California Spangled

Despite the similarities in the California Spangled appearance with the leopard, it is still a domestic cat, not a wild animal. It is responsive and loyal to its owner. The character and temperament of the California Spangled are mild and kind. The main feature of the breed is considered to be their restlessness. They are incredibly active and can not spend a minute being in one position.

Breed Photos

Origin History

The California Spangled cat is not very common around the world and is considered a rather exotic breed. The breed owes its appearance to the American screenwriter Paul Casey. He was the first who had the idea to create a breed similar to dwarf leopards. He got the idea after working in Tanzania. There, he learned that the number of leopards was decreasing every year at an unprecedented rate due to illegal hunting. By creating the breed, he wanted to draw public attention to the extermination and extinction of leopards.

Breeding work on the breed began in the state of California. The breed got its name also because of the place of breeding. In 1971, the selection of the best representatives of the California cat began. Hard and long work was done to preserve the unique coloring of wild cats on domestic pets’ skins. Here are the breeds that took part in the Californian cat’s formation: British Shorthair, Manx, Siamese Strong Point, Angora, and Abyssinian.

The California Spangled was first introduced to the public at a cat show in 1986. Despite the high price of kittens due to the unusual coloring, the breed quickly became popular in its homeland. The official standard and recognition California Spangled got only from the International Cat Association TICA.

Appearance

The California Spangled cat is a combination of grace, refinement, and nobility. Representatives of the breed with all their appearance and habits resemble predatory leopards. California Spangled cats are quite large. Body shape is moderately long, with developed musculature and trim. The shape of the head is triangular with rounded corners.

The muzzle is slightly elongated with a convex forehead. The eyes are large, almond-shaped. The look of the Californian cat is attentive. Eye color must match the color. Possible eye colors: golden, brown, and clear blue. Green eye color is not allowed by the standard. Ears set high, moderately large.

The limbs are strong but not massive. The gait is light and noble. The tail is long and fluffy, evenly thickened along its entire length from base to tip. The hair of the California Spangled cat is short and thick. The word “spangled” in the name of the breed is used for a reason. Wool is soft to the touch, and it looks gleaming. Leopard spots’ patterns should be clear and contrasting. Admissible colors: black, snow leopard, brown, blue, bronze, anthracite gray, red, golden, and silver.

Character

Despite the similarities in the California Spangled appearance with the leopard, it is still a domestic cat, not a wild animal. It is responsive and loyal to its owner. The character and temperament of the California Spangled are mild and kind. The main feature of the breed is considered to be their restlessness. They are incredibly active and can not spend a minute being in one position.

Children of all ages are tolerant and happy to keep fidgety company. California Spangled cat loves to show tenderness to the owner and needs reciprocal attention from him.

Also completely not jealous and not capricious about other animals. Well, they are adapted to any living conditions. A private home can show hunting abilities and rid you of invasive rodents.

Care

The California Spangled belongs to the type of short-haired cats, which means that grooming is reduced to a minimum. It is enough to comb the cat once every two weeks. Frequent water procedures are not recommended. It may deprive the coat of the California Spangled cat of its characteristic shine.

It is advisable to bathe your pet with a special shampoo for short-haired cats every three months. Otherwise, stick to standard hygienic recommendations. Brush teeth, clean eyes, and ears every week.

Education

Energy, endurance, and intelligence are perfectly combined with the exclusive appearance of the California Spangled cat. Regarding the owner, the California Spangled cat is extremely attentive and obedient. You can easily accustom your cat to the litter box, the scratching post, and, if necessary, even to the leash.

Common Diseases

Experienced breeders and owners note the good health of the California Spangled cat. Representatives of the breed are not prone to severe hereditary diseases and are very hardy. However, this is not a reason to forget about the annual examination by the pet’s veterinarian and vaccination – it is mandatory. With proper care, the California Spangled will be able to please you for more than 14 years.

Nutrition

To ensure your pet’s long life and excellent health, you’ll need a properly chosen diet. California Spangled cat is unpretentious in food choice, but it does not mean that you have to feed it “from the table”. Natural food must necessarily be low-fat. And ready-made dry food contains all the necessary vitamins, which will contribute to the normal formation of the pet’s skeleton.