American Curl

It is well-known for having unusual ears that curve back toward the back of its head.

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American Curl Appearance

Although American Curl cats may appear to have characteristically curled ears from birth, this is not the case. Like all cats, they have straight ears when they are born. But after three to five days, their ears bend back. The ears curl and uncurl varying degrees over the following four months, eventually settling into their final position. Their ears become permanently curled when the cartilage hardens around five months of age.

American Curl Personality

Loyalty, affection, curiosity, intelligence, and environmental adaptability are among the qualities that make American Curls renowned. They are not demanding their owners' attention, but they enjoy cuddling. They enjoy taking naps on their owner's lap as lap cats. 
American Curls are not aloof like other cat breeds; they happily follow their owners around the house. They don't usually meow to get attention but curl up with their caregivers when hungry or need something. They give each other tender head bumps and physical affection to express love. 

American curls are playful dogs that are easy to train to play fetch. They are an excellent fit for families with active kids because they never stop being gregarious and active. Additionally, being friendly and comfortable when adjusting to new situations, American Curls have a kind and welcoming personality. These characteristics have earned them the moniker "dogs of the cat world." 

American Curl Living Needs

American Curls are friendly and love socializing, whether playing with friends or spending time with family. Because of their laid-back disposition and calm demeanor, they are an excellent fit for homes. Unlike other cat breeds, they are flexible and adapt well to new situations. 
They are happy to be left alone at home while their owners are at work because they don't mind receiving less attention. However, they will gladly participate in everyday activities when family members are present.

They're especially ideal for new cat owners, older adults, and families with small children. One of the rare cat breeds that actively seek out children for playtime is the American Curl. Though the cat's delicate cartilage can be easily damaged, it's important to supervise interactions between small children and the cat and teach them not to play rough or pull on the cat's ears.

American Curl Care

American Curl cats have gorgeous coat colors like black, white, and even chocolate tortoiseshell smoke. They are available in both short and long-hair varieties. Curls with short hair require little care—just a weekly brushing. To avoid matting, friends with longer hair need extra care, like twice-weekly brushing. All Curls shed consistently throughout the year, regardless of fur length, so maintaining loose fur requires frequent brushing. Remember to keep your nails clipped and your teeth clean! Their ears are curled, so checking them frequently and gently cleaning them to prevent wax build-up is essential. Your American Curl will remain healthy and appear their best with proper grooming!
Although American Curl cats are naturally carnivores and don't mind what they eat, they might have specific tastes. To ensure your cat gets the best nutrition possible, look for foods made with premium ingredients. Adding vitamins and minerals to regular cat food is an excellent idea to keep your Curl's diet balanced.

American Curl Health

The wide variety of genes in the American Curl breed contributes to its general health. However, like any other cat, American Curls can still have specific health problems. Check for infections in their ears, as these can harbor wax and mites. Cleaning regularly can help avoid this. 
Feed them wholesome food to prevent diarrhea since their diet can affect how well they digest it. To avoid vision loss, watch for eye problems and take your pet to the vet if you notice anything. Kidney disease, obesity, dental disease, the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and heartworm disease are among the more severe conditions to be mindful of. You can help your American Curl live a long and healthy life by providing regular check-ups, a nutritious diet, good dental hygiene, and talking with your veterinarian about preventative measures!

American Curl Exercise Requirements

American Curl cats enjoy playing just as much as other cats do! However, they don't require endless playtime or walks like dogs do. Your cat will be content if you give those toys and space to run, jump, and climb. Creating an indoor or outdoor exercise space for these adorable adults with curly ears is essential because they never stop being playful. 
Even though they love being indoor cats, you can leash-train them to explore in a safe pet park or community garden. They will adore spending some supervised time on the grass chasing made-up butterflies! 
Your Curls are safer indoors, protected from other animals, possible harm, and possible loss. However, if you see your cat becoming chubby, it might be time to increase playtime. Consult your veterinarian for advice on designing an enjoyable workout program for your pet.

American Curl Training

Cats with American curls are surprisingly intelligent. Curls are eager to please and quick learners, unlike particular cat breeds that come across as distant. This implies they can be taught skills other than chasing laser pointers and scratching posts! Learning to fetch is one of the fun things Curls can do! As a playful means of strengthening their bond with their humans, they may enjoy giving back a beloved toy, unlike most cats. 

However, their abilities don't end there. You can teach them neat tricks with enough time and encouragement, like opening cabinet doors. Watch what you teach them, as an inquisitive Curl may become overly inventive with their newfound abilities!
Fortunately, curls pick things up quickly. You'll be astounded at what your lively and intelligent cat can learn with enough time and effort!

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American Curl History 

The history of the American Curl cat is distinct! It all began in 1981 when Joe and Grace Ruga were in California, and a stray black cat with lovely curled ears walked into their lives. What do you know? They gave her the name Shulamith. Those same darling curled ears were passed down to some of her kittens, which gave rise to the American Curl breed. 

When these cats from California were first displayed at a Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) event in 1986, cat fancy enthusiasts took notice. The International Cat Association (TICA) did not grant championship status to the longhaired American Curl until 1992. However, the American Curl's notoriety didn't end there. It cemented its place in pedigreed cats in 1999 when it was the first breed to be admitted into the CFA Championship Class for both longhaired and short-haired varieties.

American Curl Fun Facts

Because of their exceptional capacity to maintain their playful nature throughout their lives, American Curl cats have been dubbed the "Peter Pan" of cats. These cats frequently have the same youthful energy as their younger counterparts, darting around the house as they age. Male and female American Curls have a lively and entertaining nature, making them a great addition to any home.