American Curl Wite: Know About This Cat-Breed Special Information

September 2, 2022November 29, 2022 Girish Thakor 8 Comments

The American Curl is a breed of cat characterized by its unusual ears, which curve from the face towards the center of the back of the skull. As a result of spontaneous mutation, the breed originated in Lakewood, California. (Origin: California, USA)

American Curls are one of the most easily recognizable cat breeds today. As their coats can come in a variety of colors and patterns, and their hair can be either short or long, it is the American Curls’ unique ears that set them apart from other cat breeds.

Today, their backward-curved ears are a desirable trait among breeders but were originally the product of a natural genetic mutation first identified in the United States during the 1980s.

But only their curly ears make these cats special. Sometimes nicknamed “Peter Pan cats”, these cats retain their kitten-like nature into adulthood and love to play, investigate, climb and keep a close eye on their owners. They are very affectionate and easily accept children and other pets, making them ideal family cats.

American Curl Size

The American Curl is a medium-sized cat 2.3–4.5 kg and does not reach maturity until 2–3 years of age. Females should be between 2.3–3.6 kg and males 3.2–4.5 kg # curly-eared cat

American Curl colors

chocolate, brown, sable, cinnamon, lavender, silver, fawn, blue, gray, black, ebony, cream, beige, tan, lilac, red, orange, white

American Curl Cat Breed Characteristics

Adaptability: 5 Points	Energy Level: 3 Points
Shedding Level: 3 Points	Affection Level: 5 Points
Grooming: 2 Points	Social Needs: 3 Points
Child Friendly: 4 Points	Health Issues: 1 Point
Stranger Friendly: 3 Points	Dog Friendly: 5 Points
Intelligence: 3 Points

History

The first American Curls appeared in June 1981 as strays on Rugas’ doorstep in Lakewood, California. A black female named Shulamith gave birth to a single curly-eared kitten and thus became the progenitor of all Americans. Curls today.

In 1986, the American Curl was first exhibited at cat shows, and in 1992, the long-haired American Curl was awarded championship status by The International Cat Association (TICA). In 1999, the American Curl became the first breed to enter the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) championship class with both longhair and shorthair divisions.

American Curl kittens are born with straight ears, which begin to curl within forty-eight hours. After four months, their ears will no longer curl and should be stiff and hard to the touch at the base of the ears with flexible tips.

A pet quality American Curl’s ears may be almost straight, but a Showcat’s ears should be bent in an arc between 90 and 180 degrees. 90 degrees is preferable, but cats will be disqualified if their ears touch the back of their skull.

Both long-haired and short-haired American Curls have soft, silky coats that lie flat against their bodies. They require little grooming and enjoy spending time with their owners.

American Curl Personality

The friendly and gentle American Curl is known for its people-loving personality. They also like children, which is not always the case with cats, and are known to seek out their company.

True to his domestic shorthair heritage, he is moderately active, curious, and smart. It’s likely to follow you around to see what you’re doing, but it’s not as talkative or bossy as some breeds. If necessary, he will quietly request your attention, food, or whatever else he wants.

When you come home from work, he will gladly greet you with a nod and may even extend affectionate gestures to house guests.

American Curls are often called the “Peter Pan” of the cat world. It is not unusual to see older curls flying around the house with just as much joy as the younger ones. Men and women are equally active.

Curl loves to play and can learn to fetch. He’s also capable of opening doorknobs, so be careful what you put in any cabinets within his reach. When he’s ready for a break, he’ll happily sit on your lap. It is alert and adaptable, perfect for any home or family that will love it.

Temperament

Although there is a truly dazzling array of color and coat combinations for the breed, one thing that seems consistent is their personality. The American Curl is a fun-loving, youthful breed. Curls don’t reach full maturity until 2-3 years of age, so the breed retains their kitten energy well into adulthood and can remain splashy and active well into their teens.

“American curl cats are intelligent and active, even as they get older,” says Alison Gerken, DVM, Florida Veterinary Behavior Services. “

They enjoy playing, so pet parents should expect to provide their American Curl with a high level of mental stimulation and environmental enrichment through multiple daily plays, grooming, and petting sessions; cat perches and trees; and various toys and food puzzles.”

Not known for being an extremely vocal cat, Curl will meow and chirp when he’s hungry or when you first arrive home, but most of the time he’ll be happy to express his affection through head bumps and physical attention.

They are a friendly, sociable, highly adaptable breed that welcomes attention from children and gets along well with other cats and cat-friendly dogs, happily adapting to new housemates. They love the company of their people but will do well on their own for long periods of time if necessary.

“A prospective American Curl pet parent can expect them to adjust to a new home and integrate easily with their new family,” Gerken says.

Although American Curls are active cats, they are definitely people-lovers and will be happy to curl up and take advantage of a good lap when one is available. Not particularly skittish around strangers, they are happy to serve as welcome wagons for any visitors as well.

Health

Both pedigree cats and mixed breed cats have varying incidences of health problems that may be genetic in nature. American Curls are generally healthy, but some lines have problems with narrow ear canals, which can lead to ear infections from wax buildup.

