California Spangled Cats

The California Spangled Cat was specially bred for those who dream of keeping a leopard at home - even though they know it is impossible. A Hollywood scriptwriter on a trip to Africa was horrified to find that me last black leopards were in danger of extinction. He had me idea of reproducing them, but in miniature.

Attempts at crossing Siamese Sealpoints, British Shorthairs and American Shorthairs, resulted in a spotted cat which looked more or less like a leopard. It was given me name of California Spangled Cat. The addition of Egyptian blood, and mat of a small African feline, was to give it an even stronger look of the leopard. The breeder, Paul Case,!, was not just after me glory of producing a new breed.

He sold his cats though a big chain store with me advertising slogan "the leopard in your living room". While some protests were made about this, it was extremely successful and Paul Casey was to see his cat accepted by the International Cat Association. The California Spangled Cat has, therefore, at least in part of me world, become a recognised breed. It is by no means lacking in good qualities either.

Firstly, it is an extremely beautiful animal and can move with surprising speed. Its coat, which can be any of eight colours, is spotted in a pattern of regular lines which may differ from one animal to another. Its head is particularly fine, with eyes mat are full of expression. This short haired cat poses no particular problems of care. A weekly brush keeps it sleek.

It needs a carefully weighed meat diet served at regular times every day. The California Spangled Cat needs plenty of exercise. It may be kept in an apartment but is happiest with a garden and trees,as it loves to climb up onto a branch and observe the world.As the breed is not developed or recognised in many places, standards are still undetermined.

The body, however, is very strong and more muscular than it at first appears. The feet are long, the hind ones being longer than the front. The head is fine, triangular in shape with big, wide eyes, well opened ears, long whiskers and a dark pink nose. The markings are normally In bands but may also be rectangular or triangular. The coat, soft to the touch, is short, except on the belly and the tail where it is almost medium long haired. Colours may include silver, black, slate grey, golden, ginger, blue and brown.