The American Curl cat stands out for having unique ears. They are a relatively young breed but still tremendously popular in their home country. Their sweet and particular appearance has caught the attention of people and now more and more families are welcoming these cats into their homes.

If you are interested in adopting a cat of the American Curl breed, be sure to read this article about him well, where we will tell you everything you need to know.

What is the origin of the American Curl cat?

The American Curl cat breed originated in the United States, more specifically in California. It is known that, back in 1981, a couple of breeders found a kitten with curly ears and decided to adopt it. In the first litter they had, two kittens had the same curly-eared characteristic. One with short hair and one with long hair.

This new breed and its particular curly ears began to get a lot of attention and some people who were interested wanted to adopt these peculiar kittens with curly ears. Due to the fame and rapid expansion of the breed, it was not long until it was recognized by official bodies. In 1991, it became officially recognized as a breed, and shortly thereafter, in 2002, the FIFE published a breed standard for American curl cats.

Physical characteristics of the American Curl

American curl cats are medium in size and weigh little, between 3 and 5 kilos. The females are slightly smaller than the males and their height at the withers is about 45 or 50 centimeters in the males and 38 to 45 centimeters in the females. His body is long and muscular, with a rectangular silhouette. The head of these cats is wedge-shaped, and is longer than it is wide. They have a rounded muzzle and a firm chin.

His eyes are big and round. They usually have green or yellow eyes, although there are also some with blue eyes.

The most distinctive trait of this breed, as you can imagine, is its curly ears. An interesting fact is that their ears are straight when they are born and they start to curve after one week of life. In addition, this curvature will not be final until 5 months of age.

As for their fur, many have long hair but we can also find cats of the American curl breed with shorter and more common fur. His hair is fine and shiny in appearance. The pattern or coloration of their fur can vary greatly. Virtually all but chocolate or tan are accepted in your standard breed file.

The personality of the American Curl cat

American curl cats are very affectionate and calm in character. They like to live with both humans and other animals, so they are perfect if you have other pets.

Like any other animal, they will need to be socialized from an early age. This will help them to be friendly with strangers as adults.

It is an ideal breed for families with children, as they are funny and patient cats. They can play with your children, but also be relaxed and lie down with them.

These cats also adapt well to many environments. Be it a flat, a house or a house with a garden, they manage to adapt wherever they go. Like good felines, they are intelligent and curious, and they will try to discover every corner of your home from a young age.

How to take care of an American Curl cat?

As American curls normally have a semi-long coat, it is necessary to brush their hair at least 1-2 times a week. This will help prevent tangles, dirt build-up, and will also help you detect any parasites or abnormalities you may have on your scalp.

You can bathe your cat every two months from a young age to get her used to it (you know that cats and water are not usually too friendly). However, don’t forget that cats are naturally clean animals that take care of their own hygiene. So this doesn’t need to get you overly obsessed with its cleanliness, unless it gets a lot dirty.

Due to the shape of their ears, you should pay special attention to their care and cleaning. Being curved, more external dirt accumulates than usual. It is recommended to clean the American Curl cat’s ears regularly using veterinary optical products. You can buy these products at any veterinary clinic or veterinary hospital.

Lastly, your cat’s diet is also very important to its overall health. You can ask your vet for advice on which cat food is best for your American Curl. Homemade recipes can also be very beneficial for felines, provided they are well advised and reviewed by the appropriate professional.

American Curl Health

The American Curl cat breed is usually healthy and robust. However, because it is a relatively recent breed, it is possible that possible common congenital pathologies in them have not yet been detected.

These cats have medium-long hair so it is best to brush them regularly to prevent them from accumulating dangerous hairballs or trichobezoars. Remember that cats lick a lot (which is why they are so clean) and can accumulate a lot of hair on the inside of their stomach, which can cause vomiting and discomfort.

Also, you should take your cat to your vet for routine checkups at least every 6 months. This will help detect any medical problems early on to ensure the best health for your cat. Another important duty is to follow the vaccination schedule that the vet has marked and regular deworming. We hope that all the information we have given you has been useful and that you enjoy your four-legged companion to the fullest.