American Curl

American Curls are one of the most instantly recognizable cat breeds of today, thanks to their fluffy, curled-back ears. Although they come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, American Curls are distinguishable from other cat breeds because of their prominent ears. Natural (and safe) genetic variation has resulted in the backward-curled ears of today’s breeders – but that wasn’t always the case.

Because of their strength and medium-sized bones, American Curls aren’t as fragile as their body weight and length might suggest. Their only identifying characteristics are their curled ears and walnut-shaped eyes.

Cats of the American Curl breed are loving, docile, and devoted to their owners. There is little doubt that curls are devoted to their human mates, but they aren’t exactly cuddlers. Because of its adaptability, American Curls are a wonderful choice if you have other pets or children.

Due to their dislike of being alone for long periods of time, American Curls require a lot of attention and playtime every day. Consider this before bringing one home.

American Curl 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

In June 1981, a genetic mutation in the domestic cat population resulted in the American Curl, a new breed of domestic cat. It was in 1983 that they became widely accepted by three of the main North American cat registries, and by 1986 they had become widely accepted.

A couple in Lakewood, California, received two strange cats in June 1981, both of which had their ears twisted backwards. Two cats were born: one died soon after birth but was replaced by a nice long-haired female named Shulamith, who stayed with the family. Shulamith’s curled ears were first overlooked by her new family, who were more enamored with her loyalty and trusting nature. In spite of the lack of reference of Shulamith’s supposed breed in local libraries and bookshops, they concluded she was a curly-eared cat.

When Shulamith gave birth to a litter of four kittens in December 1981, she noticed that two of them had the same curled-back ears as their mother. The father, a local longhaired tom cat, lacked curling ears and, it turned out, the gene that conferred such characteristics as well. Curled ears are a dominant trait, meaning that only one parent is needed to pass the trait on to at least some of their children, even though the couple didn’t understand cat genetics back then. Similar to curled ears, if a cat lacks the gene for that feature, it will not show up in their physical appearance; a dominant gene will always manifest.

As the Curl population grew, Shulamith’s tomcats kept producing litters. There were a variety of colors and designs in the early litters, including the pointed pattern. Their friends and family members were all overjoyed when they received kittens as gifts from the newlyweds.

Nancy Kiester fell in love with the kittens’ unusual ears and kind nature, so she adopted two of them. For some reason, Kiester’s mind was drawn to the Scottish Fold cat breed after reading about its unusual ears. Once this was established, the American Curl gained notoriety and popularity.

Consider These Points Before Buying An American Curl kitten:

Because the American Curl is still a relatively new breed, it still has a relatively small gene pool. In order to ensure that there is sufficient genetic diversity within the breed, competent breeders frequently cross their cats with cats that have straight ears.

If you are interested in purchasing an American Curl, it is imperative that you do some background research and select a breeder who has a good reputation before making your purchase. Unluckily, the pet industry is frequently targeted by unscrupulous companies who are wanting to earn as much quick money as possible, and these firms will frequently breed animals that are closely related to each other in order to save money. This practice is common in the pet industry. This kind of activity can cause cats to be born with genetic diseases, and it also has the potential to have a negative impact on the breed’s genetic variety.

How much does a American Curl cat cost?

There is a wide range of prices for American Curl kittens, but the price you pay will be determined by where you get your new cat and how many kittens are available in your area. When purchasing a purebred American Curl kitten from a breeder, the price ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 (USD), depending on the quality of the kitten. The more pronounced the ear curl, the more expensive these kittens will be.

You may find American Curls and other cats in animal shelters all throughout your country, and if you’re interested in adopting one, you can find a cat for cheaper at various rescue shelters.

Interesting Facts About the American Curl

Owning an American Curl? Here are a few things you should know:

American Curl Care

The frequency with which you groom your American Curl depends on his or her coat length. If your American Curl is short-haired, you should anticipate to groom his or her coat monthly, in order to maintain it healthy and beautiful. If your American Curl is long-haired, grooming should be increased to twice weekly, in order to remove any tangles, mats, or debris from the coat.

Like many cats, the American Curl is susceptible to ear troubles. Be careful to check your Curl’s ears monthly, and gently remove any dirt or debris with a wet cloth or cotton round. Avoid using cotton swabs, as they can cause severe harm to your Curl’s delicate inner-ear components. If your Curl’s ears are really dirty, red, inflamed, or smell odd, make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible. These symptoms may imply illness or damage.

Regular dental hygiene can help protect your Curl from periodontal disease, so attempt to clean his or her teeth many times each week. Daily brushing is recommended, but frequent maintenance can maintain optimum tooth health. You can augment brushing with plaque-removing treats, but give them to your Curl in moderation—they’re packed with additional calories and are meant only to promote a normal oral hygiene program.

Exercise

The American Curl is intellectual and requires proper exercise, so find games that will challenge his or her cerebral and physical abilities. Try puzzles developed specifically for cats or activities like hide & seek. Many Curls are also happy to play fetch with a little toy or folded up piece of paper. The American Curl takes several hours of attention each day, so it’s crucial to be sure your family’s schedule will accommodate sufficient playtime before adding a Curl into the household.

Food & Diet Requirements 

Even while cats aren’t known for being very picky eaters, you may find that your American Curl is a particular fan of a particular type of food. Commercial cat food comes in a dizzying array of brands, varieties, and flavors. You can’t really go wrong if you buy a high-quality cat food that has been created to offer your cat with a comprehensive and balanced diet.

One thing to watch out for is sophisticated gourmet cat foods that sound wonderful for a cat but are merely designed to be cat food supplements on the market today. Even if they look delicious, you should never feed your cat a whole diet of cat food supplements since cats require a number of critical vitamins and minerals in their diet and without them they will become unwell.

Training 

The American Curl can be trained to perform a number of feats that many other dog breeds find difficult. It’s unlikely that most people would consider teaching their cat to play fetch, but these clever felines are not only capable of learning the game, they may even love it once they do.

You may also show them how to use the doors on your cabinets and the doors that separate rooms. If you do, be aware that your cat may have opened one or two of your kitchen cupboards and spilled the contents onto the floor when you return home from your day at work.

Common Health Problems

In general, American Curls are healthy and do not have any hereditary abnormalities. Cats of any kind, whether they’re purebred or mixed-breed, can suffer from a variety of health issues throughout their lives. These include:

Some American Curl kittens may be born with constricted ear canals due to their unusual ear shape. Ear infections are more common in people with constricted canals. Make it a habit to check your Curl’s ears at least once a week for any signs of ear or inner-ear problems. Call your veterinarian if you’re concerned about the health of your Curl’s ears.

Conclusion on the American Curl

In addition to their curled ears, the American Curl has a pleasant, playful, and affectionate personality. All in all, the breed has a charming attitude and these cats, albeit pricey, make excellent companions for families or individuals. They’re also a good pick for someone who’s never had a cat before.

Before you buy a kitten, you need to ensure that you are able to devote the time and energy necessary to raise and care for the animal during its entire life. This is true of all cats, but it is especially important to keep in mind that your companion may be with you for the next 15 years. (or more in some happy cases)

Check out the following if you’re interested in learning more about other cat breeds that are close to the American Curl:

• Tortoiseshell
• Calico
• American Bobtail