American Curls are sweet, cheerful cats with a calm temperament, a strong psyche and funny back-curved ears. These animals usually get along well with their relatives and other companion animals and get along well with children.
Learn about the history and standards of this breed, care features and how to choose a kitten.
History of the origin of the American Curl breed
Immigrants from the North American continent appeared in 1981. The origin story began completely by accident. The breed was founded by Joe Roog, a simple resident of California. He found a couple of stray kittens with seemingly damaged ears. It was two girls. Unfortunately, one of them got stuck between the jamb and the door and was injured, after which she died.
When the second cat, Shulamith, gave birth to her first litter, the owners noticed that the kittens also had unusual ears. However, they did not find a description of such a breed anywhere. Phenological clubs began to monitor American Curl kittens. They crossed them with ordinary outbred cats, which increased the set of genes and reduced the risk of developing genetic diseases to a minimum.
Genetic mutations occur regularly among felines. They can be invisible to people, or, on the contrary, they stand out, which leads to the formation of a new breed.
Interesting!
In the 1960s, several cases of unusual kittens with rolled-up ears were described. However, only the Ruga family took up breeding.
Thus, in 1986-1987, the template for a new species of cat was described. Interestingly, at first only the long-haired varieties were recognized. However, later the shorthaired American Curl also became an official breed.
A breeding plan was developed. So cats became a real national treasure of the United States, where they are still popular. Pets are drawn on mugs, T-shirts, and made into comic book heroes.
Important!
The United States strictly controls the number of births of this breed and is reluctant to release them outside the states. America prefers to remain the main breeder of the American Curl.
General characteristics of the breed
The American Longhaired Curl is a unique breed with folded ears and long, fluffy hair.
The word "curl" is translated from English as "curl". This twist gives the pet a joyful and somewhat wary appearance. This is a medium-weight animal, distinguished by its cheerful disposition and curiosity.
The main feature of care is careful treatment of the ears.
Males of this breed are 1.5-2 kg heavier than females. The average weight is 4-6 kg. Proper nutrition and constant care will provide your pet with 12-14 years of carefree life.
Appearance of the American Curl breed
American Curl cats resemble the British, but have more beautiful fur and unusual ears. They look very pretty, homely, which is confirmed by the presented pictures.
Height and weight
The breed has a strict standard that is observed in purebred individuals. By the age of 1-2 years, the American Curl reaches 25-28 cm at the withers. The average weight of a pet is 3-7 kg. Usually the animal reaches its maximum size by 3-4 years. Girls weigh a couple of kilos less than boys. Males also have more pronounced cheeks, forehead, and belly.
Length and shape of limbs
Limbs are straight and wide. They are of medium length and look harmonious with the whole body. The paws are more massive than those of other breeds. The completion is presented in the form of a large pad of five developed fingers.
The tail is long, almost equal to the length of the body. The base is more powerful and thick, the ending is graceful, plastic, thin.
Head
The shape of the head is identical to a rounded wedge. The chin is massive, slightly tilted forward. The nose is medium in size. The stop is weakly expressed.
Of course the main feature is the ears. Kittens are born with straight ears. On the fifth day of life they begin to bend 90-180 degrees. However, different cats will have different ear shapes. The tip of the ear is rounded. The ears of subsequent generations often differ in shape from previous representatives of the genus.
Important!
The ear cartilage is quite dense and elastic, somewhat reminiscent of human cartilage. Therefore, it is not recommended to squeeze and knead cat ears; they are easily injured.
In long-haired breeds, tufts of fur stick out around the ear flap - this is the characteristic ear plumage.
Interesting!
Despite the funny shape of the ears, the American Curl cat breed is not susceptible to cartilage defects, such as the Scottish Fold.
Eye color and shape
The eyes are round, slightly elongated to the corners. Slanted, the outer corner is located higher than the inner one. Any acceptable shade of the iris is acceptable. The American Curl has no relationship between fur color and iris color.
Important!
An exception to the rule is the color point color in long-haired and short-haired American Curls. Their iris should be blue or blue.
