American curl

Breed Description

In 1982, a kitten with an unusual ear shape was discovered in California, USA, marking the beginning of a new breed called the “American Curl.” It was found by chance but was adopted by a couple who fell in love with it. According to some sources, the kitten was named Shulamith. Soon, the foundling had kittens, some of which had the same outwardly curled ears as their mother. Feline specialists conducted analyses and confirmed a genetic anomaly in the cat. Two years later, active development of the new breed began, solidifying its main characteristic-outwardly curled ears. The CFA accepted American Curls as an experimental breed in 1986. Just five years later, these unique cats were participating in shows. And two years after that, in 1993, another important detail was settled: one breed could compete in both short-haired and semi-long-haired categories. This was the first precedent where one breed participated in two categories simultaneously.

Since the initial push came from the most ordinary mousers in the USA, animals of any color are now accepted.

The American variety of cats with curled ears was first showcased to enthusiasts in 1983. The ACA decided to recognize both varieties of the American Curl in 1993, while the ACFA followed suit a year later.

There was a prolonged debate regarding the breed standard, with breeders planning to incorporate genes from Ocicats and Abyssinians. However, the scales ultimately tipped towards the native cats with the most similar appearance, which helped preserve the unique look of the American Curl.

It’s worth noting that these unusual cats manage cold and most infectious diseases much better than other breeds.

Today, one can buy a kitten from a cattery in Russia from both private breeders and catteries. It cannot be said that they are widely represented in our country. However, their appearance attracts attention from everyone and leaves no one indifferent. The price of a kitten can exceed 60,000 rubles, depending on its quality and the credentials of its parents. Kittens of the pet class are often given away for free, but in this case, one cannot be entirely sure that it is a purebred kitten.They are most commonly found in the USA, Canada, Europe, South America, and Australia.

Appearance

The American Curl is a medium-sized cat with an appealing appearance and a friendly temperament. They get along well with children and other pets, are quite active, curious, and love to play. The hallmark of these overseas “curls” is their unusual ear shape, with the tips curling outward. Although this feature is caused by a genetic mutation, their health is generally robust, allowing them to live an average of 12 to 15 years or more. An adult male typically weighs no more than 5 kg, while females weigh around 3.5 to 4 kg, and their height at the shoulder does not exceed 25 cm, making them excellent companions during travel. Their size also allows them to be taken on long flights, as they can easily fit into a medium-sized carrier. The breed’s popularity is growing not only in English-speaking countries and Europe but also in our country. This is due not only to their memorable appearance but also to their exceptionally docile nature, which is ideal for families with children. At Zoonika, you’ll find the best choice of catteries in Russia where purchasing an American Curl kitten poses no problems. We already have several breeders who specialize in both

Отличительные черты

Голова

Wedge-shaped, with a rounded outline and smooth transitions. Small, proportionate to the size of the animal. The nape smoothly transitions into the neck. The transition from the nose to the forehead is almost unnoticeable. Completely covered with fur according to its type.

Морда

The bridge of the nose is not too long and straight. There is a smooth transition to the forehead, which is especially noticeable in profile. The tip of the nose is medium-sized, and its color does not depend on the animal's coat color. A common drawback is considered to be a too deep stop.

Уши

Set vertically, not too low, with a broad base and tufts of hair. They are turned outward at an angle of 90 to 180 degrees. The cartilage density is maintained at a level of 1/3 from their base. The edges of the ears are rounded. Too dense or too soft cartilage is considered a defect, as is their placement being too low or too high.

Глаза

Closer to an oval shape than a round one. Slightly misaligned, but without strabismus. Quite large and widely open, giving a surprised look to the face. The color of the eye's cornea is not regulated, but the standard emphasizes clarity of gaze and purity. Only in colorpoint individuals should the cornea be a deep blue color.

Зубы

A sufficiently strong but not wide chin. When viewed in profile, it is aligned vertically with the lobe of the nose, meaning that the bite of overseas dwarfs is either straight or scissors-like. A complete set of 30 teeth. The canines are quite large, with the upper ones potentially covering the lower ones by no more than 1.2 mm.

Корпус

Quite muscular, giving a well-fed appearance. However, there should be no excess weight in a normal condition. Rectangular in shape with a broad chest. Despite the muscular frame, the body is flexible, and its length is twice the height of the animal at the withers.

Конечности

Strong, straight, relatively long legs that maintain a general proportion to the body. They stand upright both when viewed from the front and from the rear. The hind legs have powerful thighs without adding heaviness to the overall appearance. The front legs are quite elegant, especially when noting the rounded pads. An excessively thin skeleton may be considered a disadvantage.

