American Curl: overseas guest with curled ears

Brief history of the breed

The USA is considered the birthplace of the American Curl. Its story began in 1981 when the Ruga couple picked up a mongrel cat with arched ears turned outward on the street. A few months later, the female, nicknamed Shulamith, acquired offspring. Almost all babies whose father was an unknown mongrel cat inherited their mother's ear shape. When they grew up, they were simply distributed to friends.

But in 1983, the Ruga couple finally showed the cat to a specialist, and he found out that the outward-curved ears were the result of a genetic mutation. It was then discovered that the gene responsible for this feature is dominant. In the same year, unusual cats were demonstrated at the Californian felinological exhibition, which became excellent advertising for them.

Nuances of breeding

The standards allow the crossing of Curls with animals of other breeds. But more often, breeders breed two curls with curled ears or use a straight-eared representative of this breed (straight) for breeding. A litter can contain both kittens with “curls” on their ears and babies without them.

Ears develop in the first week of life, usually curling around the 4th day after birth. Straight-eared kittens can be used for breeding, but they do not participate in exhibitions. The offspring are not subject to genetic mutations, kittens are practically not culled.

Interesting Facts

During the short period of existence of the breed, many interesting things have been associated with it:

1. Although the Shulamith cat is considered the ancestor of the American Curl, she was not the only one who had this mutation. Since the 1960s, farmers in California and Oklahoma have regularly seen animals with unusually broken ears. This is confirmed by news reports at the time.
2. The degree of curl, which determines the breed qualities of the American Curl, does not depend on how curled the ears of the parent pair were. Often, two champions produce pet-class kittens. And vice versa, a couple with a weak break in the ear tissue produces beautiful offspring.
3. American Curl kittens are born with straight ears. The web begins to curl around the 4th day and is finally formed by 4 months of age.
4. The American Curl served as the basis for the development of a new breed. From its crossing with the Cornish Rex, the Raffle Rex was born.

Breed description, standards, appearance

The American Curl is a strong cat with a harmonious, slightly elongated body. She has an attractive appearance, and the unusual curve of the ear flap gives her a wary expression. A detailed description of the breed is presented in the officially approved standard.

Dimensions and weight

The American Curl is not a large breed. It is medium in size and has pronounced sexual dimorphism. The weight of an adult is 2.5-5 kg.

Anatomical characteristics

A purebred American Curl must meet the following description:

1. The head is wedge-shaped, smoothly contoured, with a developed chin and a straight, moderately long nose.
2. The eyes are expressive, almond-shaped, slanting. The color of the iris is in harmony with the color of the coat.
3. The ears are small and set high. Their canvas gracefully bends outward at an angle of 90-180 degrees.
4. The body is rectangular, slightly elongated, with developed muscles and a moderately long neck.
5. The limbs are straight, with small rounded paws.
6. The tail is long, flexible, wide at the base, with a slightly pointed tip.

Color and coat type

Cats of this breed have a silky, not too thick coat, under which there is a sparse down. Depending on the length of the hair, the American Curl can be:

• long-haired;
• shorthaired

The first has developed decorative hair on the tail and chest. The second one has smoother and less voluminous fur.

The American Curl breed standard allows the following colors:

• plain;
• bicolor;
• links point;
• tortoiseshell;
• tabby;
• color point.

Description

As with any breed, the main thing for curls is harmonious proportions. Since the ancestors are ordinary cats, there is nothing unusual in the constitution of the animals. Normal weight should not be less than three and more than six kilograms.

American Curls have excellent health and are among the longest-livers in the cat world. Read about how long cats live.

Appearance

Apart from the specific shape of the ears, externally Curls are no different from ordinary domestic cats:

• they have a flexible and strong body;
• wedge-shaped head;
• scissor bite;
• proportionally folded paws;
• long pointed tail.

Various colors are allowed, the main thing is that if there are several colors, they are harmoniously combined with each other. Experts distinguish between smooth-haired and long-haired animals. But in both cases, the coat should be healthy and beautiful.

The length of the undercoat is so minimal that even in long-haired cats, the shedding process does not create problems for the owner.

Curls with an all-white coat may be deaf from birth.

Ears

Since the ears are a distinctive feature of the breed, characteristics have long been developed to determine their uniqueness.

Experts note that newborn kittens do not have a specific curve, and the auricle begins to change from the second day after birth and acquires its final rounded shape by four to five months of age. Curly ears should be turned back at an angle of 90 to 180 degrees and have a fairly rigid cartilaginous structure.

The laws of inheritance of curls have not yet been sufficiently studied. Therefore, when purchasing a Curl with strong ear curls, you need to be prepared for the fact that these qualities may not be transferred to the kittens and the ears may not be as curled as those of the parent.

