American curl

 

American Curl 

The American Curl is a breed of affectionate companion cats with rolled back ears, bred in the USA in the 80s of the last century.

brief information

• Breed name: American Curl
• Country of origin: USA
• Weight: 3-7 kg

Highlights

• The American Curl exists in two distinct types - short-haired and semi-long-haired (in the FIFe system it is positioned as long-haired). Despite the fact that the standard considers both varieties to be equal, breeders around the world continue to favor semi-long-haired curls as more glamorous and photogenic pets.
• The genetic mutation responsible for the shape and position of the ear cartilage does not adversely affect animal health. Moreover, American Curls have surprisingly strong immunity for pedigree cats.
• American Curls are pets with a fine mental organization, who love people more than other cats. They are unobtrusive and do not arrange deafening "oratorios" if they are hungry or disagree with something.
• The breed is distinguished by a high level of intelligence and trainability (as far as a cat can be trained at all).
• American Curls have a peaceful nature that helps them share housing with other cats and even dogs. In addition, they are very supportive of children.
• The curls' playful paws masterfully open kitchen cabinets and press on the door latches until they switch to the desired position for the cat.
• Adult kitties retain playfulness and childlike spontaneity until old age, for which they are called cats with the character of Peter Pan.
• The thin ears of American Curls, as if twisted on curlers, have more solid cartilage than the ears of ordinary cats, and are easily injured. In general, get ready to explain long and convincingly to the guests why you do not allow stroking your cat on the head.
• American Curl kittens are born with straight ears, which begin to curl only 3-10 days of age. In this case, the degree of curl of the cartilage can be different: from the minimum to a miniature "roll".

American Curls are affectionate, courteous intellectuals, remembered for their extraordinary image and fantastic sense of affection for a person. Moderately balanced, but far from phlegmatic, they masterly break any stereotypes regarding the cat tribe. Independence, stubborn unwillingness to share the territory and the owner with other pets, a passion for solitude - all this is not at all about Curls, who consider such habits to be the height of bad manners. It will not be an exaggeration to say that this is one of the most positive breeds, whose representatives desperately do not want to grow up, therefore, in their ten years old, the "double-eared" Kotofei are as playful and easy-going as in their youth.

haracteristics of the breed

Activity

Average ( Rating 3/5)

Gentleness

Affectionate ( Rating 4/5)

Molting

High ( Rating 4/5)

Need for care

Minimum ( Rating 1/5)

Health

Average ( Rating 3/5)

Sociability

High ( Rating 4/5)

Playfulness

Playful ( Rated 4/5)

Friendliness

Friendly ( Rating 4/5)

Intelligence

Standard ( Rating 3/5)

* Characteristics of the American Curl breed is based on the assessment of lapkins.ru experts and reviews of the cat owners.

History of the American Curl breed

All modern American Curls have a common ancestor - the cat Shulamith, picked up on the street in 1981 by a couple named Ruga. The spouses were pleasantly amused by the mongrel kitty's arched, as if turned inside out, ears. But since the newly made owners were far from felinological subtleties, they were in no hurry to show the animal to specialists. In the same 1981, Shulamith acquired offspring. The father of a whole brood of purring pussies was a mongrel and unknown cat. Nevertheless, almost all kittens born from him inherited their mother's curled ears.

American curl

Joe and Grace Ruga were not ambitious, so at first they just distributed the Shulamith kids to friends. However, in 1983, the couple still turned with their charges to a geneticist, who found that the elegant "frizzy" ears of the cat are the result of a genetic mutation. Moreover, the gene responsible for this feature turned out to be dominant. This allowed Sulamith to enter into relationships with cats of any breed, giving birth to babies with the same ear shape as her own. In the same year, Ruga's wards appeared at one of the cat shows held in California, which became a good PR for them.

The American Curl breed received official recognition by TICA rather quickly - in 1987. At the same time, the "privilege" was granted only to semi-long-haired cats. Short-haired Curls languished in anticipation until 1991, when the feline organization finally decided to standardize them. It is worth noting, however, that the CFA recognized the animals at once in the short-haired and long-haired types, while the ACA and ACFA did the same only in 1993-1994.

Note: despite the fact that it is not accepted to challenge the right of Sulamith to the status of the founder of the American Curl breed, it is worth clarifying that she was far from the only cat with such a mutation. Since the 60s of the XX century, farmers in Oklahoma and California periodically encountered kitties with an unusual break in the ear canal, as evidenced by news reports of those years.

American Curl breed standard

American Curl kittens

If in the story with the cat Matroskin, the mustache, paws and tail acted as identity documents, then in the case of curls, ears alone are enough. Large, albeit not devoid of grace, "locators" of kotofeyes from the New World form a noble curve, thanks to which it seems that the animal is constantly listening to something.

Head

American Curls have wedge-shaped heads with soft, smooth transitions. The nose of the representatives of this breed is moderately long, the chin is strong, well-defined.

Bite

Curls are characterized by a straight or scissor bite.

Eyes

Large, obliquely set eyes of cats have the shape of an elongated oval, usually referred to as "walnut". The color of the eyes of American Curls is not tied to the color of the coat and can be of any color. An exception to the rule is individuals with color-point "coats", in which the shade of the iris should be bright blue.

Ears

The wide and large ears of American Curls are curled back and have a thin, rounded tip. According to the requirements of the standard, the turning angle of the ear cartilage should be at least 90 °, but not more than 180 °.

