California Spangled Cat
Meoww!!
Intelligent and playful, the California Spangled Cat takes an active role in family life. It enjoys playing any games that involve chasing or pouncing on toys, and its athleticism makes it a good candidate for leash training.
In 5 Words
- Active
- Intelligent
- Curious
- Affectionate
- Vocal
Snapshot
Size: Medium
Weight: 8- 10 pounds
Origin: United States of America
Life Span: 9-16 years
Colour: bronze, gold, blue, brown, charcoal, red, black, silver, or white.
Characteristics
Learn About the California Spangled Cat
Originally bred by Paul Arnold Casey, Jr., a Hollywood scriptwriter, playwright, and author, after his return from Tanzania while working with Louis Leakey in the 1970s. Casey’s novel, “Open The Coffin” chronicles his journey in Africa and subsequent breeding that led to the California Spangle.
This animal was ideally bred to resemble a leopard, thus giving the impression of a “House-Leopard”. One of many motivations for this breed was that people would not want to wear the same type of fur that resembled their pet. The Spangle was introduced to the general public on the cover of the iconic Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog in 1986.
The California Spangled Cat’s strong, tubular body, short spotted coat and “hunter-like” gait give the illusion of wildness. Pale amber to deep copper eyes look out from a head with medium length and width and are framed by a slightly rounded forehead above and sculpted, wide, prominent cheekbones below.
The blocked or rounded spots that dot the back and sides of the body are sometimes grouped into rosetted patterns, and the top of each foreleg is marked with a dark bar. Colors include silver, bronze, gold, red, blue, brown, black and charcoal. Males weigh 12 to 15 pounds; females 8 to 10 pounds.
Despite the wild look, California spangled cats are affectionate, curious, social, and devoted to their humans. Known for their well-honed intelligence, spangled cats generally find ways to wrap their humans around their spotted paws, and make you love them for it. You’ll find them perching at eye-level to keep eye contact with you and to get a good view of the action. They are also noted for their energy and athletic abilities, and will keep you amused with their acrobatics. They have strong hunting instincts and are quick to pounce on unsuspecting toes or catnip mice — or the real thing, if so allowed. Toys with feathers are always a hit. Spangled cats particularly enjoy games in which you take an active role.
The California spangled cat is known to be a rather healthy cat; no serious hereditary health problems have been documented in the breed. Choosing a reputable breeder from which to purchase your pet will help minimize the risks.
California spangled cats need little grooming. Their short, sleek coats need minimal maintenance. Use a rubber brush once a week or so to remove loose hair, particularly during the fall and spring shedding seasons.
