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California Spangled

California Spangled

Origin

🇺🇸

United States

Size

Medium Breed

Ideal Space

Apartment

Ideal Weather

20º-30ºC

Life Expectancy

12-15 years

Cost of buying

₹ 35,000 - ₹ 60,000

Top 5 Traits

Playful

Curious

Friendly

Independent

Affectionate

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹ 2,800 - ₹ 4,200

A close up of a tabby cats head with large yellow eyes looking directly forward

California Spangled Breed Overview: Wild Looking with a Domestic Heart

The California Spangled Cat breed is often called the house-leopard. This is because its breeders wanted a cat that resembled a leopard. But, despite its resemblance to the jungle cat, it’s extremely affectionate and domestic and craves attention and affection from its family. The only thing similar to leopards is their high energy levels and inclination towards perching in tall spaces. They love a good chase and might target moving objects. They dislike being left alone for long periods of time.


Lifespan of a California Spangled Cat Breed


According to Viovet, the average lifespan of a California spangled cat is 10-15 years.


California Spangled History


The California Spangled cat has an interesting history, much like its appearance. According to PetMD, it was developed by Paul Casey, who wanted to create a domestic breed that resembled a leopard in some capacity so that people would show interest in leopard conservation. This rare breed is a result of 15 years of scientific work. Several breeds were used to create the California Spangled, including traditional Siamese cats, American shorthair, British Shorthair, and Abyssinian cat breeds.


The final round of breeding even included street cats from Egypt to give them a wild look.

The meticulous efforts ended in 1985 with cat lovers admiring the end result. Casey then formed the California Spangled Cat Association (CSCA), with the objective to promote the spangled cat while also protecting endangered wild cats.


Casey presented the Spangled Cat to the public in 1986 by selling it for $1,400 (₹1,16,200)each as part of an advertising campaign with the Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog. The breed was an instant hit and was coveted by many, especially due to its extensive media coverage and limited supply.


The breed still remains one of the rare breeds, with only around 200 California Spangled cats in existence. The breed has been approved for New Breed and Color status and is gradually making its way to Championship Status from the American Cat Association (ACA) and the International Cat Association (TICA).


In Europe, the breed currently boasts two International Grand Champions. Additionally, Lassik, a Grand Champion Spangled, took home Best of Show at the Paris summer competition in 1994.


California Spangled Physical Appearance


  1. Build: strong, long, and slender
  2. Coat Colours: Charcoal, black, silver, bronze, gold, brown, red, blue, or white are the possible coat colors, according to Petinsurance.
  3. Coat Pattern: The coat pattern consists of distinct round, square, triangular, or oval dots.
  4. Weight: According to their Catster, their weight ranges from 3 to 7 kg.
  5. Height: 8 to 10 inches tall

Characteristics

Temperament with Kids

Aggressive

Friendly

Playfulness

Silent

Very Playful

Friendliness

Not Friendly

Super Friendly

Shedding amount

Negligible

Frequent

Compatibility with other cats

Not Friendly

Super Friendly

Prey Drive

Low

High

Need for attention

Independent

Very Needy

Monthly Expenses

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What Is The Price of a California Spangled in India?

Cost of buying

₹ 35,000 - ₹ 60,000

The average price of a California Spangled Cat in India varies between ₹20,000 to ₹50,000.


There are a lot of variables that influence the price of a feline, including the reputation of the breeder, its lineage, and potential for show quality.


There are two ways of acquiring a pet: Adoption and buying. If there is an option, consider taking the adoption route, as you will be providing a needy kitten a second chance at love.


Here Are Some Breeds That Are Similar To The California Spangled Bengal Cat | Ocicat


Best Practices to Follow While Adopting or Buying a California Spangled Cat

It can be both thrilling and overwhelming to bring a new cat into your home. The following tips will help you get started on the journey:


  1. Research - Take your time to understand the temperament and needs of the breed to determine if it is the best choice for a pet for you and your family.
  2. Ethical sources - Only buy from breeders who are trustworthy and reputable.
  3. Visit the breeder/adoption center - Meet the cats before making a final decision. Interact with them if possible to understand their personality and to see how they will fit into your household.
  4. Documentation - Collect important documents from the breeders (if buying), like vaccination records.
  5. Prepare - Stock up on necessary supplies like a cat bed, litter, food bowl, etc, to give them a warm welcome.

