California Spangled Cat Cat: Characteristics, Personality, and Breed Information

California Spangled Cat
Overview
Characteristics
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Origin
United States
Height
8"-10"
Adult weight
9-15 pounds
Life Span
9-16 years
Temperament
Playful, affectionate, sociable, intelligent
Other Names
Snow Leopard Cat, King Spangled Cat, American California Spangled Cat, Spangle
Group
Large shorthair
Price
$800 - $1500
Affection Level
? Breeds with a high affection level want to give and receive a lot of attention, while less-affectionate breeds are not as interested in petting and snuggles.
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80%
Activity Level
? Breeds with high activity levels will engage more in active play and demand more space and attention.
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80%
Pet-Friendly
? How well the breed tends to get along with cats, dogs, and other pets.
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60%
Kid-Friendly
? Breeds with a higher rating in this area tend to be gentle and patient, while lower-rated breeds may feel uncomfortable with children.
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80%
Sociability
? Breeds with a higher sociability rating will want to spend time with you all day, while less-sociable breeds seldom seek out human interaction.
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80%
Intelligence
? Breeds with higher intelligence ratings are more curious, investigative, and easy to train. Less-intelligent breeds are less trainable but often laid-back and easygoing.
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80%
Playfulness
? Breeds that score higher in this area have strong hunting instincts that make them great playtime companions.
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80%
Independence
? Breeds that score higher in this area are able to spend hours alone, while less-independent breeds require plenty of attention.
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80%
Vocality
? A higher rating in this area indicates a breed prone to plenty of meowing and other vocalizations, while less-vocal breeds are happy to stay quiet.
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40%
Grooming
? Breeds with higher grooming scores require more maintenance like brushing and bathing, while lower-scored breeds are virtually maintenance-free.
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100%

Personality and Temperament

Fondly referred to as the house leopard, the California Spangled cat has a friendly, outgoing personality that is in direct contrast to its wild appearance.

As beautiful and as wonderfully good-natured as they are, this breed remains exceptionally rare - so much so that it is at risk of extinction. Count yourself lucky if a California Spangled cat finds its way into your home and your heart!

About the California Spangled Cat Cat
California Spangled Cat Cat Care

Care

Nutrition

Nutrition

Grooming

Grooming

Exercise

Exercise

Health

Health

These cats do not require a special diet; however, they thrive when provided with high-quality cat food that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates.

Since California Spangled cats have short coats and are not prone to heavy shedding, they require minimal upkeep. Brushing once a week should be enough to remove loose hair, help prevent excess shedding, and keep hairballs from forming.

Regular nail trimming and toothbrushing are recommended.

California Spangled cats are naturally active and will enjoy intense play sessions as often as you offer them. Interactive toys are appreciated and tall cat towers are a must. Be sure your cat has scratching posts in different locations.

California Spangled cats are generally very healthy. There are no known hereditary issues within the breed.

History

We have anthropologists Louis Leakey and playwright Paul Casey to thank for developing the beautiful California Spangled cats. In 1971, the two teamed up with the goal of raising awareness about leopard poaching by breeding a house cat that looked like a leopard. They believe that in doing so, they could reduce the demand for leopard pelts.

The first California Spangled cats were created by crossing several breeds including Abyssinian, Siamese, American shorthair, British shorthair, and Angora cats. 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.

California Spangled cats were originally sold with the goal of raising funds to protect endangered wild cats in South and Central America. The price was particularly exorbitant for the day: at that time, the price of a California Spangled cat was $1400. For $2500, buyers could get a week-long training session with Paul Casey.

Louis Leakey and Paul Casey have passed away, but a few breeders continue to offer California Spangled cats on a very limited basis. A search for California Spangled kittens leads to long waiting lists.

Because they are so rare, California Spangled cats are no longer recognized by The International Cat Association. The American Cat Association no longer offers a breed standard.

Read More
California Spangled Cat Cat History
About the California Spangled Cat Cat

Eyes

The eyes are almond shaped, with at least one eye's width between. They complement the coat color. "Snow Leopard" white California spangled cats have blue eyes while other colors typically display green eyes.

Legs & Paws

The legs are powerful and muscular, while the paws are rounded and proportionate to the legs.

Tail

The tail is long and graceful, with a tapered profile.

The Breed Standard

Body

The California Spangled cat is medium large, with a muscular body.

Head

The head is of medium size, and well proportioned to the body. Whisker pads are prominent.

Ears

The ears are medium to small, with rounded tips.

Coat

California Spangled cats have soft, plush coats with fine hair.

Color

California Spangled cats may be bronze, gold, brown, black, charcoal, silver, red, blue, or white. All colors display well defined spots, stripes, and rosettes that lend to this cat’s incredibly wild appearance. High contrast between markings and background color is desirable.

FAQ

How much does a California Spangled Cat cat cost?

California Spangled Cat cats cost between $800 - $1500.

How big do California Spangled Cat cats get?

California Spangled Cat cats tend to be large in size. A fully grown California Spangled Cat cat might weigh between 9-15 pounds or more and range in height anywhere from about 8"-10" inches tall.

How long do California Spangled Cat cats live?

The Average lifespan for California Spangled Cat is 9-16 years.

Do California Spangled Cat cats shed?

California Spangled Cat are short-haired cats. Therefore, they do not shed as much as long-haired cat breeds.

5 thoughts on “California Spangled Cat”

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  1. Mitchell D Brooks

    I HAD A CALIFORNIA SPANGLED CAT I GOT ABOUT 2YRS OLD. I TOOK GOOD CARE OF HIM & HE WAS A GOOD BUDDY. BUT ON 01 JAN. 2023 AT 10:30am. HE NEVER SHEDDED OR SPIT UP HAIRBALLS. NOT ONE. HE WAS AN INSIDE CAT. OF THE CATS I’VE HAD IN THE LAST 20yrs HE WAS THE BEST.

    Reply
  2. Glendy

    My cat is a california spangled , she have 5 kitties 4 week old. They are mix with other cat, I am not sure if is with scottish or himalaya.
    They are for sale. Great price , Inbox me if interested .They are all different colors.

    Reply
  3. Darlene Williams

    I found a California Spangle high in the tree, crying for help. At the time I didn’t know what breed or sex he was I just knew he was special. He’s going on five months now and he’s so strong and muscular. He loves eating meat. This cat leaves no left overs. I wake up in the morning and he’s laying right beside me purring.

    Reply