Selkirk Rex vs California Spangled Cat - Breed Comparison

Both California Spangled Cat and Selkirk Rex are originated from United States. Both California Spangled Cat and Selkirk Rex are having almost same weight. Both California Spangled Cat and Selkirk Rex has almost same life span. Both California Spangled Cat and Selkirk Rex has same litter size. Both California Spangled Cat and Selkirk Rex requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

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United States
United States
Weight Male:
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
12 - 17 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
None
Sheep Cat
Colors Available:
silver, Mix of colors such as black, red and white with a mix of different shaped spots, tan
All colors
Coat:
Short and fairly soft
Long- and short coat - wavy or curled
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

california spangled catPeople 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 Selkirk Rex originated in the USA in 1987. A host of cats have been used to develop this cat breed – Persians, British Shorthairs, Himalayans, American Shorthairs, Exotic Shorthairs, and others.

There was a litter of kittens and the odd one out, one with an unusual coat – was placed with the breeder, Jeri Newman, who bred the cat with a black Persian.

Three Selkirk Rex kittens were born as well as three straight-haired kittens. The cat has been developed with either long- or short coats. The Selkirk Rex cat breed is recognized by various cat associations such as the International Cat Association, the American Cat Fanciers Association in the 1990s as well as the Cat Fanciers Association in 2000.

Description

california spangled cat kitten - descriptionThe 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 Selkirk Rex is a medium- to large-sized cat that will weigh between 3 to 6kg. He is a well-built cat of which you get a short- and long coat variety. The coat is available in all colors. The coat has a soft, woolly look to it with some curls.

With the long-haired variety, the cat has a well-plumed tail. One drawback perhaps is that the cat is a fairly heavy shedder, and perhaps wouldn’t be a good choice for those with allergies.

Temperament:

This is a lively, playful, energetic cat with a friendly temperament. Cat experts will tell you that it is the Persian and British Shorthair ancestors that have given him his placid, lovable nature. He is, however, more active than those cat breeds and loves to play.

Tolerant and affectionate, the Selkirk isn't a lap cat. Because he has a sociable nature, he dislikes being left alone for long periods of time.

The Selkirk Rex fits in well with households where there are well-behaved children and other pets. He is such a loving cat and loves to be in the company of his human companions. He isn’t demanding and likes to talk to you in a quiet voice.

Characteristics

california spangled cat cat - characteristicsThese 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.

When you welcome a Selkirk Rex cat into your home, you’ll have a loving friend and companion.

They love to bask in the attention they get as they’re quite unusual with their wavy to curly coats. People are always wanting to touch it.

The Selkirk Rex cat is an active, playful cat and has a whole lot of love to offer you.

Health Problems

california spangled cat kittens - health problemsThis 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.

The Selkirk Rex cat, if looked after well and given excellent food can live to be 15, 16, or 17 years of age. Some of these cats can suffer from hair loss. Remember, that every cat will require vaccinations and de-worming.

Kidney Disease:

Chronic kidney failure usually develops over a number of months. Chronic kidney failure in cats is a progressive illness but if you get your cat to the vet it can be managed. The vet will want a sample of your cat's urine and possibly a blood test.

Caring The Pet

california spangled cat cats - caringWhen 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.

Your Selkirk Rex will need to have his fur brushed. You don’t want to brush him too hard every week as this can cause the curls to frizz. Rather use a spray bottle with some cat conditioner and lightly spray the curls and use your fingers to ‘comb’ his hair.

Provide your cat with well-balanced meals. Your Selkirk Rex is a carnivore and you have to ensure that his food is made up of meat. The best commercially manufactured cat foods know how to correctly balance your cat’s food so that it gets the perfect blend of vitamins and minerals. Always choose a good brand of cat food that will meet your cat's nutritional needs. If you’re unsure, you can always ask your vet for suggestions about good quality food that will help towards ensuring good health for your cat.

The cheaper, unknown brands may not have the best ingredients to keep your cat happy and healthy. Remember to read the labels as a growing kitten will require different food to a senior cat.

Provide your Selkirk Rex with a litter box, scratching post, and a climbing tree.

Your kitten will need to be vaccinated to protect him from some of the life-threatening diseases cats can get. Most of the vets these days recommend a combined vaccine, starting at about 8 weeks of age. These vaccines will protect your kitten from Feline Leukaemia Virus, Feline Parovirus, and cat flu.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. California Spangled Cat vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  2. California Spangled Cat vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  3. California Spangled Cat vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  4. California Spangled Cat vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  5. California Spangled Cat vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  6. California Spangled Cat vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  7. California Spangled Cat vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  8. California Spangled Cat vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  9. California Spangled Cat vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  10. California Spangled Cat vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  11. California Spangled Cat vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  12. California Spangled Cat vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  13. California Spangled Cat vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  14. California Spangled Cat vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  15. California Spangled Cat vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  16. California Spangled Cat vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  17. California Spangled Cat vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  18. California Spangled Cat vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  19. California Spangled Cat vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  20. California Spangled Cat vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  21. California Spangled Cat vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  22. California Spangled Cat vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  23. California Spangled Cat vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  24. California Spangled Cat vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  25. California Spangled Cat vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison
  26. Selkirk Rex vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. Selkirk Rex vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  28. Selkirk Rex vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. Selkirk Rex vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  30. Selkirk Rex vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  31. Selkirk Rex vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  32. Selkirk Rex vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  33. Selkirk Rex vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  34. Selkirk Rex vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  35. Selkirk Rex vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  36. Selkirk Rex vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  37. Selkirk Rex vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  38. Selkirk Rex vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  39. Selkirk Rex vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  40. Selkirk Rex vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  41. Selkirk Rex vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  42. Selkirk Rex vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  43. Selkirk Rex vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  44. Selkirk Rex vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  45. Selkirk Rex vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  46. Selkirk Rex vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  47. Selkirk Rex vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  48. Selkirk Rex vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  49. Selkirk Rex vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  50. Selkirk Rex vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison