American Curl

An inquisitive companion with a quieter voice

An American Curl is often wherever something is happening. Sorting the post may be as interesting as preparing dinner. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), an American cat association, describes a people oriented cat who likes to be involved and often attracts attention with small chirping sounds.

Many Curls remain playful as adults. A rolling ball or a fresh cardboard box with accessible openings can quickly awaken curiosity. You should make time to join the cat rather than relying entirely on a pile of toys. A game becomes interesting when something moves, changes or offers a discovery.

When visitors arrive, the Curl should have time to get to know them and approach willingly. Children should understand that they should not restrain the cat or play with her ears. If another cat joins the household, the previous routines of both animals are useful information. A very energetic playmate may be too much for a quieter cat. Gradual first meetings and separate retreats help both become familiar with the new situation.

Silky fur and delicate ear cartilage

Both shorthaired and longer coated Curls have silky fur with little undercoat. The shorter variety usually needs occasional gentle brushing. With the longer coat, you should comb regularly and check particularly for small tangles. A brief weekly grooming appointment helps you learn the individual cat's needs. More frequent help may be appropriate during shedding or when a cat becomes less thorough at grooming herself.

The curved ears should be handled carefully. You should not straighten them or bend the firm cartilage. Care can begin with a calm look for redness, unusual dirt or other visible changes. A healthy cat's ear does not need constant cleaning. If cleaning is required, the veterinary team should recommend a suitable product and demonstrate the technique. Cotton swabs should not be inserted into the ear canal because they can push dirt deeper and cause injury.

Head shaking, repeated scratching at an ear, unpleasant odour or pain should be investigated. Simply cleaning more often can add irritation without addressing the cause.

From Shulamith to the American Curl

The breed began with Shulamith, a longhaired cat who appeared at Joe and Grace Ruga's home in California in 1981. Some of her offspring had the same backward curving ears. Further breeding from this family developed the American Curl. FIFe, the international cat federation, recognised the breed in 2003.

Kittens initially have straight ears. The shape begins changing in the first few days of life and is largely settled by about four months. You should observe this development without trying to shape the ears yourself. The standard describes a medium sized, relatively slender body with moderate muscle. The eyes are more oval above and rounder below, a shape often described as walnut shaped. Many coat colours and patterns are possible.

The American CFA standard gives approximately 2.3 to 3.6 kilograms for females and 3.2 to 4.5 kilograms for males, rounded from pounds. Food portions should nevertheless reflect the individual cat's body condition. An adult Curl should move comfortably rather than becoming increasingly round. In later life, intermediate steps to favourite places and an easier to enter litter tray can make daily activities more comfortable. New difficulties with jumping should be medically assessed.

Kitten, adult, senior: care that changes with your cat ↗