoption, your vet can show you the safest way to carry this out. Adding a scratching post to your living environment can also help promote healthy scratching and keep the cat’s nails in good condition.
Beyond nail care, examine the California Spangled’s ears for signs of dirt building up or possible infection every couple of weeks. It’s also advisable to talk with your vet about starting a regular teeth brushing regimen that will suit your California Spangled.
California Spangled Coat Color And Grooming
The California Spangled’s coat can come in a range of colors which often include gold, brown, white, black, and blue. They also sport their distinctive leopard-style spots. When it comes to grooming, the California Spangled is a pretty low-maintenance feline. Their short, spotted coat can be brushed once a week. Doing so will not only help ward off the chance of any mats forming, but also keep the coat in clean and healthy condition. Regular brushing also lessens the chance of hairballs being an issue for the cat.
When it comes to climate, the California Spangled is generally seen as an adaptable cat who can usually live happily in most climates. Just remember to always make sure adequate shade and fresh water is provided when the temperature spikes.
Children And Other Pets
The California Spangled is a perfect choice if you have children. Just be sure that early socialization takes place and boundaries are properly set on both sides, and supervise early interactions between kids and cats.
When it comes to other household pets, the California Spangled is fine living alongside other domestic animals. Although you’ll want to supervise early interactions between the new cat and existing pets, as well. Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this mixed breed. Make sure to reward your California Spangled for good behavior when you bring them home to your family!
California Spangled Rescue Groups
It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for California Spangled cats because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try breed specific rescues that care for any of the California Spangled’s parent breeds, as they sometimes care for breed mixes, too. You may also try shelters and rescues that cater to all types of cats, including California Spangled cats, as well as your local shelter. Here are some nonprofit rescues you can try:
More Info For You
If you’re also looking for a dog, check out DogTime’s dog breed page!