Хвост

Quite long, approximately equal to the length of the body. With a wide base. The tip of the tail is moreе°- than rounded. A tail that is too short, as well as bald spots, thickening, kinks, and other visual defects, are considered flaws.

Шерсть

Существует двух типов: полудлинная и короткая. Полудлинношерстный тип: очень мягкая, шелковистая, с более сильным опушением хвостовой и грудной части кошки. Короткошерстный тип: полуприлегает к корпусу, мягкая на ощупь, довольно короткая. Недостатком считается слишком густой подшесток у полудлинношерстных и тактильно грубая - у короткошерстной разновидности.

Окрас

Any colors are acceptable, regardless of the type of coat, including tabby, tortoiseshell, solid, marble, gray, black, chocolate, lilac, blue, and others. Preference is given to colors with clear pattern boundaries or the most intense shade in a solid color.

Character

When talking about their temperament, one can be quite brief: it is docile. Some owners of cats with curled ears even lavish compliments, calling them angelic. Stress resilience and attachment to their owner are also noted by those who have experience with the American Curl. These devoted creatures want to be near their owner as much as possible. Given this trait, it makes sense to consider buying a kitten from a cattery with a companion, especially when the owner is often away at work.

Once these beings arrive in the home, its atmosphere will never be the same. After exploring every corner and confirming that they are loved, the Curl will quickly identify their favorite person to follow closely. Typically, they express their affection through soft, pleasant purring and gazing into your eyes.

Another aspect of their temperament is curiosity. Rest assured that upon returning home, your bags will be thoroughly inspected. If given a chance, the furry pet will even peek inside to check the contents first-hand.

Energetic kittens love to engage in active play, and this tendency continues into adulthood. A definite advantage of the breed is their tolerance towards children. However, it’s essential to keep an eye on this friendly group, especially during games of chase, to avoid any household damage. There’s no need to worry about harm from the Curl; rather, children should receive guidance on how to interact with the pets appropriately to prevent accidental injury.

When it’s time to settle in for a favorite show, the fluffy company will be right there. Their big eyes will watch intently alongside the family. Naturally, the warmth of their bodies and quiet purring is particularly directed at the favorite family member.

There is a belief that the temperament of the American Curl resembles that of a dog. To some extent, this is true. Lonely retirees will find in them a loyal friend similar to a dog. The Curl will enthusiastically keep them company and strive to brighten their lonely existence.Among the key traits of these extraordinary cats, one can confidently highlight their kindness and loyalty, stress resilience and curiosity, intelligence (they rarely exhibit negative behaviors and do not climb on tables or hang from curtains), love for play and an active lifestyle, high intelligence and quick learning abilities, as well as a calm and gentle attitude toward children in the family.At the same time, they keenly anticipate similar treatment in return. In cases where they feel neglected, they might gently remind their owners of their presence. However, as previously mentioned, they do so unobtrusively and with great grace: softly purring something at the owner’s feet or giving a gentle paw tap. All they need is a gentle stroke in response or a kind word spoken to them.

Care and Maintenance

A pet’s life cannot be complete without a certain set of accessories. Before exploring ads for American Curl kittens, you’ll need to buy a bed with raised sides or an entire cat house, a variety of toys for playtime, a litter box with removable sides, as well as bowls for food and water.

Be prepared for the first few days when the new resident of your home will be busy exploring and learning the basic rules of behavior. Expect numerous attempts by the animal to understand what it can and cannot do, and be patient and consistent. Never use physical punishment for rule violations; this will only sever the bond with the kitten, making it nearly impossible to restore, even with the help of experienced animal psychologists.

Keep in mind that young curls can behave recklessly on windowsills near open windows and may easily fall. Until they get used to their new environment and grow older, install locks on windows or keep them closed.

Some cat owners take their pets outside for walks like dogs. If you fall into this category, be sure to acquire a harness and leash in advance. However, don’t rush into walks. The safety of a small kitten outside can quickly become compromised if a stray cat or dog appears. Additionally, you may need to apply extra flea treatments if the flea collar is ineffective.

One of the most crucial aspects of caring for an American Curl is providing the right diet. For the first six months, kittens should be fed several times a day, typically 5 to 6 meals. After six months, the feeding frequency decreases to 4 times a day, and after one year, pets can thrive on two meals a day.