Character

Some scientists are convinced that American Curls are one of the smartest cat breeds on the planet today. They are very friendly and inquisitive; unlike other cats, they are very active and do not lose these qualities even at an advanced age.

Thanks to their friendliness, they get along well with small children and other animals. Despite the predatory component, when properly raised, curls calmly react even to domestic parrots and fish in the aquarium, without attempting to hunt them.

At the same time, tolerant behavior can create difficulties for these noble animals if they are released to free range, since they will not be able to resist their more aggressive relatives.

It is best to take them out into the open air using a harness, which they quickly get used to.

Curl owners note that, unlike other cats, their pets do not need to repeat the “no” command twice. They are very neat and will never allow themselves to knock over a flower pot or tear apart the furniture.

They also show interest in house guests and express affection, allowing themselves to be petted and played. At the same time, “Americans” never impose their society.

Separation from the owner is difficult to bear, and they may even fall into depression, which will pass with the end of the separation. Read about stress in cats.

Another feature of this breed is that curls very rarely voice and there may be several reasons for this:

• they need the owner's help;
• it's feeding time;
• You need to change the filler in the tray.

Character and temperament

The American Curl cat has a calm, friendly disposition and good adaptability. He is not very demanding, but loves to play and needs attention from his owners.

An important characteristic of curls is their poor tolerance of loneliness. Of course, in the absence of communication with people, the animal will find something to occupy itself with, but it is unlikely that its owners will like its entertainment. Therefore, cats with curled ears should not be left unattended for a long time.

Breed and children

The American Curl is a sociable and very peaceful cat that easily finds a common language with the owner’s children of different ages. He loves to play with kids, especially if they don't hurt him.

Breed and other animals

The American Curl has a calm, balanced character. And this allows him not to conflict with other pets. He gets along well with cats and dogs, but due to his developed hunting instinct, he is not able to peacefully coexist in the same territory with small animals.

Who should get an American Curl?

True connoisseurs of exotics will undoubtedly be delighted with the unusual appearance of the American Curl and the rarity of its breed, allowing any breeder to become a unique owner of a priceless miracle.

For people who have little time to spend with a pet, this breed is also suitable. Thanks to its excellent health and unpretentiousness, the American Curl is an excellent pet for busy people. These cats shed very little, so they will not cause additional inconvenience in the form of constant cleaning of fur.

Families with children and pets should not worry about getting a Curl - in this regard, it will not cause any problems.

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.

How is pregnancy and childbirth going?

In a healthy cat, pregnancy and birth usually proceed without problems. About 65 days after mating, kittens are born. When pregnancy occurs, it is better to switch the cat to kitten food, which contains all the necessary vitamins and nutrients for this special period. In the second half of pregnancy, you need to add another 50% of the feed to the usual portion. Closer to the beginning of labor, you should prepare a special box in which the cat will feel familiar, cozy and safe.

Care and maintenance

The American Curl does not have a thick, well-developed undercoat. Therefore, it is suitable only for home keeping. Caring for such a cat is no more difficult than caring for a representative of any other breed. The main thing is to provide the curl with proper nutrition and basic hygiene.

Hygiene procedures

In order for the American Curl to have an aesthetic appearance, it is provided with proper care:

• Although a cat's claws wear down naturally, they are trimmed monthly with a nail clipper. This is done very carefully so as not to hurt the curl.
• The cat's eyes are wiped daily with a clean cloth soaked in warm boiled water. If uncharacteristic heavy discharge is detected, the Curl should be taken to a veterinarian.
• The cat's teeth are cleaned weekly using a silicone brush and a special toothpaste that does not foam. This helps remove plaque and prevent dental problems.
• The unusual ears of the American Curl require special attention. They are carefully cleaned with a damp cloth or cotton pad.

Grooming

Since the American Curl does not have a thick undercoat, its coat does not tangle. To keep your cat's fur looking neat, it should be brushed weekly with a slicker brush. During molting, the procedure is carried out more often. To more effectively get rid of dead awns, use a furminator.

The American Curl is bathed 3-4 times a year using a special shampoo. After bathing procedures, the cat is wiped dry with a towel.

On a note. American Curls are not afraid of water. Therefore, the washing process turns into fun for them. Cats begin to play with splashes and catch trickles of water.

Tray

For curls, it is preferable to purchase a closed toilet or a spacious tray with high sides. As for the filler, cheap wood products are not suitable for cats of this breed. It is better to pour medium-sized silica gel or mineral granules into the curl tray.

American Curls rarely get sick

No specific diseases that specifically affect American Curls have been recorded. Like regular domestic cats, they live for about 15-18 years. The gene that gave them their characteristic curled ears turned out to be autosomal dominant. This is a natural mutation that does not affect the pet’s health, unlike Scottish fold cats, who are not so lucky in this regard.

