Animal lovers have always adored and respected spotted cats. From leopards and jaguars to margays and servals, wild cats with spots or rosettes have always captured hearts. Unfortunately for these wild cats and their progeny, far too many cat owners crossbreed domestic cats with their wild cousins, leading to the development of spotted wild cat hybrids. Wild cat hybrids like the Bengal, which is half leopard-cat, and the Savannah, which is half serval, have become increasingly prevalent. According to cat expert Sarah Hartwell, this is bad news for kitties. Wild cats often kill their domesticated mates during coitus, and the resulting hybrids are often unfriendly or aggressive.
Fortunately for cat guardians who enjoy the appearance of spots on pet kitties, spots aren’t unique to wild cat hybrids. Many domesticated breeds have naturally occurring spots developed without the use of wild DNA. Here are a few entirely domesticated breeds of spotted cat.
Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian mau’s ancestors are depicted, essentially unchanged, on in ancient Egyptian art. This ancient cat, which has existed in some form for at least 4,000 years, has had a spotted tabby pattern covering its entire body. Its forehead has a charming “scarab beetle” marking or an “M”-shape. Maus are very vocal and affectionate, and many fans of the breed describe them as dog-like. Registered Egyptian maus can be silver, bronze, smoke, black, blue-silver, blue spotted, blue smoke or solid blue.
Australian Mist
This relatively new breed originated in Australia during the 1970s. Australian mists were bred from Burmese, Abyssinian, and domestic shorthair cats with the intention of developing a shorthaired, spotted breed. Australian mists are mid-sized, with kitten-like faces. The cat’s pattern varies from relatively bold spots to a a “misted veil” appearance, with delicate spots arranged throughout the body. This beautiful breed is still relatively rare, but is steadily gaining popularity as an alternative to wild-hybrid spotted cats.
California Spangled Cat
Bred specifically tor resemble wild species such as the leopard and ocelot, the California spangled cat is actually 100% domesticated. Anthropologist Louis Leakey developed the breed after the poaching death of a leopard, deliberately creating a cat that could draw attention to the plight of its wild ancestors. Leakey believed that, if the breed gained popularity, the poaching of wild leopards might end because people would not want to wear coats that resembled their pet cats. These charming little house-leopards are increasingly available in the United States.
Ocicat
Despite its name, which implies that it is an ocelot hybrid, the ocicat is not a wildcat hybrid. It was, however, bred specifically to resemble its wild South American cousin. Bred primarily from Siamese and Abysinnian cats, the ocicat has overshadowed other spotted breeds in popularity. As a result, it is considerably more affordable than many other spotted cat breeds. Its extremely personable nature and wild appearance make it an ideal pet for those who love the look of exotic spotted cats but want a cat who is “all” pet.
Animal lovers don’t have to take cats from nature to enjoy the wild-like look of spotted cats. By finding a reputable breeder who specializes in exotic-looking but domesticated kitties, you can have all the joy and satisfaction of a wild-looking cat– without exploiting a wild animal that should be left to live its life as a part of nature.
Related Work by Juniper Russo
Toygers, Bengals, and other Little-Big Cats
Tabby Cat Pattern Types
Cat Markings: Terminology and Definitions