What diet is necessary for an American Curl? It’s best to use holistic foods or high-quality super-premium products. These help avoid allergic reactions, control the cat’s weight, and account for the individual characteristics of each pet. Just follow the recommendations on the packaging; using these foods significantly simplifies pet care and saves owners’ time, leaving more opportunities for play with their beloved pet.When using natural food, it’s generally preferred to choose lean cuts of meat that have been subjected to strong freezing, as well as rice, vegetables, and the complete exclusion of salty, sweet, smoked, and fried foods. American kitties with curled ears particularly enjoy oatmeal, as noted by many advocates of natural feeding. If you encounter difficulties in creating a menu, it’s best to consult a specialist at a veterinary clinic or the breeder from whom you acquired the kitten.Although their fur doesn’t require special care, it is recommended to brush it with a special glove or a soft-bristled brush several times a month. Cats usually enjoy this process as it allows them to spend some extra time with their owner. It’s important to choose th

Training and Education

After moving to a new home, the Curl begins to explore its surroundings. With a highly developed intellect, it quickly picks up on what is allowed and what the owner does not permit. At the same time, the owner should carefully observe the kitten’s behavior that can later be used in the training process. It is crucial to be patient and consistent in your demands: what is forbidden today does not always remain so. Shouting or physically punishing the kitten is a taboo. In an emergency situation (for example, when trying to jump on the table), one can whistle loudly, clap hands, or hiss, and once the “offender” jumps down, sternly say “No!” or “Stop!”. This method should be applied every time a similar situation occurs. This way, one of the most important commands will be learned.

The character of the American Curl clearly shows a penchant for active play. This fact should be utilized. While playing with it, it is quite easy to train the kitten to fetch a ball or another toy it enjoys. By tossing it, the owner should always use the command “Fetch!” or “Bring it!” and the companion will get accustomed to it.

When is the best time to start training an American Curl? In terms of age, it should begin as soon as it enters your home and has adapted to its new environment. If we talk about the time of day, it should definitely be after a nap and before meals. Otherwise, a full cat will likely try to avoid activity and settle down for a daytime rest. Moreover, the environment should be calm. For instance, if music is playing in the next room or there is thunder outside, the session should be postponed since the “student” will be distracted by outside stimuli. The same recommendation applies when the kitten is feeling unwell.

There is a belief that cats cannot be trained. Perhaps this is true. The owner can only direct their energy in a certain direction, and only if the cat wishes to do so. At Zoonika, there are proven methods that ensure the health of every kitten.

How to Choose a Kitten

The breed has not yet gained widespread popularity in our country, so for many, owning such a cute pet remains a dream. However, on Zoonika, you can find the best selection of kennels in Russia, including those that breed American Curl cats. Each of them offers purebred animals with stable temperaments and strong immune systems, which is documented.

Before making a purchase, clearly define your goals for wanting to buy a kitten from a kennel and decide on its gender. Keeping such a pet also involves financial responsibility, so assess your financial capabilities accurately.

After selecting a kennel and familiarizing yourself with the standards, and acquiring everything necessary for the proper care of your pet, you can proceed to choose a kitten. Typically, kittens are bought when they reach 3.5 to 4 months of age, but not before. This is due to less stress from separation from their mother. By this age, they are already vaccinated, treated for worms, and the little one is trained to use a litter box. Between 4 and 6 months, their ears take on their final shape. The purchase usually comes with a pedigree, a veterinary passport with vaccination records, and a sales contract. The most responsible kennel owners may additionally provide certificates confirming the absence of genetic defects. If you do not plan to participate in shows or breed the cats, the kitten may already be neutered or spayed. If the kennel is in another region, you can inquire individually about delivering the little Curl directly to your city. On Zooinka, you will find verified listings with proper documentation.

Health and Diseases

A well-known fact is that the American Curl is a breed of cat recognized for its excellent health. Their timely treatment for parasites, vaccinations, regulated physical activity, and proper diet contribute to a comfortable life.

Breed-specific diseases are virtually absent in them. However, there is general statistics indicating that even purebred overseas cats with curled ears can suffer from the following ailments:

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heart condition characterized by the thickening of its walls. Some studies suggest that American Curls may be predisposed to developing HCM, but they are not the only breed of cat affected by this disease. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify and manage this issue.

Hip Dysplasia is a condition where a cat’s hip joints develop improperly. This often leads to pain during movement and, eventually, complete loss of the ability to move. Some American Curls (as well as other breeds) are merely at risk of developing this condition, while longevity and overall well-being depend on many factors, including genetics, living conditions, and the cat’s general health. It’s easy and quick to find new owners at Zoonika.