American Curl: overseas guest with curled ears

Brief history of the breed

The USA is considered the birthplace of the American Curl. Its story began in 1981 when the Ruga couple picked up a mongrel cat with arched ears turned outward on the street. A few months later, the female, nicknamed Shulamith, acquired offspring. Almost all babies whose father was an unknown mongrel cat inherited their mother's ear shape. When they grew up, they were simply distributed to friends.

But in 1983, the Ruga couple finally showed the cat to a specialist, and he found out that the outward-curved ears were the result of a genetic mutation. It was then discovered that the gene responsible for this feature is dominant. In the same year, unusual cats were demonstrated at the Californian felinological exhibition, which became excellent advertising for them.

American Longhair Cat

Story

The American Longhair cat is a relatively young breed that is quickly gaining popularity in Europe and America. These animals appeared when a group of breeders wanted to create a breed that had the eyes of Persian cats and the appearance of an American Shorthair, but everything turned out completely differently.

The American Longhair has a coat that's a cross between an American Shorthair and a Persian in length, a slimmer build, and that's basically it. Apart from the fact that some individuals have not semi-long, but long hair, others, due to a recessive gene responsible for hair length, have short hair altogether.

That is, cats of this breed are born in three variations out of three possible - long-haired, semi-long-haired and short-haired. At first they wanted to call the breed “Silver Longhair,” but again everything did not go as planned by the breeders; an incredible number of colors and their combinations appeared, and the cats were called American Longhair.

Breeders tried to add other cats to the breeding program in order to develop the breed and give it the desired qualities. For this purpose, British Shorthairs, Burmese and Russian Shorthairs were taken, although, in the end, the resulting individuals still had to be crossed with Persians to increase the length of the coat. Persian cat breeders initially expressed their disapproval of the new breeding program and the emergence of a cat breed that (in their opinion) could not be called independent.

Despite this, the American Longhair cat is already registered in many international registries, and is quickly winning not only the hearts of the felinological community, but also the hearts of ordinary cat owners. In order for a cat to be recognized as an American Longhair, it must have a clearly traceable pedigree that includes Persians.

Description

These cats are an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affectionate and kind companion. Although they form strong bonds with their owners, these animals are quite capable of being left alone at home if you go to work. They get along well with dogs and other pets, with the exception of birds, but not always.

The American Longhair has a muscular build, a wedge-shaped muzzle of regular shape, and medium-sized ears. The tail is slightly longer than average, fluffy, the paws are of medium length. The average life expectancy is about 15 years or longer.

Personality

The American Longhair is a very kind and sweet cat with a wonderful character. Despite the fact that they have the blood of Persian cats in their pedigree, in terms of their temperament they are not at all similar to them. These pets are strongly attached to their family, have great friendliness and bestow their affection on each of their loved ones. They do not single out anyone specifically as their owner if they live in a family. However, they also feel great with a single owner, making his life more interesting.

The American Longhair cat is a smart animal, it understands people well, understands their internal state and mood, it is not malicious and unforgiving. But if harm is caused to her, especially unjustified and unfair harm, the cat becomes more withdrawn, timid, and begins to avoid close contact with people. However, this is easy to understand - a person in the cat’s place would react in much the same way. The American Longhair is great with children, and is generally not an aggressive animal, with a good tendency to be patient and gentle.

These four-legged friends have high energy levels, but like all cats, sometimes they just like to sleep on a soft sofa. You need to provide your pet with games, toys, and just need to spend time together, especially since this breed is always happy about it. This breed does not often speak out and prefers to remain silent, although this is not an absolute rule. Gets along well with other animals.

Common diseases

The American Longhair is a healthy breed with no significant hereditary diseases. however, you need to monitor your pet’s diet and living conditions, as even the best health can be undermined.

The American Longhair cat with long or semi-long hair requires regular brushing, at least once or twice a week. You also need to clean out deposits from your eyes every day, and keep your ears clean. Claws are trimmed approximately once a week, and the cat is bathed as needed.

