American Curl Cat - Interesting Facts, Breed Information and Pictures | by Pets Planet...

The American Curl is a born-and-bred U.S. breed, which gets its name because its ears naturally curl towards the back of its head. It’s not often we can trace the beginnings of a breed back to just one animal, but with the American Curl we can! The breed began in California in 1981 when a stray kitten with funny ears showed up at the home of Joe and Grace Ruga. They named the cat Shulamith, all American Curl cats today can be traced back to her. By 1983, Shulasmith and her curly-eared kittens had caught the imagination of cat fanciers across the country. A breeding program began to develop the new breed, using Shulasmith’s descendants to bring the curly ears, and non-pedigree domestic cats to maintain genetic diversity.

Coat Color And Grooming

The Curl stands out for his distinctively shaped ears, but even without them he is a striking cat with a sweet expression, and a silky coat that can be long or short and any color, including such exotic shades as chocolate tortoiseshell smoke, silver patched tabby and lilac lynx point. The longhaired variety has a pretty plumed tail.

The ears, however, are the most intriguing characteristic. Straight when a kitten is born, they begin to curl back at two to 10 days after birth. They curl, uncurl and curl some more until reaching their permanent shape when a kitten is about 4 months old. A kitten destined for the show ring will have a crescent-shaped ear with a minimum 90 degree arc of curl but no more than 180 degrees. The tips of the moderately large ear are rounded and flexible, often adorned with tufts of fur. When Curls are alert, their ears swivel forward, but the tips point to the center of the base of the skull.

American Curl Size

The average weight for a domestic cat is between 8 and 10 pounds. American Curl cats tend to be at the lower end of this range. Adult females weigh between 5 and 8 pounds, and males generally weigh between 7 and 10 pounds. They are small, but muscular and solid.

American Curl Temperament and Personality

The American Curl is a joyous cat. He loves to play, even well into old age, and it’s not unusual for him to enjoy a game of fetch. Like any cat, he is most often found perching in high places; that is, when he’s not perched on your lap or following you around. He is sociable, loving, and family oriented, often with a special fondness for children. He is a good choice for families with older children who will treat him respectfully, but toddlers should be supervised so they don’t manhandle him. The Curl is also perfectly capable of getting along with other cats or cat-friendly dogs in the household.

The Curl is highly intelligent. Challenge his brain by teaching him tricks and providing him with puzzle toys that will reward him with kibble or treats when he learns to manipulate them. Always choose a kitten from a breeder who raises litters in her home and handles them from an early age. Meet at least one and ideally both of the parents to find out if they have nice temperaments.

Caring for an American Curl Cat

If you are bringing an American Curl cat into your home, it’s good to understand a little about their needs. They are generally healthy cats but it’s always wise to choose a reputable breeder who provides a written health guarantee. Once you have your cat in your new home, one of the easiest ways to protect his health is to make sure he gets plenty of exercise and doesn’t overeat. Long-haired Curl cats should be combed twice a week to prevent or remove mats and tangles. The only other grooming necessary is nail trimming and teeth brushing unless your veterinarian recommends other care.

Children And Other Pets

The Curl is sweet toward children, making him a good choice for families who will supervise children to make sure they pet the cat nicely and don’t pull his ears or tail. He is happy to live with cat-friendly dogs, too, thanks to his amiable disposition. Introduce pets slowly and in controlled circumstances to ensure that they learn to get along together.

Intersting Facts

The Unique pair of Ears

As the name of the breed suggests, American Curl Cats have a unique shape of ears. But the uniqueness is not limited to their shape only. While the shape of these cats’ ears may make it seem like the ears will be soft and fluffy, that is not the case. Unlike other breeds, these cats have a harder cartilage in their ear as is the case for human ears. This is the reason why you’ll always find their ears firm and standing.

Known as Peter Pan

The American Curl Cats are also known as Peter Pan and this is because, unlike most other breeds, American Curl Kittens remain playful and full of energy even after growing up into adulthood. These cats retain their playfulness even after growing up. So, you’ll find the same level of curiosity, playfulness,and love in adult cats, as you would see in the kitten of this breed.

The Genes that Make Them Special

The most interesting thing about these cats is the shape of their ears. But what makes them this way? A study found that the curled ears of American Curls are a result of a dominant gene. This means any cat with even 1 gene of curled ears will get curled ears. This is why all American Curl Kitten has curled ears.

Communication

Like unique physical features, the American Curl Cat has its own way of communication. These cats will not meow or purr to talk to you. Instead, these cats will be making a unique sound, trill, to communicate with you for anything they need; be it food or your love.

For cat lovers who are interested in finding a fun, friendly and interactive cat for the home, the American Curl cat might be a fantastic choice! They are very adaptable to new spaces and can provide a lifetime of loyal love in the right household.

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