California Spangled: Nutritional Guide

Monthly Food Expenses

₹ 1,500 - ₹ 2,000

Calories per day

Kittens350 kcal

Adults250 kcal

Essential Nutrients

Protein

Fats

Carbohydrates

Vitamins

Minerals

Fiber

List of foods

Dry kibble

Wet canned food

Lamb

Turkey

Tuna

Salmon

Beef (in moderation)

Chicken (cooked or raw)

  1. Give them food that complies with the AAFCO feeding recommendations.
  2. Serve a mix of dry and wet meals. This aids in maintaining their oral health while keeping them hydrated.
  3. Control portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can result in obesity and other associated health problems.
  4. Make sure they eat a diet rich in high-quality protein. For cats, meat is a great source of amino acids.
  5. Before introducing supplements into your pet's food, consult with your veterinarian.


Breakdown of Macro-nutrients

Recommended Foods for California Spangled

  1. Protein - Animal meat is considered the best source of protein for cats. Opt for high-quality protein like chicken, turkey, or beef.
  2. If choosing packaged food, ensure that animal protein is listed as the first or the second ingredient.
  3. Fatty Acids: Cats enjoy the flavor of animal fat, and they use the calories from fats to gradually release energy. As a result, their blood sugar levels don't rise quickly. To prevent weight problems, however, limit the amount of animal fat they eat to less than 20% of their diet.
  4. Vitamins and Minerals- Vegetables, Liver, Meat, and Fish oil are some excellent options.

Foods That Are Toxic to California Spangled Cats

Avoid anything with these ingredients

Onions and Garlic

Grapes and Raisins

Caffeine

Chocolate

Alcohol

Bones

Raw Eggs

Dairy (in some cases)

  1. As per PetMD, chocolate, raisins, grapes, and other foods that are toxic to animals should be avoided because they can be fatal.
  2. Avoid giving them a diet heavy in carbohydrates as this may cause weight gain and other health problems.
  3. Before purchasing packaged food, ensure the contents are free of fillers, which can add up to empty calories with no nutritional value.
  4. Stay away from raw meat and raw eggs as they contain salmonella.
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Health Care Overview of the California Spangled Cat

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹ 500 - ₹ 700

Common Health Issues

Hyperthyroidism

Heartworm Disease

Fleas and Ticks

Kidney Disease

Diabetes

Obesity

Dental Problems

Upper Respiratory Infections

Activities

Play with Toys

Chasing Objects

Exploring

Climbing

Scratching

Energy Level

Medium

Exercise routine

30 - 59 minutes

Recognising Stress

Hiding

Decreased appetite

Increased vocalization

Overgrooming

Changes in litter box behavior

Watch Out For These Common Health Issues in California Spangled Cats

  1. Dental issues: Cats frequently have dental problems, which can have detrimental effects. The Cornell University Feline Health Center estimates that between 50 and 90 percent of cats over the age of four have some kind of dental condition. Thankfully, with the right dental care and observation, the most prevalent types of these conditions can be avoided or treated. Gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth resorption are common dental problems in cats. As per PetMD, the majority of cats do not exhibit overt signs of dental illness. Thus, it is advised that your cat undergoes an annual health examination from a veterinarian. Regular dental cleanings and oral exams are equally crucial for their oral health.
  2. Obesity: Obesity increases the risk of serious health problems, such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, endocrine and metabolic disorders, and a compromised immune system. According to PetMD, cats who are middle-aged (8–12 years old), neutered, and spend most of their time indoors are more likely to develop obesity. Feeding and diet plans are crucial for controlling weight.

Vaccination details

Growth Stage

Core Vaccines

8 Weeks

Feline Calicivirus, Feline Herpesvirus, Feline Panleukopenia

12 Weeks

Feline Calicivirus, Feline Herpesvirus, Feline Panleukopenia

16 Weeks

Rabies

20 Weeks

Feline Calicivirus, Feline Herpesvirus, Feline Panleukopenia

24 Weeks

Rabies

28 Weeks

Feline Calicivirus, Feline Herpesvirus, Feline Panleukopenia

32 Weeks

Rabies

California Spangled Cat: Grooming Guide

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹ 800 - ₹ 1,500

Shedding Level

Moderate Shedding

Hygienic Checklist

Feeding

Litter Box

Grooming (for some breeds)

Hydration

Play and Exercise

Health Observation

Benefits of Grooming

Cleanliness

Low Shedding

Odourless

Prevents Bad Breath

Prevents infections

  1. Coat - They have short coats that require weekly brushing.
  2. Eye - if you spot any discharge, clean it with a damp towel.
  3. Ears - routinely check their ears for wax or dirt buildup and clean them with a solution that is recommended by your vet.
  4. Nails - According to PetMD, it is important to trim your cat’s nails every 2 weeks.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Are California Spangled Cats good with children?

Yes, they are very affectionate and playful. They make wonderful companions for children.

What is the grooming requirement of a California Spangled?

They have short coats and require minimal grooming.

Is California Spangled a rare cat breed?

Yes, California Spangled is an extremely rare cat breed.

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