Interesting Facts

During the short period of existence of the breed, many interesting things have been associated with it:

1. Although the Shulamith cat is considered the ancestor of the American Curl, she was not the only one who had this mutation. Since the 1960s, farmers in California and Oklahoma have regularly seen animals with unusually broken ears. This is confirmed by news reports at the time.
2. The degree of curl, which determines the breed qualities of the American Curl, does not depend on how curled the ears of the parent pair were. Often, two champions produce pet-class kittens. And vice versa, a couple with a weak break in the ear tissue produces beautiful offspring.
3. American Curl kittens are born with straight ears. The web begins to curl around the 4th day and is finally formed by 4 months of age.
4. The American Curl served as the basis for the development of a new breed. From its crossing with the Cornish Rex, the Raffle Rex was born.

Reproduction and lifespan

From the age of six months, kittens begin to mature. Males are capable of procreation at 8 months. At about the same age, or a little earlier, cats are ready to meet a cat. This, of course, applies to animals whose owners have not spayed or neutered.

The behavior of cats and cats does not raise doubts about their readiness to have offspring. Further actions depend not so much on the animals, but on the experience of their owner. If the owner is breeding animals for the first time, he should seek advice from a club or veterinary clinic.

Considering that the American Curl is a rare breed, every stud or fertile cat is registered in the club and their matings are planned long before entering the period of sexual activity.

Curls have a peculiarity. Kittens are born with normal, undeformed ears. Within 48 hours, the tips of the ears begin to droop back. At four months of age, changes in the shape of the ears stop. The cartilage of the lower third of the auricle becomes hard. The top of the ears remains flexible.

Not all kittens have posterior folded ears. Some remain with erect, straight ears. This does not stop them from being American Curls. The only thing is that the path to the championship ring and performance in show class is closed for them. But these kittens, in turn, can produce offspring with the tips of their ears thrown back.

Breed description, standards, appearance

The American Curl is a strong cat with a harmonious, slightly elongated body. She has an attractive appearance, and the unusual curve of the ear flap gives her a wary expression. A detailed description of the breed is presented in the officially approved standard.

Dimensions and weight

The American Curl is not a large breed. It is medium in size and has pronounced sexual dimorphism. The weight of an adult is 2.5-5 kg.

Anatomical characteristics

A purebred American Curl must meet the following description:

1. The head is wedge-shaped, smoothly contoured, with a developed chin and a straight, moderately long nose.
2. The eyes are expressive, almond-shaped, slanting. The color of the iris is in harmony with the color of the coat.
3. The ears are small and set high. Their canvas gracefully bends outward at an angle of 90-180 degrees.
4. The body is rectangular, slightly elongated, with developed muscles and a moderately long neck.
5. The limbs are straight, with small rounded paws.
6. The tail is long, flexible, wide at the base, with a slightly pointed tip.

Color and coat type

Cats of this breed have a silky, not too thick coat, under which there is a sparse down. Depending on the length of the hair, the American Curl can be:

• long-haired;
• shorthaired

The first has developed decorative hair on the tail and chest. The second one has smoother and less voluminous fur.

The American Curl breed standard allows the following colors:

• plain;
• bicolor;
• links point;
• tortoiseshell;
• tabby;
• color point.

Character and temperament

The American Curl cat has a calm, friendly disposition and good adaptability. He is not very demanding, but loves to play and needs attention from his owners.

An important characteristic of curls is their poor tolerance of loneliness. Of course, in the absence of communication with people, the animal will find something to occupy itself with, but it is unlikely that its owners will like its entertainment. Therefore, cats with curled ears should not be left unattended for a long time.

Breed and children

The American Curl is a sociable and very peaceful cat that easily finds a common language with the owner’s children of different ages. He loves to play with kids, especially if they don't hurt him.

Breed and other animals

The American Curl has a calm, balanced character. And this allows him not to conflict with other pets. He gets along well with cats and dogs, but due to his developed hunting instinct, he is not able to peacefully coexist in the same territory with small animals.

Who should get an American Curl?

True connoisseurs of exotics will undoubtedly be delighted with the unusual appearance of the American Curl and the rarity of its breed, allowing any breeder to become a unique owner of a priceless miracle.