If a cat is vaccinated, receives a balanced diet and exercises enough, most likely it will please its owner with excellent health at any time of the year. Curls whose ear canal is too narrow deserve special attention, which contributes to the occurrence of infectious diseases. The problem can be eliminated by regular care of this problem area.

Feeding the cat

For proper development and good health, the Curl needs a balanced diet. It doesn’t matter whether it’s dry or natural food.

Complete diet

When feeding natural food, sources of animal protein should predominate in the Curl's menu. It could be turkey, chicken, beef, rabbit or veal.

Also in the cat's diet should be present:

• cereals;
• eggs;
• sea ​​fish;
• vegetables;
• offal;
• sour milk.

It is strictly forbidden to feed the American Curl pork, river fish, sweets, pastries, sausage and any leftovers from the owner’s plate.

If it is planned that the cat will eat dried food, then the choice is made only on high-quality premium or super-premium food. Best suited for American Curls:

• Pro Plan;
• Acana;
• Royal Canin;
• Arden Grange.

Important! A cat who eats dry food should have easy access to a bowl of clean drinking water.

Feeding frequency

The kitten eats in small portions, but often. Therefore, the feeding regimen of the American Curl depends on its age:

• up to 6 months – 5 times a day;
• 6-12 months – 4 times a day;
• 12-18 months – 3 times a day.

A one-and-a-half-year-old American Curl is switched to a double feeding regimen.

Vitamins and minerals

When feeding natural food, the American Curl's body may experience a lack of any microelements. To compensate for this deficiency, the cat is given vitamin and mineral complexes twice a year.

Curls best absorb valuable substances from Polidex Immunity and Canina Canivita. But before giving them to your cat, it is recommended to discuss this issue with your veterinarian.

Nutrition

Experts emphasize that for the health of American Curls it is important to maintain an optimal balance of nutrients in the animal’s body.

For this reason, when feeding your pet, it is recommended to use high-quality specialized food (both dry and canned) of premium class.

It is forbidden to include milk or fatty foods in the diet of the American Curl, so as not to harm the gastrointestinal tract. You should also avoid foods with a high protein content, which is due to the congenital vulnerability of the genitourinary system in representatives of this breed.

Related articles: Natural food for cats: pros and cons

An adult animal (from 1.5 years old) should be fed twice a day.

It is important to stick to the schedule and control the volume of portions, since the American Curl has a tendency to obesity and intestinal disorders.

Vaccinations and antiparasitic treatment

Despite good heredity, the American Curl is defenseless against viral diseases. To preserve the life and health of the cat, it is regularly vaccinated with a complex drug that produces immunity:

• to panleukopenia;
• calcivirus;
• rhinotracheitis.

The first vaccination is given to a kitten at the age of 7-8 weeks. At 12-13 weeks, the American Curl is vaccinated against the same diseases and rabies. Subsequently, the cat is vaccinated once a year.

To prevent the Curl from suffering from parasites that carry various diseases, it is systematically treated for fleas and helminths:

• Anthelmintic drugs are given to the cat once every six months with mandatory repetition after 10-14 days.
• Curl fleas are removed using special shampoos or drops. And if the cat walks outside, he is additionally protected with an anti-parasitic collar.

Diseases and health problems

American Curls have no genetic diseases. They can be transmitted from cats of other breeds that have been crossed with the American Curl, but in general the cats are absolutely healthy and have strong immunity. American Curls are inactive and like to sit in one place, so they are prone to obesity, which has a negative impact on the cardiovascular system.

In addition, American Curls have allergies, but such issues are revealed only as the kitten grows and develops. There are a number of non-serious diseases that can occur in American Curls. Most of them are the result of improper or insufficient care and feeding.

Such diseases include:

• Dental disease, when the cat does not eat enough dry food or does not chew anything at all;
• Inflammation of the genitourinary tract;
• Cystitis;
• Worms.

The most common problem that American Curl owners face is ear inflammation. Their ears have a very narrow ear canal, so their ears need to be carefully cleaned, not irritated, and checked regularly by a veterinarian.

All of these can be easily treated with the intervention of a veterinarian or inexpensive medications. Of course, it is worth regularly vaccinating American Curls and following the rules of care - then the cat will live a long and healthy life. By the way, American Curls live a very long time: up to 18 years. They are record holders among purebred cats.

Pros and cons of the breed

Curls, like cats of any other breed, have both positive and negative traits.

The American Curl is a beautiful cat with curiously curved ears and an affectionate character. He is easy to care for, easily adapts to different living conditions and gets along well with children. All this sets it apart from other breeds and makes it one of the best pets.

Estimation of breed characteristics

A beautiful cat with unusual curled round ears is the American Curl. It appeared relatively recently, but it is gaining popularity among amateurs and professional breeders at a rapid pace. These gentle American representatives of the cat family are distinguished by their exceptionally pleasant character and unique appearance.