Wool
Cats can be either long-haired or short-haired. The long-haired variety has medium-length hairs. The total mass of wool is airy. Fits well to the body. The undercoat is small. The highest density of hair is observed at the neck and tail.
Short-haired individuals have a coarser coat. It is more elastic in texture. Short hairs are set tightly. The fur is smooth and soft. There is also little undercoat.
Constitution
The American Curl, whose breed description implies plumpness and stockiness, retains smooth contours and elegance. Watching cats you can see their flexibility. Defined muscles can be seen on the back and hind legs, especially in males.
Voice
The American Curl only vocalizes when its owner has forgotten to feed it, or when the pet needs help. However, there are individuals with a warlike voice who love to talk with the owner.
Lifespan
Pets are long-lived. They easily live up to 10-15 years. If the animal is carefully cared for, its life expectancy reaches 18-20 years.
Possible defects
Defects are important to consider for breeders who plan to breed and present their pets at exhibitions. They are disqualifying factors in selection.
List of common defects:
- excessively curled or incorrectly set ears;
- strong bend of the foot (transition from forehead to nose, noticeable in profile);
- coarse wool;
- kinks and nodules on the tail;
- deformed ear cartilage, creases.
How much do American Curl kittens cost?
Purebred Curls will not be cheap. Purchasing animals for breeding, quality feeding and other necessary measures cost a hefty sum.
Purebred Curls will not be cheap
The price consists of several factors:
- appearance of the kitten;
- his pedigree;
- place of purchase.
The kitten will cost 10,000 rubles, provided that its origin is not confirmed. A rejected animal costs 20 thousand.
And a pet for exhibitions is estimated at 25 thousand and above.
When purchasing a kitten, you should pay attention to the ears: they should be curled.
Coat color
The cat has a rich past, so any color can be found in the breed. The photo shows the most common colors.
Solid color
Pure colors are not so common, but are in great demand. White, black, blue and red colors are common. The main thing in describing a solid color is the absence of marks and changes in shade. This significantly increases the cost of the cat.
Two-color
The fur combines hairs of two colors at once. The most common are black mixed with white and red mixed with white. The color is common. These kittens are inexpensive.
Silver
Valued on a par with solid colors, it appears rarely. The photo shows a gray-blue tint that evenly covers all parts of the pet’s body. Even the tummy and muzzle are painted a single color silver. The fur must have a cool blue undertone.
Colorpoint
The photo shows the original color. The fur is light in color - gray, white, cream. On the face, paws, ears, and sometimes on the tail there are spots of darker colors, with smooth transitions into light shades. For example, Siamese cats are also representatives of this color.
Tabby
There are different variations in the description of tabby color. The marbled color with spots or slightly blurred black stripes on gray fur is considered a classic. Less common are brown stripes on the red coat or a mixture of three shades.
Characteristics and habits
The American Curl is devoid of arrogance, pride and anger. He does not impose his society, does not defend order, does not enter into conflicts, and has an easy-going character. These are peace-loving and affectionate creatures that themselves are drawn to humans.
Important!
The American Curl cat breed belongs to the class of highly sensitive cats that become depressed without human attention and love.
Playfulness
American Curls love to play. Their character can be compared to the habits of a dog. If you do not allow your pet to throw out excess energy, it will not let its owner sleep and will constantly distract him from household chores.
At least an hour every day should be devoted to active games with the animal. Then the cat will be happy, active and will not gain excess weight.
Curiosity
The American Curl has a unique character. This is one of the smartest cat breeds.
They remain just as inquisitive with guests. They themselves show an active interest in new people and even allow themselves to be stroked.
Attitude towards people
Pets love their owners and always try to find an approach to each family member. Moreover, they prefer to steal all the attention. A large family with loving owners is an ideal atmosphere for them. They love children of all ages because... they often play with them.
Important!
Despite all the love, the American Curl will not be intrusive.
Education and training
Due to their similarity to dogs, they are trainable. Pets do not need to set restrictions twice. They quickly react to the stern voice of the owner and try to be obedient. Cats love to learn new skills if they are interested in them.