For people who have little time to spend with a pet, this breed is also suitable. Thanks to its excellent health and unpretentiousness, the American Curl is an excellent pet for busy people. These cats shed very little, so they will not cause additional inconvenience in the form of constant cleaning of fur.

Families with children and pets should not worry about getting a Curl - in this regard, it will not cause any problems.

How to choose the right kitten

The American Curl is a fairly expensive breed, and in order not to run into scammers, it is better to buy a kitten from a specialized nursery. Before purchasing, you must make sure that your future pet has a veterinary passport with vaccination marks and a metric confirming that it belongs to the breed.

It is advisable to buy a Curl dog no earlier than he is 3-4 months old. By this age, the kitten already has a formed ear curve, is fully vaccinated and accustomed to the tray. A healthy American Curl has a soft belly, clear eyes, a shiny coat and a good appetite.

Kitten care

Taking care of a small American Curl is not at all difficult, especially if you have everything you need on hand. Therefore, before picking up a kitten from the breeder, they purchase for it:

• bowls for food and water;
• tray and filler;
• scratching post;
• toys;
• bed or house;
• carrying bag;
• grooming tools (combs, toothbrushes and nail clippers);
• hygiene cosmetics (shampoos and toothpaste).

On a note. The location of the tray and bed is thought out right away, because changing them will be problematic.

Care and maintenance

The American Curl does not have a thick, well-developed undercoat. Therefore, it is suitable only for home keeping. Caring for such a cat is no more difficult than caring for a representative of any other breed. The main thing is to provide the curl with proper nutrition and basic hygiene.

Hygiene procedures

In order for the American Curl to have an aesthetic appearance, it is provided with proper care:

• Although a cat's claws wear down naturally, they are trimmed monthly with a nail clipper. This is done very carefully so as not to hurt the curl.
• The cat's eyes are wiped daily with a clean cloth soaked in warm boiled water. If uncharacteristic heavy discharge is detected, the Curl should be taken to a veterinarian.
• The cat's teeth are cleaned weekly using a silicone brush and a special toothpaste that does not foam. This helps remove plaque and prevent dental problems.
• The unusual ears of the American Curl require special attention. They are carefully cleaned with a damp cloth or cotton pad.

Grooming

Since the American Curl does not have a thick undercoat, its coat does not tangle. To keep your cat's fur looking neat, it should be brushed weekly with a slicker brush. During molting, the procedure is carried out more often. To more effectively get rid of dead awns, use a furminator.

The American Curl is bathed 3-4 times a year using a special shampoo. After bathing procedures, the cat is wiped dry with a towel.

On a note. American Curls are not afraid of water. Therefore, the washing process turns into fun for them. Cats begin to play with splashes and catch trickles of water.

Tray

For curls, it is preferable to purchase a closed toilet or a spacious tray with high sides. As for the filler, cheap wood products are not suitable for cats of this breed. It is better to pour medium-sized silica gel or mineral granules into the curl tray.

American Curls rarely get sick

No specific diseases that specifically affect American Curls have been recorded. Like regular domestic cats, they live for about 15-18 years. The gene that gave them their characteristic curled ears turned out to be autosomal dominant. This is a natural mutation that does not affect the pet’s health, unlike Scottish fold cats, who are not so lucky in this regard.

If a cat is vaccinated, receives a balanced diet and exercises enough, most likely it will please its owner with excellent health at any time of the year. Curls whose ear canal is too narrow deserve special attention, which contributes to the occurrence of infectious diseases. The problem can be eliminated by regular care of this problem area.

Feeding the cat

For proper development and good health, the Curl needs a balanced diet. It doesn’t matter whether it’s dry or natural food.

Complete diet

When feeding natural food, sources of animal protein should predominate in the Curl's menu. It could be turkey, chicken, beef, rabbit or veal.

Also in the cat's diet should be present:

• cereals;
• eggs;
• sea ​​fish;
• vegetables;
• offal;
• sour milk.

It is strictly forbidden to feed the American Curl pork, river fish, sweets, pastries, sausage and any leftovers from the owner’s plate.

If it is planned that the cat will eat dried food, then the choice is made only on high-quality premium or super-premium food. Best suited for American Curls:

• Pro Plan;
• Acana;
• Royal Canin;
• Arden Grange.

