American Curl Cat Behavior, Facts and Health Care Problem

The American Curl is known best for its unique characteristics as well as its petite proportion. For many cat lover’s, the idea of a feline’s ears taking the form of an outcurve can leave quite the lasting first impression. Earning its title from this unusual ear curvature, The American Curl has found a place in the hearts of devoted cat lover’s as well as the Cat Fancier’s Association Championship Class. The American Curl’s endearing personality and distinct features make this breed a perfect addition to any cat lover’s home.

History
There are several variations to the degree of curvature found in each specific type of American Curl. The first being a dainty curl towards the back of the head and the second being a dramatic curl that resembles the shape of a crescent. It is this distinct crescent shape that is recognized as a standard requirement for showing this breed.

In the beautiful state of California during the early nineteen eighties is where history was made and the first concept and development of the American Curl first began. This breed was brought to life by a devoted cat lover who upon adopting a stray cat noticed its magnificent and peculiar trait.

Appearance
Surprisingly enough, all American Curl kittens are born with the typical straight ears of every other cat breed. However, as the kittens begin to grow, the first signs of the distinctive curl will begin to appear at around ten days old. Upon the kittens four month birthday, the final formation of the curvature process will be complete.

American Curl Cat Behavior and Characteristics
The American Curl holds many appealing personality traits that make it an excellent choice for anyone residing in apartments or condominiums as well as anyone looking for a laid-back, non-demanding but loving pet.

The American Curl is a social cat, but does not require the company of other animals or constant attention from its owners in order to amuse itself. This content cat is more than happy to lay about soaking up the warmth of the sun everyday from its favorite perch. Its care-free attitude is certainly one of attribute busy pet owners can appreciate.

American Curl’s are a petite animal, and as such, they can weigh anywhere from eight to eleven pounds. They display a non-muscular, stocky body with legs that are slightly bowed. Other distinctive qualities that separate this breed from any other are its extremely long tail which is typically the same length as its body with an elegant taper at the end. The Curl’s head is more prominently round and its eyes are distinctly shaped in that of an oval rather than the typical round of other cat breeds.

American Curl Cat Health Problems
The Curl is also recognized as an extremely healthy breed of cat. This is in part to the care at which the original developers took in creating this extraordinary cat. To ensure the success of the American Curl and to safe guard against any future flaws, the originators took great care in out crossing the original litters of the Curl with normal straight eared cats with similar body type. The result was a healthy gene pool of cats that successfully carried the American Curl gene that could now be breed with other Curl’s.

With all the wonderful attributes the American Curl has to offer a perspective owner, it is not surprising that wide variations of color choices are available as well. Exquisite shades such as tortoiseshell, smoke, shaded, point, bi-color, and tabby pattern are among the most common. American Curl’s are also available as longhair and shorthair Curls, although the dominant longhair is much more prevalent. Two shorthairs will still often produce one or two longhair kittens.

Grooming
Grooming is an essential part of the daily routine of caring for all varieties of cat breeds. The shorthair version of the American Curl does not require an extensive grooming regiment, however, the longhair version needs a regular daily commitment of brushing and combing in order to prevent their beautiful coats from becoming gnarled or matted. The best time to introduce this routine is when the Curl’s are kittens. This way, the kittens learn to become comfortable with the brush and comb as well as with the movements, while at the same time, creating a way for cat and owner to spend quality time together.

Anyone looking to own a cat that has a unique appearance, a warm heart and a quiet, unassuming disposition, will definitely fall in love at first glance with the good natured American Curl.

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