American Curl
The American Curl is an exceptional breed of cat characterised by their backward bent, crescent-shaped ears. These extraordinary ears originate from a spontaneous mutation in a cat from the southern United States in the early eighties. Generally they are very playful and active cats, who come in an enormous variety of coat colours and patterns. Also, American Curls have varying degrees of ear curvature. This handsome cat never goes unnoticed!
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Life expectancy |
The American Curl has a life expectancy of between 13 and 15 years |
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Temperament |
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Adult size |
Female
Between 12 and 14 in
Male
Between 12 and 16 in
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Adult weight |
Female
Between 4 and 7 lb
Male
Between 7 and 11 lb
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Coat colour
Black / seal, blue / grey-slate, chocolate, lilac / lilac, cinnamon / cinnamon, fawn / fawn, red, white This breed can come in any colour. |
Black
Brown
White
Red
Blue
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Type of coat
Long or short |
Short
Long
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Eye colour
Blue, aquamarine, green, yellow, odd eyes |
Blue
Green
Yellow
Odd-eyed
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Purchase price |
The American Curl costs between £600 and £900 |
American Curls are born with normal ears. They begin to curl after 4-7 days, and continue to curl for approximately 16 weeks (sometimes longer).
More details about the American Curl
American Curl: Origins and history
As their name suggests, the American Curl originated in the United States. At the beginning of the eighties a spontaneous mutation caused ear curvature in a non-pedigree domestic cat in California. Incidentally, this wandering cat was collected by a couple. When she had her first litter, her owners realised that at least two of her kittens had ears similar to those of their mother. Presented in an exhibition in Palm Springs, they were so successful that in 1985, the breed was officially registered. Today, this breed is appreciated around the globe for its completely extraordinary appearance!
American Curl: Characteristics
The American Curl is usually considered sociable and affectionate.
They need daily play sessions to meet their exercise needs. These can be both interactive or autonomous.
Like most cats, they like to relax in high places, or near their owners.
Their impressive cognitive abilities and their boundless energy means they adapt quickly to new conditions and situations.
American Curls are generally interested in new people and situations.
While American Curls can adapt to independent life, most are very sociable.
American Curl: Behaviour
Usually they aren’t a very chatty breed, but there are always exceptions to the rule!
They are an active and energetic breed who need a lot of exercise.
Due to their active and curious nature, this breed has a reputation of explorer. You will have to keep an eye on them!
It is important to use interactive bowls to feed this breed. These will manage their food consumption and keep them stimulated both physically and mentally.
Breed compatibility American Curl
In general, they get on well with other cats. However, multiple factors can affect the relationship between two cats, such as the way in which they were introduced to one another, and the quality of their living space.
American Curls can get along with dogs, however it is important to introduce them to each other gradually. Their living space should comprise multiple high places for the cat to escape to, as this will help their cohabitation. Their level of socialisation as a kitten greatly influences their long term sociability with dogs.
Due to their playful and energetic nature, American Curls suit families with children. It is important to supervise the first few interactions between the child and the cat, to ensure a respectful relationship between the two parties.
Due to their active nature, they are only really suitable for elderly people who are willing to regularly play with them.
American Curl: Purchase price
On average, an American Curl kitten costs between £600 and £900. This price may vary depending on their breeder, lineage, age at purchase and even their sex.
It costs on average £25 / month to keep an American Curl in good health.
American Curl: Shedding
Average
As they have quite a light undercoat, both the long and short coated varieties of the American Curl lose only a limited amount of hair.
American Curl: Grooming
A weekly brush and ear clean is usually sufficient.
American Curl: Health
On average, their life expectancy is 13 to 15 years. However some American Curls can live much longer.
Due to their light undercoat, they are considered only moderately adaptable to heat changes and extreme temperatures. However, they are generally considered a robust breed.
Numerous factors increase the risk of feline obesity, such as age, environment, diet and activity levels. As long as the American Curls’ activity needs are met and their diet is managed appropriately, they don’t gain a lot of weight.
There are no particular diseases that the American Curl is susceptible to. This is likely caused by the genetic diversity within the breed. The gene that causes the curvature of the ears does not appear to affect any other anatomical or physiological aspects of the cats. As their hearing is not impaired by this mutation, it is not considered detrimental to their health. Nevertheless, an annual medical checkup is recommended, as they can suffer from the same diseases as all other domestic cats.
Cross breeding is authorised between both long haired and short haired American Curls.
On average, they have litters of 5 kittens.
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