Description
Size: 6-12lbs
The distinctive ears of the American Curl cat breed, which curl back from the face toward the middle of the skull’s rear, are what make it stand out from other cat breeds. Although not huge, this well-muscled cat has a lengthy body in relation to its size. Despite having a long body, the American Curl has medium-sized bones, making her a sturdy cat. American Curls have straight ears by birth. A few days after birth, the curl starts to form, and it continues to develop until the child is 16 weeks old.
It has been produced in a variety of colors and patterns in both shorthair and longhair variations. Whether it has long or short hair, the American Curl’s coat is silky. The long-haired curl has more semi-long than long hair.
Behavior
Activity Level: Moderate
Social needs: playful, enjoy the company of other pets and humans
The friendly American Curl is well known for its outgoing nature. They have even been observed to seek out children’s companionship, which is unusual for cats. Being domestic shorthair, they are intelligent, inquisitive, and relatively energetic. Although he may follow you around to observe your activities, he is neither loud nor dominating like some other breeds.
Origin/History
A kitten was found in 1981 by Joe and Grace Ruga in California. The ears of this kitten curved backward, which was a distinctive feature. She was given the name Shulamith by the Rugs, who also took the kitten inside, and she eventually established the American Curl breed. Two of Shulamith’s kittens also inherited the same curled ears. Additionally, rather than having the larger coat of Shulamith, one of the kittens with curled ears had a shorter coat.
The cat industry quickly noticed Shulamith and her beautiful kittens, and the American Curl breed started to draw individuals who were interested in breeding and showcasing them.
Care as a Pet
Depending on how long its coat is, you should groom your American Curl more frequently. If your American Curl has short hair, you should brush or comb its coat once or twice a week to keep it lustrous and healthy. To get rid of any tangles, mats, or debris from the coat before they become a problem, grooming should be increased to two or three times weekly if your American Curl has long hair. For long-haired cats, use a brush made specifically for them to avoid harming the fur or breaking it.
The American Curl is prone to ear problems, especially ear mites, like the majority of cats. Check your Curl’s ears once a week, and use a cotton ball or wet cloth to gently remove any dirt or debris. Cotton swabs should not be used since they might seriously harm the sensitive inner ear components of your Curl. Make a vet appointment right away if your Curl’s ears are really dirty, red, irritated, or smell strange. These signs of infection or damage could be present.
Make an effort to brush your Curl’s teeth many times per week to help prevent periodontal disease. Although brushing twice a day is ideal, regular maintenance can promote good dental health.
Grooming needs
Both the short and long-coat varieties of the Curl need low maintenance. The longhaired variety has a thin undercoat, making tangling unlikely. The Curl, whether it has long hair or short, just has to be combed once each week to maintain its beauty. If you want to get rid of any accumulated dead hair, try combining the shorthair’s coat backward. All year long, shorthairs often shed more than longhairs do.
Nutrition and Diet
Like all cats, if the American Curl isn’t given enough activity and a high-quality, high-protein food, it could develop obesity or heart disease. The amount of food your cat, Curl, consumes each day mostly depends on its age and degree of activity, but if you’re unsure, consult your veterinarian. Don’t forget to give your Curl goodies sparingly.
Adult cats may often eat two meals each day, whereas kittens need to consume three to four smaller meals each day. Every domestic cat should always have access to fresh water.
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