American Curl Cat Breed Information

The American Curl is a cat breed with unusual curled-back ears. This feline is a medium-size cat, elegant and well-balanced.

Keep reading and find out more about the American Curl Cat Breed.

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AMERICAN CURL CAT BREED PROFILE SUMMARY

Country of Origin: United States
Weight: Male: 8-12 Female: Less than 8 pounds.
Size: Medium.
Coat: Short/Medium.
Colors: Black, Blue, Brown, Butter cream, Chocolate, Cream, Golden, Lilac, Red, Silver, Tortoiseshell, White.
Tendency to shed Moderate.
Lifespan: 9-13 years.
Attention Needs: Moderate.
General grooming needs: Medium, High.

AMERICAN CURL APPEARANCE

American curl cats are medium-sized felines with sweet but alert expressions. Their elegant bodies are well-proportioned, slender, and slightly muscular.

They have a round head, large curved ears in a gentle arc of at least 90 degrees, and walnut-shaped eyes.

Short-haired and long-haired American curls have silky coats.

TEMPERAMENT

The American Curls are like a dog; they love their humans and are faithful and affectionate in all situations.

American Curls are affectionate cats that enjoy being with their family. While they are not as active as Abyssinians or Siameses, they are playful and energetic. This cat breed is:

Playful.
Friendly to other pets.
Kid-friendly.
Intelligent.
Affectionate toward its owners.

HISTORY

In 1981, a stray cat appeared in the home of Joe and Grace Ruga. This kitten had the unique characteristic of having her ears curled back. The Rugas brought the kitten into their house and named her Shulamith. This cat gave birth to a litter of cats with the same curled ears, and they became the ancestors of today’s American Curl cats. Also, one of the kittens with curled ears was a shorthair cat instead of displaying the long fur of Shulamit.

HEALTH

In general, the American Curl is a healthy cat but is prone to ear infections.

American Curl cats also are susceptible to retinal diseases, which can lead to vision loss.

Like other cat breeds, they can suffer from traditional diseases such as osteoarthritis, heart problems, and kidney disease as they age.

AMERICAN CURL CARE

Regardless your American Curl cat is long-haired or short-haired, you should brush it twice a week to prevent matting.
Likewise, take care of its ears to prevent ear infections.
The American curl needs regular nail trimming and preferably daily teeth brushing.

DIET

Feed your American Curl cat with high-protein cat food.
Give treats to your cat in moderation.

GROOMING NEEDS

If your American Curl has short hair, weekly grooming is necessary to keep her fur healthy.
If your cat is an American Long-haired, groom her twice weekly to remove mats and tangles.
Check the ears of the cat weekly and remove dirt and debris with a soft damped cloth.
Regular dental hygiene is necessary to protect your cat from periodontal disease.

EXERCISES

The American Curl enjoys daily exercise. This cat likes to climb and jump. They also like interactive play.

CURIOUS FACTS ABOUT THE AMERICAN CURL CAT

The American Cur has an autosomal dominant ear curling gene responsible for the curled ears.
These cats are born with their ears straight and stars curling backward during the first 48 hours of their birth.
American Curl tends to open doors and cabinets.
The American Curl is the forever younger kitten of the cat world because of his kitten-like personality.