With its curled ears, the American Curl looks adorable. But the ears are also a problem in this breed – they can be very delicate. Fortunately, there’s also a lot of fun to be told about this breed. Want to know more? Read on!
In this blog:
- The origin of the American Curl
- What is the personality of the American Curl?
- The appearance and coat of an American Curl
- How to care for an American Curl
- The health of the American Curl
- How long does the American Curl live?
- Buying an American Curl (kitten)
1. The origin of the American Curl
American Curls are rare. Not much breeding is done with this breed, and it hasn’t been around for long – it’s actually the newest cat breed in existence. The American Curl has only existed since the early 1980s. The first of these cats was a stray cat discovered by an American couple. The cats were not only remarkable for their backward-curled ears but also for their incredibly affectionate and friendly personality.
The couple decided to adopt the cat, and a few months later, a litter was born – the first litter with kittens having backward-curled ears. More kittens were born until eventually, someone decided to start breeding with two kittens that had these distinctive ears. This breed is still very rare in Europe – it is often crossed with regular domestic cats. But in the U.S., the American Curl has been recognized since the 1990s and is fairly popular.
2. The Personality of the American Curl
American Curl cats are fun and loved by many people. They are active and playful – they enjoy pretty much everything, including fetching and climbing. A stable cat tree is therefore recommended. They also love spending time with “their” family. Additionally, American Curls are very curious. If their owner is working on something at home, they are guaranteed to pay a visit, as they love to help and explore new things. They also adapt very easily. To new people, other animals, and even a completely new home or environment. These delightful traits stay with them their entire lives – they always behave like a happy, curious, and playful cat.
Fun fact: American Curls love to help their owners with household chores!
3. The Appearance and Coat of the American Curl
The American Curl gets its name not from a curled coat or tail, but from its backward-curled ears. This breed doesn’t have curled ears at birth – the kittens’ ears begin to curl after about one to two weeks. The ears unfold until the cats are four months old and then they stop changing. In terms of build, American Curls are somewhat square and medium-sized – they weigh between three and five kilograms. Male cats are, of course, always a bit larger and heavier.
The head of this breed is longer than it is wide, so it doesn’t have a short snout. The front legs are slightly shorter than the back legs, and they are strong and straight. Their tail is as long as their body, starting wide at the base and tapering to a rounded tip. The coat of an American Curl can come in all colors and patterns. It is short or semi-long. Their eyes are shaped like walnuts and can also be any color.
4. Caring for the American Curl
Caring for an American Curl is fairly easy. Their coat looks impressive, but it requires little maintenance – brushing once a week is enough. The ears of the American Curl are sensitive, so you need to handle them with care. This breed can also suffer from malformed or narrowed ear canals. It’s wise to regularly check the ears (or have them cleaned by the vet). Do not use water to clean the ears, but rather a microfiber cloth.
Further Care for the American Curl
Every cat – purebred or not – deserves to be well and lovingly cared for. And you do this by providing:
- A safe home
- Plenty of love and attention
- Good food and always fresh water
- Clean litter boxes with good litter
- Toys and a warm bed
- A cat tee suitable for an American Curl
- Protection against fleas, ticks, and worms
- Vaccinations and regular vet visits
Discover here what the typical cost of caring for a cat is
5. Diseases and Conditions in the American Curl
Purebred cats are bred for unique traits. The American Curl also has characteristics that make it special, such as:
- Curled (sensitive) ears
- Solid build
- Broad head
Do you think an American Curl cat would be a good fit for you? Make sure to do thorough research on the health of this breed. Generally, these cats are healthy, but they do have a higher risk of problems with their ears: the cartilage is fragile, and the ear canals can be narrowed or malformed. It’s important to be aware of this.
If you want to bring a healthy cat into your home, it’s best to consult a veterinarian. You can also check the websites of Dier & Recht and the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority for information about the health of the breed, whether it is allowed, and what rules apply to breeders.
Always buy an American Curl from a reliable breeder, preferably one who is a member of a breed association. This way, you can be sure that the cat is healthy and well cared for. Also, ask the breeder for a health certificate or guarantee for extra peace of mind.
6. How Long Does an American Curl Live?
Because an American Curl shares many traits with “regular” cats, you can expect them to live between twelve and sixteen years, assuming they are well cared for.
7. Buying an American Curl (Kitten)
Want to buy an American Curl cat? Go to a recognized breeder, preferably one who is a member of a breed association. This way, you can be sure you are getting a healthy, well-socialized cat that has been bred in a humane way. Always ask for the papers, a health certificate, and check the kitten’s parents. Also, take a look at the living conditions: is it clean and homely, and are the parents present? That’s a good sign. Do not buy cats from platforms like Marktplaats, eBay, or from unscrupulous breeders.
An American Curl from a good breeder costs around 850 euros. If you’re looking for a cat but don’t necessarily need a purebred, consider checking animal shelters or adoption agencies. Many lovely cats are waiting for a good home.
And remember: you don’t have a cat for just a short time, but for its entire life. Are you ready to take good care of the animal and set aside money for its care and vet visits? Then a cat could become your new best friend!
And here you can read more about the Bombay cat
Disclaimer: Petrebels is not a veterinarian or behavioral expert. All content, information, and tips on this blog are intended to inspire you and have an informative nature. If your cat has complaints or problems and you have doubts about your cat’s health, always consult a veterinarian or a behavioral expert.
