California Spangled Cat Breed Information

Group

Short Haired

Weight

4-7 kg

Length

20-25 cm

Lifespan

10-15 years

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About the California Spangled Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Charlotte Francesca Stiles

Veterinarian

The California Spangled cats are a truly stunning breed with leopard spots and bright blue or green eyes. Despite still being popular amongst cat lovers, the breed is one that’s sadly no longer recognised officially.

However, that, of course, doesn’t stop breeders from breeding the California Spangled cats and as such, you may be lucky enough to find breeders available. If you’re interested in adopting or buying this cat breed, then this guide should certainly provide you with all the information you need.

What Is the History & Origin of the California Spangled Cat?

It was Paul Arnold Casey Jr who would be responsible for developing this domestic cat breed. Back in the 1970s, a Hollywood scriptwriter wanted to create a cat that resembled that of a leopard. His ambitions to make this breed a reality were well placed, as he hoped owners of these cats would resist buying real fur as a result.

Paul Arnold Casey Jr used eight domestic cats in his breeding program, which included British Shorthairs, American Shorthairs, Manx, Siamese and Abyssinians. There were also spotted cat breeds that came from Malaysia and Egypt that were also used.

In 1986, the program was successful, and it was introduced commercially. The breed made a name for itself after featuring on the front of an American mail-order catalogue in 1986.

Only 58 California Spangled cats are registered currently, and therefore, they remain rare in comparison to other cat breeds.

What Is a California Spangled Cat Breed?

The California Spangled is a domestic cat resembling spotted wild cats. Their long and lean muscular body is one that further adds to the wild appearance, along with its notable leopard-style spots.

The cat breed has a low-slung walk and round eyes that sit in a somewhat rounded head. They’re a very well-put-together cat breed and perfectly resemble that of a miniature leopard.

Who Is a California Spangled Cat Best For?

This type of cat is best suited for adult households but can also work well in households with children. However, it is advised that all children over a certain age learn and understand how to behave around household pets like this one.

When it comes to this breed, like many cat breeds, they’re super affectionate and good with others. It makes them a good match for most of those households who are looking for a domestic cat that fits in with everyone.

What Does a California Spangled Cat Look Like?

Bred to resemble that of a miniature leopard, they certainly have the appearance down to the triangular, oval or square spots found on their coat. They’re one of the desired cat breeds for their coat alone and not just their affectionate and fun-loving nature.

Coat

The spangle’s coat is one that is short and has no undercoat either, making it easy for those who are new to grooming.

Colours

There are a number of colours that these cats come in that resemble the wild cat’s appearance. These are gold, bronze, brown, blue, red, charcoal, silver, black and white!

Patterns

Whilst it’s been combined with a number of other breeds from the American Shorthair to the Brtish Shorthair, they have a spangled spot pattern, which features throughout the different colours available for this breed.

California Spangled Cat Grooming & Shedding

When grooming these cats, they don’t shed much, which means minimal brushing on your part. California spangled cats love to be brushed, so they’ll appreciate it when you do brush them.

A weekly brushing is enough to help collect any hairs and keep the coat in fantastic condition.

Apart from that, check the cat’s nails to trim when needed and be sure to take good care of their dental health.

How Do California Spangled Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

As an affectionate breed, they have a great mix of personalities that you’ll fall in love with pretty much instantly! They’re cats who love to be part of the family, so you’ll certainly find them getting involved with family life.

With high energy levels, they like to roam around the home and can easily be taken out on walks outside. They also enjoy relaxing and are very loving pets that will happily curl up next to you when you’re sitting on the sofa.

With a friendly manner, they are keen to know everyone within their home, and their personality will match up well with both household pets and their human companions.

Living Needs

The California Spangled is one that’s sometimes known for being a little needy. They do need a lot of mental stimulation, so it’s important to be around them so that you can give them all the fuss and mental stimulation that they need.

If you’re not someone who can be around for most of the day, then you’ll want to reconsider the type of cat breed you go for. This one might not be best suited for you.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of California Spangled Cats?

As naturally active cats, they will be a type of cat that will welcome the attention of all kinds. Their habits are spending time around their household companions, which is why it’s important to have a fairly active household where you can.

Habits

Be sure to have a large space for your cats to roam around the home. California spangled cats love to spend time roaming, but they will also want you to be within view of them, so don’t be surprised if they end up following you around or come looking for you when you go out of the room.

Activity level

They are active cats, so you’ll definitely want to have a lot of toys available for the cat to play with, as well as scratching posts where possible.

Vocalness

As far as cat vocalness goes, this cat doesn’t really get very vocal and will only do so when it likely wants attention or needs something from you.

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of a California Spangled Cat?

While they are domestic cats resembling leopards, they’re not quite as big in size, but they’re certainly big!

Height

Bred to resemble the miniature leopard, they reach around 20 to 25cms tall, so they are not quite as big as a real leopard.

Weight

Their weight is fairly average in comparison to other breeds. You’ll expect them to weigh between 4-7kgs.

Size

The California Spangled cat is one that’s large in size. If you’re looking for a smaller cat, then this is not likely to be the best choice for you.

Are California Spangled Cats Easy to Train?

The California Spangled cat will form a strong bond with its companions, and as such, they’ll be attentive to their owners when being taught basic house training and commands.

Whilst they are intelligent, patience and perseverance are required, just like any cat breed.

Does the California Spangled Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

With a California Spangled cat, you’ll find that they have very few inherited health conditions, so they are likely to live a long and healthy life without any issues.

Regular vet checkups, vaccinations and parasite treatment are recommended by veterinarians.

What Is the Lifespan of a California Spangled Cat?

Having a cat that lives a long and healthy life is certainly important. As such, the Spangled does live for a fairly long time, on average, between 10 to 15 years.

How Much Does a California Spangled Cat Need to Be Fed?

Feeding your California Spangled is one that’s likely going to be fairly easy. They have very sharp hunting skills, so don’t be surprised if they manage to find their own prey when outdoors exploring.

When they’re indoors, make sure to provide them with a nutritional meal of cat food, whether it be canned or dry.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a California Spangled Cat in Australia?

The California Spangled Cat tends to cost around $800-$1500 depending on the breeders available near you and what their demand might be like. Even though they’re rare in comparison to some cats, they’re a lot more affordable than some can often be.

California Spangled Cat FAQs

Are California Spangled cats endangered?

The California Spangled cat lost its official breed registry when Paul Arnold passed. If you manage to get lucky and get this cat breed, you’ll be likely one of the few cat owners that own them.

Due to their lack of mainstream popularity, they are at risk of becoming endangered if some existing breeders decide to stop breeding them.

Why was the California Spangled cat created?

The California Spangled cat was bred to resemble that of a miniature leopard. It was Paul Arnold Casey Jr, a Hollywood scriptwriter who wanted to breed a domestic cat that would look like a leopard and hopefully encourage poachers to stop poaching leopards for their fur.

He’d also hoped that by breeding these cats with their wild appearance, it would deter real fur coats from being so popular on the market because the owners buying them would resemble cats they owned.

Are California Spangled cats cuddly?

California Spangled cats, despite their appearance, are cuddly and love being given affection by their owners. With a soothing disposition, they certainly are a stark contrast to the wild cats they’re supposed to resemble.