Features, background, care suggestions, and other helpful details for pet owners
Because of their fluffy, curled-back ears, American Curls are one of the most instantly recognizable cat breeds in existence today. Even while American Curls’ coats can come in a variety of colors and patterns, it is their prominent ears that distinguish them from other cat breeds. Although breeders today treasure their ears’ backward curl, they originally developed as a result of a normal (and risk-free) genetic anomaly.
American Curls are sturdy and have medium-sized bones, especially in females, thus they are not as delicate as their body weight and length may initially seem. Their curled ears, walnut-shaped eyes, and wedge-shaped cranium give them a wholly unusual appearance.
American Curls are peaceful, affectionate, and quiet cats who like developing ties with their owners. Despite their affection, American Curls don’t really like to snuggle; instead, they prefer to unwind or play with their toys while seated near to their owners. American Curls are highly adaptable and suitable for a variety of homes, including those with children or other pets.
But it’s important to remember that American Curls don’t do well when left alone for extended periods of time. As a result, you would want to consider whether your schedule can accommodate several hours of enjoyment each day.
Breed Overview
- WEIGHT: Males weigh between 8 and 12 pounds, while females weigh less than 8 pounds.
- LENGTH: 18 to 20 inches
- COAT: Short and silky
- COAT COLOR: White, black, blue, cream, red, lilac, brown, and silver
- EYE COLOR: Amber, aqua, blue, copper, green, gold, hazel, odd-eyed, orange, yellow
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: Typically 9 to 16 years
Characteristics of the American Curl
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | Moderate to High |
| Kid-Friendly | Moderate to High |
| Pet-Friendly | Moderate to High |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate to High |
| Playfulness | Moderate |
| Energy Level | Moderate to High |
| Intelligence | Moderate |
| Tendency to Vocalize | Moderate |
| Amount of Shedding | Moderate |
History of the American Curl
Despite their widespread popularity, American Curls don’t have a long history as a distinctive breed. Actually, it was only a few decades ago when the first litter of American Curls was born.
Original breeders Joe and Grace Ruga noticed the curled ears on a stray black, long-haired kitten in 1981 and gave her the name Shulamith. A few months later, Shulamith gave birth to a litter of kittens with the same curled ears. By the year 1983, cat breeders were working hard to perpetuate and disseminate this specific characteristic through selective breeding. Roy Robinson, a cat scientist, revealed the ear-curling gene to be a dominant trait, meaning that cats with only one copy of the gene would be born with curled ears.
The American Curl quickly rose to prominence and was recognized by both the International Cat Association in 1987 and the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 1993. In the US, American Curls are now the 27th most popular cat breed.
Canadian Curl Care
How often you should groom your American Curl will depend on how long his or her coat is. To maintain your American Curl’s short haired coat shiny and healthy, brush it once a week. For long-haired United States Curls, grooming should be increased to twice weekly in order to clean the coat of any tangles, mats, or debris.
Like many cats, the American Curl is prone to ear issues. Once a week, check your Curl’s ears and gently clean out any dirt or debris with a cotton ball or moist towel. Cotton wipes shouldn’t be used because they could significantly hurt your Curl’s delicate inner ear components. If your Curl’s ears are really filthy, red, inflamed, or smell off, take him to the vet straight immediately. These damage or sickness symptoms might be present.
In order to stave off periodontal disease, attempt to brush Curl’s teeth several times a week. Although twice daily brushing is preferred, routine maintenance can help maintain good oral health. Plaque-removing treats can be used in addition to brushing, but you should exercise caution when providing them to your Curl because they contain a lot of extra calories and should only be used as a supplement to a regular dental hygiene regimen.
Select activities that will challenge the American Curl’s physical and mental strength since they are intellectual and call for appropriate exercise. Play hide-and-seek or cat-specific puzzles to pass the time. Many Curls like playing fetch with a small toy or a rolled-up piece of paper. Make sure your schedule allows for enough playtime before bringing an American Curl into your house. Every day, the American Curl needs a lot of attention.
Common Health Problems
The majority of American Curls are in good health and are not predisposed genetically to any particular ailments. It’s important to remember, though, that neither purebred cats nor cats of mixed breeds are totally protected from developing certain diseases throughout the course of their lifespan.
Due of the breed’s unusual ear shape, certain American Curl puppies may be born with narrower ear canals. The accumulation of wax in these narrowed canals may cause recurring ear infections. In order to prevent or detect ear or inner-hearing abnormalities early, make sure to check your Curl’s ears every week. If you have any worries about Curl’s ears, consult your veterinarian.
Nutrition and Diet
Like all breeds, the American Curl may be susceptible to obesity or heart disease if inadequate exercise and a high-quality, high-protein diet are provided. Your Curl’s daily food intake is largely influenced by his or her age, sex, and level of activity, but if you’re unclear, talk to your veterinarian. Remember to distribute your Curl treats sparingly.
Pros
- Reasonably low upkeep
- Amiable and friendly with kids and other animals
Cons
- A propensity for ear infections necessitates frequent grooming and continual dedication.
- Investigation into new cat breeds
Before adding an American Curl to your household, do your research. The American Curl requires constant stimulation and exercise while being a generally low-maintenance cat. Regular ear exams are necessary since they may also be more susceptible to ear infections and wax accumulation.
To discover more about cat breeds like the American Curl, visit the following websites:
- Bobtail American calico in tortoiseshell
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