California Spangled

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!

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.

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much so that, if you leave a California Spangled alone for too long, they may act out if they become stressed or become withdrawn if they start to feel lonely.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 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.

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.

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.

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!

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:

• Hope For Paws
• Best Friends Animal Society

You can also try CatTime’s adoption page that lets you search for adoptable cats by breed and zip code!