Curl cats are a national treasure in the United States. Their quirky and lovely curled ears have made them one of the most distinctive feline species, but there’s so much more to learn and appreciate about this breed of cats named American Curl cat.
The American Curl has grown from humble origins to be recognized by all major cat associations and has even been given championship status. They’re often compared to kittens since they keep their young, lively personalities throughout their lives. They are wonderful companions for just about everyone, thanks to their adorable looks and active dispositions.
If you’re a cat enthusiast who wants to bring a new cat into your house, the American Curl cat might be a fantastic choice! True, there are several cat breeds to pick from, as well as other things to consider when selecting a new member of your family. It’s reasonable that you want to learn more about the breed, origin, personality, care, and every little details about the American curl cat.
Cats have various demands in terms of their living environment and the type of care they demand, so it’s vital to pick one that will fit well with your home and lifestyle. We talked about the safety of cats by avoiding stressing our cats in one of our previous posts but today, we will provide you with all of the information you want on the American Curl cat.
The American Curl Cats’ History
Joe and Grace Ruga spotted a stray, lengthy-haired black female cat with curly ears at a residence in Lakewood, California, in 1981, and named her the American Curl cat. They were the very first cats to be identified as having distinctive American curl ears.
All breeders may be traced back to this single meeting. She later had a litter of kittens with her distinctive curled ears, resulting in the creation of a new breed. One of them was adopted by the Ruga and given the name Shulamith. She started having litters with kittens with curled ears, and breeders began to create the breed shortly after.
The American Curl Cat’s Distinguishing Characteristics
The distinctive ears of the American Curl cat are its distinguishing feature. Instead of standing up at a point like other cats, they curl backward. It is a medium-sized cat that weighs between five and ten pounds and lives for an average of 13 years. The coating can be brief or lengthy, and any pigment or pattern is possible. American Curl cats have wide, plume-like tails and a long torso that allows them to jump up onto high positions! Their curled back ears do not affect their hearing. The following are the characteristics that distinguish the American curl cat.
1. They have straight ears from birth.
American curl cats, similar to Scotland fold cats, are weaned with straight ears. They start curling in three to five days and take around four months to reach their completely curled state.
According to the Cat Fanciers Association, the degree of the curl varies greatly from cat to cat, ranging from nearly straight (pet grade) to a show quality ear with such an extent of 90-180 degrees mimicking a beautiful shell-like curve.
2.They are available in a variety of hues.
The American curl cat comes in a wide range of colors. American Curl cats come in a variety of colors, including gray, yellow, black, ruby, caramel, cream, platinum, purple, tabby, blond, beige, and white, whereas many breeds are confined to a particular color.
Baseline, smoke, brown, tabby, fading, points, multi-color, tinted, and red and white are just a few of the patterns available.
3.To be seen, ear curls must satisfy a high quality.
Their ears typically bend at about 90 degrees to be seen, but they cannot curl more than 180 degrees. If the tips of their ears curl far enough to touch the back of their skull, they are instantly disqualified from the competition. They’ll also be disqualified if their ears aren’t curled sufficiently, are mismatched, are excessively thick, or have stiff points. The tips, on the other hand, should not be floppy.
It’s critical to treat American curl ears with caution to avoid damaging their bone. They should never have their ears twisted in an abnormal posture.
4. They were investigated by a well-known scientist.
Roy Robinson, an English feline geneticist, investigated over 500 American curl cats to discover much about the mutation that produces their curl. He established that the ear-curling gene was distinct and said it was an inherited dominant gene, and as Per the International Cat Association (TICA).
In other words, unlike the Scottish fold cat, which may produce both curled and sharp kittens, the American curl cat only produces curled kittens. Robinson’s results pave the way for a new breed that is both healthy and friendly.
5. They’re referred to be the “Peter Pan” of cats.
Curl-lovers have dubbed the species the Peter Pan of cats because of their lively, kitten-like dispositions, as according to TICA. They’re daring and curious, much like the missing lads. Owners may count on them to be there by their side. They aren’t a particularly vocal breed, but they are expressive nonetheless. Soft trilling and cooing noises are the most common ways they communicate.
6. Curls in the United States are more than just curls.
While their curled ears are the breed’s moniker, they also have other distinguishing characteristics. The large, almond eyes are a signature feature, and they can have any hue from the sky to yellow to amber.
They also won’t leave a trail of hair all over your house. Because American curls have smooth hair and little underneath, they need little care and shed very little.
7. They’ve been crossbred with various breeds, therefore they’re quite healthy.
While breeding American curls together would be harmless, they are frequently mixed with several other cats to increase genetic variation. They were fortunate in that they had been cross-breed with the first American curl litter, ensuring a broad gene pool. As a result, they have a low chance of genetic diseases.
Their varied origin also reveals the wide color and shape differences. When an American curl crosses with another breed, at least half of the puppies will have curled ears. However, the entire litter, including the straight-eared kittens, will inherit the lively attitude that is characteristic of the American curl.
The personality of the American Curl Cat
The American Curl cat is a very active and happy cat who enjoys exploring new places. If you’re looking for a social cat who gets along well with children, this is an excellent option. They can also know how to interact with cats and dogs who are cat-friendly in the house. They like playing and are renowned for being a little naughty; one of their talents is unlocking cupboards and doors! They, like many other cat breeds, do not like to be alone for long periods since they are sociable creatures. This implies you should think about your schedule since kids may develop behavioral problems if everyone in the family is gone for lengthy periods.
In all, the American curl cat possess a calm personality.
How to Take Care of an American Curl Cat
It’s helpful to know a little about the demands of an American Curl cat before bringing one into your household. They are typically healthy cats, but choosing a reputable breeder who has a documented health guarantee is always a good idea. One of the simplest methods to preserve your cat’s health once he’s settled into his new home is to make sure he gets enough activity and doesn’t overeat. To prevent or eliminate mats and tangles, long-haired Curl cats should be brushed twice a week. Unless your veterinarian advises otherwise, the only further grooming required is nail clipping and teeth brushing.
To care for your American curl cat, the following guidelines would be handy.
- Brushing American curls’ hair at least 1-2 times a week is required due to their semi-long coat. This will prevent tangles and dirt build-up, as well as aid in the detection of any parasites or abnormalities on your scalp.
- Starting at a young age, you can wash your cat every two months to get her acclimated to it (you know that cats and water are not usually too friendly). Don’t forget, though, that cats are inherently clean creatures who maintain their cleanliness. So, until it gets really dirty, you don’t have to be too concerned about keeping it clean.
- Due to the form of their ears, extra attention should be paid to their maintenance and cleaning. Due to its curved shape, more exterior dirt collects than normal. Cleaning the ears of an American Curl cat using veterinary optical products is advised regularly. These items may be purchased at any veterinarian clinic or hospital.
- Finally, your cat’s nutrition is critical to its general health. You may consult your veterinarian for recommendations on the finest cat food for your American Curl. Homemade recipes for cats can be highly useful if they are well-advised and examined by a qualified specialist.
- Finding the best CBD oil for your cat also helps
Final Thought on American curl cat
The American Curl is the cat to the pet if you’re looking for a loyal feline buddy that will stay by your side all day. This cat is also very alert and maintains a close check on its family to protect them from danger. These cats don’t make a lot of noise. They enjoy playing games and becoming involved in them. They have a kitten-like demeanor, which makes them quite cute.