Training is carried out in a game format, without raising your voice. Cats have a capricious character. If an animal loses trust in a person, it will stop obeying him.
Important!
The team name cannot be changed. If something is forbidden to a cat, there should be only one word for it, for example, “not allowed.” Reinforcement should be positive - a tasty treat, petting.
Training should begin at 3 months. As your cat ages, it will become increasingly difficult to accustom him to the litter box and teach him commands. If there is already an adult, well-bred cat in the house, it will be easier for the owners. The kitten will learn everything from a more authoritative representative.
Instincts
The animal is a strong predator. However, with proper upbringing, he can be accustomed to living together with parrots, fish, and hamsters. Still, reviews of the American Curl advise not to leave it alone with small pets.
They do not like to compete with other cats and exhibit tolerant behavior. If a cat finds itself in a wild environment, it will be difficult for it to adapt to new conditions. Pets are used to being pets.
Pros and cons of the breed
The American Curl is a pet with no flaws. It is equally suitable for an elderly couple and a young family with children, people who love to receive guests or prefer privacy, homebodies or those who spend most of their time at work, and those who support keeping one or several pets. The only drawback is, perhaps, the high cost of kittens with excellent exterior. However, the ideal appearance of a pet is necessary only for professional breeders; most small flaws in appearance can only be seen by an expert felinologist or a very experienced breeder.
For most people interested in owning a four-legged pet, an animal that looks slightly different from the ideal would be perfect. Such a kitten will become a devoted friend to you and your children, the spoiled child of the family for many years - after all, Curls are distinguished by good health and longevity.
Care and maintenance
Maintenance requirements are minimal. Cats need to be combed occasionally and their claws trimmed. It is worth considering that keeping a pet requires regular expenses on food, litter, and visits to the veterinarian.
Moving into a new home
Before buying a pet, the house will have to be carefully prepared.
List of necessary actions and purchases before adopting an animal:
- Reviews advise immediately hiding wires, protruding nails, and holes leading to the street. It is better to remove small and fragile items and household chemicals from the shelves.
- Set up a food area. A bowl of drinking water and food should be available.
- The tray is left freely accessible. For kittens up to 6-9 months old, small structures with small sides are purchased. For adult individuals, you can already buy closed and modernized trays. The filler is changed every 2-3 days.
- The animal chooses a place to sleep on its own, but the presence of a bed or a mini-house is still necessary. The pet needs to know that he has a place where he will be left alone.
- The scratching post plays a big role. The cat must like her. Then upholstered furniture and wallpaper will remain untouched.
- If you are going to walk your pet outside, you will need a harness.
- The American Curl loves new toys, they bring them new experiences.
Important!
While the kitten is small, it will actively explore its environment. He will certainly examine the washing machine drum, windows, etc. Pet owners should control their movements, avoid slamming doors, and check all appliances before turning them on.
Hygiene and medical procedures
To make your kitten look neat and beautiful, you need to follow the list of regular care:
- Short-haired dogs are combed regularly, every 7-10 days. The longhaired American Curl needs grooming every 5 days. During the molting period, twice as often. To get rid of dead undercoat, use a slicker.
- Washing is not a mandatory procedure. An annual wash is enough, after which the pet is thoroughly dried. To make the coat more shiny, you can clean it with dry shampoo.
- The ears are examined once a month. Dirt is removed with a cotton swab. You cannot use alcohol or other aggressive compounds; it is better to purchase a special lotion. Movements should be careful and soft, because... cartilage breaks under pressure.
- Reviews recommend inspecting the eyes daily. As soon as dirt accumulates in the inner corners, remove it with a damp cotton swab. This way it will not dry out on the fur, and the cat will look neat.
- Nails are trimmed at least once every 2-3 weeks. Otherwise, sharp claws will cut into soft pads. Trimming is done only with a nail clipper; other tools can separate the animal’s claws. Only a small tip is cut off, without touching the vessel, which is visible in the light. If you touch it, it will be difficult to stop the bleeding.
