We have anthropologists Louis Leakey and playwright Paul Casey to thank for developing the beautiful California Spangled cats. In 1971, the two teamed up with the goal of raising awareness about leopard poaching by breeding a house cat that looked like a leopard. They believe that in doing so, they could reduce the demand for leopard pelts. The first California Spangled cats were created by crossing several breeds including Abyssinian, Siamese, American shorthair, British shorthair, and Angora cats. The breed was finally perfected in 1985, and the cats were introduced to the public in 1986 when they graced the cover of the Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog. California Spangled cats were originally sold with the goal of raising funds to protect endangered wild cats in South and Central America. The price was particularly exorbitant for the day: at that time, the price of a California Spangled cat was $1400. For $2500, buyers could get a week-long training session with Paul Casey. Louis Leakey and Paul Casey have passed away, but a few breeders continue to offer California Spangled cats on a very limited basis. A search for California Spangled kittens leads to long waiting lists. Because they are so rare, California Spangled cats are no longer recognized by The International Cat Association. The American Cat Association no longer offers a breed standard.