American Curl

American Curl: Introduction to the Breed

A Curl's signature characteristic is its unique ears, which curl backward and do not stand up. A medium-sized cat, the American Curl weighs five to ten pounds and can live for more than 13 years on average. American Curls are the product of a spontaneous natural mutation, a common occurrence among cats. They can be shorthaired or longhaired, but their name does not refer to their coats. Their backward-curling ears, adorned with long tufts of fur, give them the appearance of being delighted.

In the early 1980s, the first Curl cat appeared. This twist of nature eventually caught the attention of cat breeders, who developed them into a breed. Despite their expression, the American Curl is a joyous cat. Even well into old age, this medium-sized cat loves to play, and it's not uncommon for them to enjoy fetch. When they aren’t perched on your lap or following you around, they usually perch in high places.

In addition to being sociable, loving, and family-oriented, American Curl often shows a special affinity for children. Toddlers should be supervised so they don't mishandle them, but they're a good choice for families with older children. Additionally, the Curl is perfectly capable of getting along with other cats and cat-friendly dogs.

As a friendly cat, the Curl doesn't like to be left alone for long periods, so consider your schedule and whether you have other pets before bringing one home. Separation anxiety is something you don't want them to develop. The American Curl will thrive in a home with people who will love and care for them. Protect them from cars, diseases spread by other cats, and attacks from other animals by keeping them indoors.

Owning a pet is one of the most significant decisions you will have to make in your life as a family. It is important that before you purchase a new cat, you take the time and energy to research the available breeds and determine which one is going to be most suitable for your family and lifestyle. You should carefully think about what characteristics you would like to see in a cat, and which characteristics you would prefer the cat not to possess. There are a few things you should know about the American Curl to make a good decision.

American Curl is generally:

American Curls are a rare breed. A shelter or rescue group is unlikely to have one, but it doesn't hurt to look. The loss of an owner, a divorce, or a change in economic circumstances can result in a pedigreed cat ending up at a shelter. The training and socialization of these cats will ultimately determine whether you can trust them around your family. It is possible for them to be lovable and affectionate family pets if you spend enough time with them. The consequences can be dire if they do not. Without proper training, these cats can bite and snap at people if they aren't taught better manners.

Due to their adaptability, patience, and tolerance, it is possible for them to do well with children, other cats, and dogs, so long as they are properly introduced.

What is the origin of American Curl?

A spontaneous mutation occurred in 1981 that caused the American Curl's unusual ears. As a result of this twist of nature, cat breeders developed him into a breed. A stray longhaired black kitten with unusual ears moved in with Joe and Grace Ruga of Lakewood, California, on a hot June day in 1981. Shulamith was her name. Shulamith returned the Rugas' kindness with a litter of four kittens a few months later. Their mother's distinctive trait was shared by the two of them.

Hence, all American Curls can be traced back to Shulamith. The local Curl population increased as Shulamith continued to have littered by the local tom cats. There were both long and short hairs in the early litter, as well as many different colors and patterns, including the pointed pattern. Friends and family received kittens from the couple. After falling in love with their unique ears and gentle temperament, Nancy Kiester acquired two of these kittens. Kiester thought that these kittens might be an entirely new breed after reading an article on the Scottish Fold, another breed with distinctive ears. The American Curl was recognized and promoted after it was proven that they were.

Globally, cat breeders were fascinated by the new development. To preserve the characteristic, they began selective breeding programs in 1983. A cat with just one copy of Roy Robinson's ear-curling gene will have curled ears since the gene is autosomal dominant. In 1987, only five years after the first breeding programs began, the American Curl was recognized by The International Cat Association and by the Cat Fanciers Association.

What are the Risks for the American Curl Cat Breed?

American Curl are rugged due to generations of working cats in their ancestry. There aren't many breed-specific health issues with American Curl, and they can live up to 15–20 years. Despite this, pet parents should be aware of some concerns. It is a good idea to purchase from a breeder that offers a written health guarantee.

Some American Curl health problems can include:

Help your cat live a longer and healthier life by taking advantage of your preventive abilities.

In addition to being versatile, the American Curl is willing to live anywhere. Considering that they started out living on ships and farms, any comfortable apartment or home will do. American Curl are highly adaptable, so potential pet parents can expect them to fit into their home. American Curl cats can thrive in homes with seniors, singles, children, and other pets.

Conclusion

The American Curl enjoys daily exercise. They enjoy climbing and jumping on cat trees in the house that has perches on them so that they can climb and play. It seems that if they are given enough exercise space, then they will tend to maintain their weight. In addition to that, they enjoy interactive play. Despite not being considered a "lap cat," the Curl enjoys being near humans.

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