Getting to Know the American Curl Better
The American Curl breed arose naturally through a genetic mutation, just as happened with the American Curl Longhair. They differ only in their coats - short or semi-long, respectively - and in the fact that the Longhair has a beautifully plumed tail. Although it is a relatively young breed, it is very popular and highly valued in America. In Europe, the craze for American Curls has not yet taken off - for now.
The first appearance of the American Curl Shorthair dates back to 1981 and took place in California. This was where a curious cat named Shulamith appeared at the home of professional breeder couple Joe and Grace Ruga. The couple was surprised by the animal's unusual ears, as they had never before seen ears that were so curved and small. The couple decided to keep this beautiful specimen and try to breed it while preserving the unusual ear trait. To everyone's amazement, of the kittens that were born, only half of the litter developed the characteristic curled ears, while the other half had normal, straight ears. When Joe and Grace presented the cat to the public, it generated great interest, and many breeders supported the idea that the specific gene responsible for the ear curvature should be developed and studied. At that point, Roy Robinson - an English cat geneticist - got to work. In 1989, he published an article in the Journal of Heredity describing his findings about the fact that intrigued so many people: why did this mutation develop in the ears? He studied 81 litters with a total of 383 kittens and concluded that the ear curvature was caused by a dominant gene. In his article, Roy Robinson also mentioned that the breed showed no signs of defects, so it could continue to be developed. In 1991, the CFA recognized the American Curl Shorthair as a breed, and later, in 2002, the FIFE did the same.
What is the American Curl like?
The American Curl is a medium-sized, somewhat heavy cat with a rectangular body. Its head is crowned by its easily recognizable small, curled ears that curve backward (hence its name, as “curl” means a curl in English), making it always appear expectant and alert. These ears feature amusing tufts of fur that add to its adorable uniqueness. Interestingly, its ears begin to curl from 10 days of age. By four months, the ears have acquired their permanent shape, and they may have curled further or stopped curling.
Another very characteristic feature of this cat is its beautiful walnut-shaped eyes, oval in the upper part, which soften its gaze irresistibly. Its nose is short, and its muzzle is full and fleshy.
Its coat is shiny, short, and silky to the touch. The range of colors varies from light shades such as white, cream, and silver to shades such as black, blue, red, lilac, and even golden, tabby, or tortoiseshell. All colors are accepted except chocolate and cinnamon and their tonal variations. Its tail is long, flexible, rounded at the tip, and well proportioned to its body.
How does the American Curl behave?
The American Curl Shorthair is an affectionate and gentle cat. It finds it easy to live with other domestic animals, whether cats or other pets. It adapts easily to changes because it is a breed with a balanced and intelligent temperament. They are playful throughout their lives, especially with their ARISTOPARENTS, but also with children - around whom they are respectful and fun-loving. It is also a great advantage that they do not usually meow.
They never tire of following their ARISTOPARENTS around the house while they go about their daily activities - as if they were bodyguards. They love bringing out the detective inside them. In fact, one of their favorite activities is to poke around the house and not miss a thing, observe every member of the family, and, of course, be the center of attention from time to time.
To satisfy their thirst for adventurous snooping, it is a good idea for them to live in a home with outdoor access, because they love gardens - both their own and other people's - and discovering what mysteries they hide.
How should you care for the American Curl?
This is a docile cat that loves going outdoors from time to time and discovering what is new in the neighborhood. In this regard, if we do not have a garden, it is highly recommended to stimulate it with games that improve its mental and physical health, enrich our home environment, and follow some simple guidelines that will surely help keep it happy.
As for its health, special attention should be paid to its ears, ensuring that they are clean and well groomed. We should also be careful with the delicate cartilage of these ARISTOCATS' ear flaps and try to prevent them from adopting improper positions. It is advisable to check them at least once a week. Otherwise, this is a strong and healthy breed with no specific diseases.
We hope that after getting to know the American Curl better, you will like them as much as we do. If you would like to learn about more ARISTOCATS, you can continue reading about the Scottish Fold, the Ragdoll, and the Maine Coon.