Colorpoint Shorthair vs California Spangled Cat - Breed Comparison

People seem to want a cat that resembles some of the wild cats we have, and the California Spangled is a domestic cat that has been bred to resemble spotted wild cats.

In fact, it was during the 1970s, that Paul Casey, an American scientist, returned from Tanzania to create a cat breed that resembled a wild cat such as a leopard.

There are many breeds that make up the California Spangled cat and these are the Abyssinian, British Shorthair, Siamese as well as some stray cats. Today, the breed has all but disappeared and there are only a few of the cats left.

The Colorpoint Shorthair is a Siamese cat that came about when the Siamese cat was used with the red American Shorthair to bring about new colors.

The actual name is given by the CFA or Cat Fanciers’ Association to refer to pointed cats that have Siamese parents and that have many colors other than the usual 4 Siamese colors which are blue, lilac, seal, and chocolate.

It was in the 1940s and 1950s that cat breeders in the UK and the USA wanted to develop a Siamese cat with red points as opposed to the traditional Siamese colors. It was in 1964 that these red and cream Colorpoint Shorthairs were awarded championship status with the Cat Fanciers’ Association.

Today, different cat registries recognize the Colorpoint Shorthair as a separate breed while others see it as a variation of the Siamese.

The California Spangled cat is lean with a long muscular body and long legs. Its long body makes it look like it is on the prowl like a leopard.

Its coat, similar to that of a leopard, can be a mix of colors such as black, tan, silver, red and white with a mix of different shaped spots. The coat is fairly short and doesn’t require too much grooming. However, a brush will be like a bonding session for you and your cat and it will keep his coat shiny and free of loose hairs and dust.

The cat has almond-shaped eyes that are amber to copper-colored.

Temperament:

This cat is independent but it still wants to get a lot of attention from his owners. They’re affectionate, social and devoted to their human family. They are known for their intelligence and high energy levels, enjoying games that involve lots of action and participation.

Being an active cat, it needs a lot of space to roam and to play. Because he is smart, buy him interesting toys, a scratching post, and climbing equipment.

The Colorpoint Shorthair is a medium-size cat that typically weighs between 2 to 4kg and is nicely muscled. This is a long cat with legs that are long and slender too.

The coat is short and glossy, light-colored with darker extremities. Colors can be Cream Point, Red Point, Cinnamon Point, Seal Point, Blue-, Lilic- and Chocolate Point among others. The cat is well known for its mesmerizing almond-shaped blue eyes.

Temperament:

This sweet agile, athletic cat will be a delight in your home as he is highly intelligent and can easily learn a few basic commands but he is also friendly, playful, and loving. They’re social, outgoing cats too and when he’s not amusing himself, he will happily come and lounge about close to where his beloved human companions are.

On the other side of the coin, these cats can also be somewhat nervous and sensitive and they won’t adapt easily to a change in environment and lifestyle. It is why you have to choose your pet carefully and understand that owning a pet is a commitment of some 15 years or so.

Like the Siamese cat, these felines can be very vocal and they let you know when they want your attention.

These active but calm cats are very sociable, liking to talk to only when needed and then the meow of the cat is soft.

While this cat would prefer being the only cat in the family, they are quite adaptable in the right environment and will adapt to a home where there are other pets.

These are cats that enjoy being the only cat in the house, but they are prepared to adapt to a life shared wth other cats or dogs.

They love playing and will respond well to children who have been taught how to be kind to animals.

They’re pricey cats these but they can certainly provide you with 15 years of great companionship.

Choose the wonderful Colorpoint if you want a cat that isn’t cold and independent. With this cat you have one that is more like a companion and looks forward to being around you.

This is a loyal and loving cat who wants to be part of the human family and he wants to be involved in your life.

He suits first-time cat owners, those with children and pets in the home as well as being an excellent pet for seniors – anyone in fact, who is willing to bestow on him the love and affection he craves.

This cat is healthy without any hereditary health issues, and with good care he can reach 15 years of age.

It always helps to choose a reputable breeder to minimize health risks. When in any kind of doubt as to the wellbeing of your cat, rather speak to your vet to be sure.

When it comes to the health of these beautiful cats, you may well find similar health issues as what affects the Siamese, some of which are asthma or bronchial disease, congenital heart defects and lymphoma among others.

Lymphoma is cancer in the lymphocyte cells. Your cat will be lethargic and you will need to get him to the vet and provide the vet with a medical history of your cat. Lymphoma is believed to be associated with exposure to feline leukemia virus as well as the feline immunodeficiency virus.

When it comes to feeding these cats, you’ll find that the California Spangled Cat is highly energetic and therefore his food needs to be of the very best high protein that there is.

The cat requires high-quality food and food that is adapted to his growth and energy levels. If your California Spangled Cat had to hunt for his own food it would be mice and birds - protein.

In your home, he’ll need cat food high in protein. A diet deficient in protein can lead to all kinds of health issues. The reason for this is the protein has amino acids and this plays many essential roles in the body, strengthening the immune system.

Fortunately, in our busy world, commercially manufactured cat foods from top brands are nutritionally complete and balanced, and they’re high-protein cat foods. Proteins are imperative for the functioning of all body parts, and nursing queens for instance may well need more protein to get the kittens off to a good start.

Grooming:

Your California Spangled cat isn’t a huge shedder so a regular brushing once a week of the short coat will get rid of dust and loose hairs.

They’re playful cats these so provide them with games and toys that can help with using up some of this energy.

Rember that your Colorpoint Shorthair is a long, lean, musculac cat and for health purposes, you want to ensure a good diet of the best cat food there is. There are some excellent commercially manufactured cat goods available and it is wise to get to know the ingredients as meat and protein is high on the list. Cats are carnivoes and it is imperative to feed your cat high quality protein. When in any kind of doubt, speak to your vet about the best cat food available for your special feline friend.

The short coat requires brushing once a week.

Check your cat over for any unusual lumps. Look at his eyes, check inside his ears for signs of redness and infection and check inside his mouth for signs of bad teeth as this can cause him terrible pain.

Provide a litter box and keep it scrupulously clean.

Have the claws cut.

Have your cat spayed or neutered to avoid unwanted kittens and to also promote better health for your cat.

Provide your cat with a warm bed, food and water bowls, and stimulating toys.