Important! A cat who eats dry food should have easy access to a bowl of clean drinking water.

Feeding frequency

The kitten eats in small portions, but often. Therefore, the feeding regimen of the American Curl depends on its age:

• up to 6 months – 5 times a day;
• 6-12 months – 4 times a day;
• 12-18 months – 3 times a day.

A one-and-a-half-year-old American Curl is switched to a double feeding regimen.

Vitamins and minerals

When feeding natural food, the American Curl's body may experience a lack of any microelements. To compensate for this deficiency, the cat is given vitamin and mineral complexes twice a year.

Curls best absorb valuable substances from Polidex Immunity and Canina Canivita. But before giving them to your cat, it is recommended to discuss this issue with your veterinarian.

Pet food

The American Longhair Curl's menu should be nutritious and balanced. Feeding food from a human table is not allowed. You should especially beware of fatty foods and milk.

The ideal option is high-class food with a meat content of at least 30%. The digestibility of meat products should be at the level of 80%.

If you still decide to stick to a menu made from natural products, then to correctly compile it, consult a veterinarian.

The diet should consist of:

• lean meat (beef, chicken)
• cereals;
• vegetables, boiled and raw;
• fermented milk products (mature kefir, cottage cheese, sour cream);
• eggs.

Vaccinations and antiparasitic treatment

Despite good heredity, the American Curl is defenseless against viral diseases. To preserve the life and health of the cat, it is regularly vaccinated with a complex drug that produces immunity:

• to panleukopenia;
• calcivirus;
• rhinotracheitis.

The first vaccination is given to a kitten at the age of 7-8 weeks. At 12-13 weeks, the American Curl is vaccinated against the same diseases and rabies. Subsequently, the cat is vaccinated once a year.

To prevent the Curl from suffering from parasites that carry various diseases, it is systematically treated for fleas and helminths:

• Anthelmintic drugs are given to the cat once every six months with mandatory repetition after 10-14 days.
• Curl fleas are removed using special shampoos or drops. And if the cat walks outside, he is additionally protected with an anti-parasitic collar.

Characteristics of American Curl cats

The friendly and affectionate American Curl fits well into a home where the owners tirelessly share their love and attention. Always ready to jump into your arms or press your head against the shoulder of your beloved patron, this cat will not appreciate prolonged loneliness. This can even have a detrimental effect on her nervous system.

Such a cat can easily replace even a dog. Demanding and attentive people will appreciate the willingness to train and learn. Curl is able to learn a lot, even pressing a button on a laptop to turn it on. The animal's intelligence allows the owner to conduct regular training, gradually and with encouragement teaching the cat to carry out certain commands. The first thing that a pet with beautiful ears will learn with interest is a request to bring a ball. Such a graceful American Curl cat will not miss the chance to have fun with his owner and play with him.

A representative of this breed is friendly towards children. Somewhat condescendingly, he will allow his fur to be ruffled. However, you should not leave your pet and small child alone unattended - the animal’s delicate ears can easily be damaged, because children are extremely fond of squeezing soft cats.

If a kitten of the American breed appears in your home, then you should immediately understand that although Curls have an easy-going disposition, curiosity can nevertheless drive the pet through the most secluded corners of the home.

The American Curl is very inquisitive towards its owners and is very attached to people. His direct participation in the life of the owners makes him a real companion and guardian of the family. With its soft purring, the cat will happily respond to affection and attention from its patrons.

The American Curl gives his heart not to his home, but to his owner, so he can happily take part in the journey.

Pros and cons of the breed

Curls, like cats of any other breed, have both positive and negative traits.

The American Curl is a beautiful cat with curiously curved ears and an affectionate character. He is easy to care for, easily adapts to different living conditions and gets along well with children. All this sets it apart from other breeds and makes it one of the best pets.

Estimation of breed characteristics

A beautiful cat with unusual curled round ears is the American Curl. It appeared relatively recently, but it is gaining popularity among amateurs and professional breeders at a rapid pace. These gentle American representatives of the cat family are distinguished by their exceptionally pleasant character and unique appearance.