- The first vaccinations are given at 3 months, after which the procedure is carried out annually. The list of vaccinations is prescribed by the veterinarian.
- Every season the curl is given anthelmintic drugs. The medicine is even given to domestic cats, because... they may eat something from the floor, roll around in the dirt at the entrance, and then lick the fur.
Diet
The American Curl eats everything it finds on the floor or in the owner's plate. Therefore, the diet should be selected wisely, listening to the veterinarian, and not to the tastes of the pet.
The simplest and most profitable option is premium dry food:
- the composition includes all microelements and vitamins;
- the owner is freed from cooking;
- You can safely leave your pet for the day, giving him the daily amount of food.
As treats, you can buy wet food, special sausages and other snacks sold in pet stores.
Kerls should not be given food from the table. If the owner cannot resist, then he should know that curl cats are prohibited from eating:
- salty, spicy, pepper and spicy foods;
- smoked products;
- Milk is prohibited; it causes serious distress in adults;
- Do not give pork, fish with bones, bones;
- potatoes, cabbage and eggplants are also prohibited;
- It is risky to give raw meat - it is first deep-frozen, defrosted, and doused with boiling water;
- coffee, tea, chocolate provoke rapid breathing and even tachycardia and convulsions;
- soda can damage internal organs; any sweets are also prohibited;
- alcohol, mushrooms, nuts, grapes are also strictly prohibited.
These rules especially apply to purebred pets. They react strongly to human food, seasonings and sweets.
It is useful to feed them:
- boiled or processed lean meat, suitable for chicken, veal, beef, rabbit, turkey, sea fish (cats add more meat, the meat portion should be 80% of the entire plate);
- fermented milk delicacies - kefir, low-fat sour cream;
- vegetables - cucumbers, carrots, broccoli, parsley, zucchini;
- cereals.
When feeding naturally, add a complex of vitamins, and visit the veterinarian regularly.
Important!
You cannot mix natural food and food. Choose one thing correctly. Then the Curl will develop the necessary digestive enzymes, and the process of digesting food will be comfortable and fast.
Until the kitten is six months old, it is fed at least 4-5 times a day. Gradually, feeding is reduced to 2-3 meals per day, leaving this schedule for life.
Pet food
The American Longhair Curl's menu should be nutritious and balanced. Feeding food from a human table is not allowed. You should especially beware of fatty foods and milk.
The ideal option is high-class food with a meat content of at least 30%. The digestibility of meat products should be at the level of 80%.
If you still decide to stick to a menu made from natural products, then to correctly compile it, consult a veterinarian.
The diet should consist of:
- lean meat (beef, chicken)
- cereals;
- vegetables, boiled and raw;
- fermented milk products (mature kefir, cottage cheese, sour cream);
- eggs.
Hereditary diseases
Thanks to its rich past, the American Curl has acquired strong immunity and iron health. She has no hereditary diseases. However, like all animals, a cat can catch a cold, have an allergic reaction, etc. To make an accurate diagnosis, be sure to visit a veterinarian who will prescribe treatment.
There are several diseases that arise as a result of improper care.
Inflammation of the ear
The problem occurs due to the curved shape and narrow ear canal. It is important to regularly examine your pet’s ears and clean them with a soft swab without damaging the cartilage.
The veterinarian cleans the ears and drips the prescribed medicine against otitis media. The hair near the ears is temporarily cut off.
Dental problems
Occurs in the absence of dry food. To keep gums and teeth healthy, your cat should regularly chew dry treats and dry food.
In case of inflammation, regular teeth cleaning with gel, anti-inflammatory drugs, changes in diet, etc. are prescribed.
Health
Blue blood breeds often suffer from gene mutations and associated diseases. American Curls are free from this scourge. Cats have strong immunity, so they rarely suffer from infectious and viral diseases.
Provided good care of the animal, timely vaccination and proper feeding, the cat lives on average up to 15 years. Active individuals that have the ability to constantly be on the move can live up to 20 years.
