Monday, April 4, 2016

A-Z: California Spangled


Flamingice007sg, Wikipedia



This exotic kitty was created by Paul Casey when he heard that one of the last breeding leopards in the territory of Olduvai had been killed by poachers. He felt that if he could develop a domestic that looked like the leopards it would draw attention to their plight and people would relate to the conservation problems. Casey had an eleven generation plan in developing the Spangles starting with the Siamese and a spotted Angora in the first generation and ending with street cats from Egypt and Malaya. Casey worked from the 1970's to 1985 to develop his California Spangled.
Like the leopard he was bred to emulate, it has a strong body that's long and lean.
The Spangled has wide cheekbones, round tipped ears, and wide almond-shaped eyes. It has a medium length tail and short coat. The coat colors are silver, blue, red, black, gold, brown and charcoal. There is also a Snow Leopard with blue eyes that develops spots as it matures.
In spite of their wild appearance they're a friendly, social cat. They like to play and they're very intelligent. They like children. And for the most part get along with other cats and dogs.
Their average weight is eight to seventeen pounds. Average life expectancy is nine to fifteen years.
If you are interested in adding one of these exotic beauties to your family please try rescue first.



37 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

What an absolute charmer.
Hiss and spit on the loss of its bigger relatives though.

Valerie-Jael said...

This is another new breed for me, but what a beauty! Have a great week, hugs, Valerie

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Did it work to bring awareness to leopards?

CJ Kennedy said...

Handsome

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I was worried that I had missed a day, but I see I'm right on target. This is another breed I've not heard of before, but I like the concept behind the creation of the breed. You couldn't have picked a better C breed.

Anonymous said...

Very interesting and you almost had me until you said they like children.

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi, dear Sandra!

The California Spangled is indeed a beautiful hybrid. I never saw one before. I support animal crossbreeding to generate awareness of an endangered species and achieve positive traits, but am opposed to doing it merely for profit or to create better fighters for sport.

Thank you, dear friend Sandra!

Sandra Cox said...

I hiss and spit with you, EC.

Pat Hatt said...

Quite the cat indeed. Another I've never seen, but could be a relative to Orlin haha

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks. You too, Val.
Hugs,

Dan N Jaye said...

Gorgeous! We're catless just now (and I miss their company); all 5 of our previous ones were rescues.

Sandra Cox said...

That's an excellent question, Alex. Unfortunately, I don't know the answer.

Sandra Cox said...

Indeed.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Elizabeth:)
I liked the idea behind it too.

Sandra Cox said...

Ha!

Sandra Cox said...

Right there with ya, Shady.

Sandra Cox said...

Maybe a cat cousin:)

Sandra Cox said...

Yay, Dan! I'm always thrilled to meet rescue folks! You make a huge difference!

nashvillecats2 said...

This one is a beauty Sandra.
Yvonne.

Sandra Cox said...

I agree, Yvonne:)

Christine said...

interesting read Sandra.

Jens Hamn said...

you have interesting posts!
Bravo for the quality and variety of your blog, it's pleasant !

Jeanie said...

I think I saw one of those last summer during my walk -- some people had one (quite young) on a leash. I can't say he had learned to heel!

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Jens:)

Sandra Cox said...

I know some folks do, but I can't imagine walking a cat on a leash. Though back in the day when we had indoor/outdoor pets, the cats and dogs always trotted along on our outdoor walks.

da tabbies o trout towne said...

awesum !!! even uz tabbies dinna noe bout R spangled cuzin....himz total lee kewl !! ♥♥♥

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Isn't it amazing how you can just breed a new cat?

Sandra Cox said...

Sure is:)

Yolanda Renée said...

Beautiful, love this sophisticated feline!

Happy April 4th!
Ninga Minion @YolandaRenee from
Defending The Pen
Parallels
Murderous Imaginings

Birgit said...

I hope this worked to bring awareness. I think poachers should be shot but that's just me. I wish one could go to these countries and educate the people as to the issues when They ask for things like this. Oops there I go! This pussy cat is so sleek and beautiful.

Sandra Cox said...

Happy 4th to you, Yolanda:)

Sandra Cox said...

I can't say I disagree with your analysis, Birgit.

Sandra Cox said...

He sure is, Tabbies:)

Tom Benson said...

I love the idea of capturing people's attention with such a breed. It must have taken some diligence on the behalf of the breeder.
If I was wearing a hat, I'd take it off to him.:)

Magic Love Crow said...

A very beautiful cat!!!

Magic Love Crow said...

I was jus reading your comment about cats on leashes. I have a friend, who's cats get walked with leashes. They were trained from when they were kittens. She walks with them, more in her back yard, but sometimes on the road too.

shortybear said...

fantastic