Common Health Problems

American Curls are generally healthy and not prone to any specific genetic disorders. But like any cat, the possibility always exists that your cat will develop some type of disease or condition during its lifetime.

Due to the unique shape of the American Curl’s ears, some are born with narrowed ear canals. These narrow canals can trap wax, which can lead to ear infections.

The reverse can also occur, where chronic ear infections cause inflammation of the ear canals. Be sure to check your curl’s ears every week to prevent or identify any ear or inner ear problems. If you are concerned about the health of your curl’s ears, call your veterinarian for advice.

Care

A curl’s coat can be short or long, and both lengths are easy to care for. The long-haired variety has a little undercoat, so it is less likely to mat or tangle. A weekly combing is plenty to keep long-haired or short-haired curls looking good.

Try running the comb backward through the shorthair’s coat; It can help remove any dead hair that has accumulated. Shorthair sheds year-round and sheds more than longhair. During the warmer months, when long hair can shed more, it’s a good idea to brush or comb more often. Bathing is rarely necessary.

Brush teeth to prevent periodontal disease. Daily dental hygiene is best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing. Trim nails every two weeks.

Wipe the corners of the eyes with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Use a separate area of the cloth for each eye so that you don’t risk spreading any infection.

Check the ears weekly. If they look dirty, clean them with a cotton ball or a soft damp cloth moistened with a 50-50 mixture of cider vinegar and warm water. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can damage the inner ear. Handle your ears carefully; You don’t want to break the cartilage.

Keep the American Curl’s litter box spotlessly clean. Cats are very particular about bathroom cleanliness.

It’s a good idea to keep the American Curl as an indoor-only cat to protect it from diseases spread by other cats, attacks by dogs or coyotes, and other dangers that outdoor cats face, such as being hit by cars.

American Curls who go outside also run the risk of being stolen by someone who wants to get such a cute cat without paying for it.

Diet and Nutrition

Like all cats, the American Curl can be susceptible to obesity or heart disease if not properly exercised and fed a high-quality, high-protein diet.

How much food your curlie eats each day largely depends on its age and activity level, but if you’re not sure how much you should be feeding your cat, talk to your vet. Remember to give your curl treats in moderation.

As a general rule, adult cats can eat two meals per day, while kittens should eat three or four small meals per day. All pet cats should always have access to clean water.

Coat Color And Grooming

The Curl stands out for its distinctively shaped ears, but even without them it is an attractive cat with a sweet expression, and a silky coat that can be long or short and any color, including exotic shades such as chocolate tortoiseshell smoke, silver patched tabby happens and lilac lynx point. The long-haired variety has a beautiful tail.

The ears, however, are the most interesting feature. When kittens are born, they begin to bounce back within two to 10 days of birth. When a kitten is about 4 months old they curl, uncurl and curl some more until they reach their permanent shape.

A kitten destined for the show ring will have crescent-shaped ears with at least a 90-degree arc of curl but no more than 180 degrees.

The moderately large ear tips are rounded and flexible, often decorated with tufts of fur. When curls are attentive, their ears roll forward, but the tips point toward the center of the base of the skull.

Living Needs

When not curling with his humans, the American Curl appreciates a quiet place to nap on his own. Curls commanders have been known to sleep over salad bowls, boxes, and milk crates, especially if left in an elevated position.

But you should give him his own cat bed, hammock, and other comfortable places that are just for him.

American Curls are extremely adaptable cats, Gerken says, and are great with seniors, first-time cat parents, and families with children. In fact, the American Curl is one of the few cat breeds that seem to seek out children and enjoy play sessions with them, according to the CFA.

However, Gerken says very young children should be supervised and taught how to interact with pets. Make sure they don’t know how to play with the delicate ears of the American Curl!

Adopt or Buy an American Curl (Rescue or Shelter)

American Curl Price

American Curl cats cost between $1,000 – $2,000.

Fun Facts About American Curl Cat

As of 2022, the American Curl is the only breed recognized by the CFA in the Longhair and Shorthair classes.
For show cats, ears are the strictest criterion. Cats with ears that are too far apart or not enough are ineligible. Likewise, there are cats who do not have enough hard cartilage at the base of the ears, or ears that have too much variation in the curl from one ear to the other.
Even in curl-curl breeding, it’s impossible to tell how much a litter’s ears will curl. Kittens in the same pot have fairly deep curls-or ears that stand straight up.

More Cat Breeds For Further Research

American Curl Cat Breed Review

American Curl Cat FAQs

Are American Curl cats expensive?

As with any purebred cat, you will pay more for an American Curl than a mixed breed cat from a local shelter or rescue. Show-quality American Curls can cost upwards of $1,000, although purebreds that don’t quite meet the breed’s standards can sell for less.

Do American Curl cats like being held?

The American Curl is a very affectionate breed and enjoys spending quality time cuddling and interacting with its humans. But all cats are individuals, and some enjoy being held more than others. It may help if you regularly and gently pick up and hold your cat when it is a small kitten. Never continue to hold a cat that shows obvious signs of wanting to leave, such as movement, struggle, or biting.

Are American Curl cats hypoallergenic?

While they do not shed excessively, the American Curl is not a hypoallergenic cat breed.