The only problem with the breed is the abnormal structure of the ear canal. It is narrow, so the risk of inflammatory processes is increased. The problem can be solved by regularly visiting the veterinarian and examining the ears.
Choosing a kitten, cost
A kitten is purchased at the age of 3 months. By this time, the breeder accustoms him to the tray, gives him the first vaccinations, and accustoms him to food.
The American Curl breed is considered expensive. Its cost depends on several characteristics:
- Appearance, absence or presence of defects.
- Origin, family tree.
- Place to buy a pet.
- Costs for transporting a pet.
- Existing titles for parents and kitten.
The average price for a three-month-old kitten in Moscow varies between 5,000-25,000 rubles. However, there are special individuals that cost 35,000-40,000 rubles. You should check the availability of documents - veterinary passport, pedigree description. With documents, kittens always cost a little more.
How to choose the right kitten
The American Curl is a fairly expensive breed, and in order not to run into scammers, it is better to buy a kitten from a specialized nursery. Before purchasing, you must make sure that your future pet has a veterinary passport with vaccination marks and a metric confirming that it belongs to the breed.
It is advisable to buy a Curl dog no earlier than he is 3-4 months old. By this age, the kitten already has a formed ear curve, is fully vaccinated and accustomed to the tray. A healthy American Curl has a soft belly, clear eyes, a shiny coat and a good appetite.
Kitten care
Taking care of a small American Curl is not at all difficult, especially if you have everything you need on hand. Therefore, before picking up a kitten from the breeder, they purchase for it:
- bowls for food and water;
- tray and filler;
- scratching post;
- toys;
- bed or house;
- carrying bag;
- grooming tools (combs, toothbrushes and nail clippers);
- hygiene cosmetics (shampoos and toothpaste).
On a note. The location of the tray and bed is thought out right away, because changing them will be problematic.
Breeding the American Curl breed
A dominant gene is responsible for unusual ears. Therefore, no matter who the beautiful pets are crossed with, half of the kittens in the litter have folded ears.
If both male and female are American Curl breeds, all offspring of kittens will be born with special ears. This preserves the purebred nature of the breed. The angle of rotation of the ears does not depend on the parents.
Outbred cats in a family enhance the general immunity and characteristics of the heirs, which is also not bad.
There are 4-6 kittens in a litter. Pregnancy proceeds easily, without complications. The cat copes with childbirth on its own.
Important!
It is prohibited to cross the American Curl cat breed with Persians and other breeds with skull deformities. Mating with munchkins is successful. Stocky kittens with funny ears are born.
Sometimes a straight-eared kitten appears in a family with funny ears. This pet is used for breeding. It was thanks to them that high-class animals were born.
History of longhaired cats
The history of the long-haired cat breed dates back more than one century. The animal was first domesticated about ten thousand years ago in Persia. Initially, nature endowed them with short hair. This feature helped the small wild creature survive in difficult natural conditions. But due to mutation and special breeding work, cats with beautiful long hair began to appear in the world.
Cats
In the old days, long hair was considered an indicator of chic and nobility. That is why the fluffy beauties first of all ended up with noble personalities.
Note! In the early Middle Ages, cats protected the whole of Europe from countless mice and rats, and also assisted in the fight against the plague.
Photo and video
Below are photos of the American Curl breed from kitten to adult.
Photo gallery:
Informative videos about the character and care of the breed:
Video: American Curl cat breed
Video: American Curl all about the breed. Interesting Facts
The American Curl is an ideal companion, a loyal friend and a true family member. It collects a lot of positive feedback from both breeders and owners around the world. Now the breed is conquering the CIS countries, and Curls can be seen more and more often at local exhibitions.
Price
An American Curl kitten without pedigree and breeding rights can be purchased for $200-300.
The cost of elite individuals for participation in exhibitions will be at least $1000. The price is primarily influenced by the pedigree of the animal.
The American Curl is a cute pet that combines a funny, unusual appearance, intelligence, and easy-going character.
Cats with curled ears become loyal friends, an integral part of the family, responding to the care of their owners with affection and devotion!