American Curl muzzle

Housing

American Curls are notable for their plumpness and at the same time, the elegance of the silhouette. The body of cats is flexible, rectangular, somewhat stretched, but sufficiently muscular.

Limbs

Legs of American Curls are straight, medium length. Paws are rounded, gathered in plump "lumps".

Tail

The tail of the American Curl is equal to the length of its body. In pedigree cats, the tail is thick at the base, noticeably “thinning” as it approaches the thin, pointed tip.

Wool

In representatives of the long-haired variety of the breed, the coat is airy, semi-adjacent type, with a minimum amount of undercoat and protective hair. The region of the neck and tail of kitties are especially richly pubescent. The "outfit" of short-haired Curls is less voluminous. They, like long-haired individuals, have practically no undercoat, but the fur itself is more elastic, smooth.

Shorthaired american curl

Longhaired american curl

Color

In terms of color, American Curls are allowed almost everything. Solid, Siamese, tabby, torti, color-point and bicolor - curls made in USA can have any of the colors, sometimes quite unexpected.

Deficiencies and Disqualifying Vices

At exhibitions, curls can apply for a grade not higher than "good" in the presence of the following anatomical abnormalities:

• low-set, too steeply crooked and directed anywhere, just not back, ears;
• nose with a noticeable stop;
• too coarse or, conversely, wadded structure of the undercoat.

Individuals with too large a crease angle of the ear cartilage are not allowed to participate in exhibitions: when the tip of the ear touches the head. The same fate awaits Curls with too thick ear tissue, deformed cartilage (the so-called "crimped ears") and kinked tail.

The character of the American Curl

American Curls are cute creatures with an extraordinary appearance and an angelic character, which you just want to cuddle in your arms. Unlike most other representatives of the purring fraternity, they are completely devoid of arrogance and militant independence and are truly attached to a person. You don't have to take any special action to get along with the American Curl. This eared eared loves the owner by default, but in turn expects the same manifestation of feelings from him. Most American Curls are sociable, curious cats who prefer to spend their leisure time in the company of a person. They will willingly sit with you on the Internet, adjusting the movements of a computer mouse with a fluffy foot, help to tie (or untie) another napkin, or simply lie on the couch at your feet.

How about a drop of attention?

The American Curl is a cat breed that does not cope well with loneliness. Yes, a cat is able to entertain itself, but communication with a person cannot be replaced by a mountain of sweets in a bowl, or the most expensive gaming complexes. So before you get a "bow-eared" cat, thoroughly think about whether it will fit into your work schedule. The poise and natural calmness of American Curls allows them, if not to be friends with other domestic animals, then at least not to conflict. It is difficult to imagine that such a terrible thing must happen to make these good-natured purrs release their claws and hiss menacingly at a dog or cat who lives with them in the same house. But kitties, as a rule, do not stand on ceremony with small animals. Hunting instinct - it can't be helped.

Another distinctive feature of the American Curls' character is the ability to painlessly adapt to the changing conditions of the surrounding reality. These cats adapt quickly and tolerate travel and travel relatively easily. Curls are not annoyed by noise effects, so if you throw a Friday party in your own apartment, the cat will not only not be scared, but will also try to take an active part in the festive event. The American Curl will also easily find an approach to the guests who have appeared on the doorstep of the house, demonstrating its own disposition by quiet purring and cutting circles at the feet of the “alien”.

Education and training

The American Curls have some "doglike" character. In other words, this is the breed that you can bring up "for yourself" and even teach some tricks. The main thing is not to impose excessive demands on the mustachioed good-natured person, because he is just a cat and in general - he has paws. However, learn individual canine commands such as "Come to me!" or "You can't!", kitties are in a state.

Sit well

When training the American Curl, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of the psyche of cats in general. So, for example, never repeat a command several times or modify it. The animal simply will not understand you if today you order him “Sit!”, And tomorrow you simply invite “Sit down!”. Commands should be given in a soft but persuasive tone. Remember, cats are not dogs and will not be pushed around. Ditch the negative reinforcement method in favor of the positive one: give the American Curl treats even when he hasn't done the job, and be sure to praise. And of course, do not delay with education: the older the Curl gets, the more difficult it is to convince him of the need for training. Yes, he can be a universal cutie and the most good-natured pet in the world, but this will not prevent him from taking time off from classes and turning on the "invisible" mode.

Maintenance and care

The American Curl will need the same "belongings" as any other cat. In particular, for the purr, you will have to purchase a bed or a house, toys, bowls for food and drink, a carrier, a tray, and a harness for walking. The house will also have to be put in order for the kitten to move. Remove from the floor any small objects that the baby wants to taste, and securely hide household chemicals, shoes and wires from household appliances.

Up to a year old, American Curl kittens suffer from excessive curiosity, which drives them to window sills, to open windows, to the drums of washing machines, ovens and garbage cans, so at first it is better to carefully monitor the movement of the mustachioed curl around the apartment. It is possible to take an American Curl kitten out into the street no earlier than in 2.5-3 months, and then only if the animal is vaccinated and proglistogenic. Adult cats are walked twice a day on a harness. The breed is considered active and playful, it needs constant fresh impressions, which can only be obtained outside the apartment, respectively, it is wiser not to neglect the daily walks of the pet.

Oh yeah! Scratch me completely

Hygiene

The hair of American Curls does not fall off and almost does not get tangled, so a simple combing with a fine comb and a stimulating massage with a natural bristle brush is enough for it. Both short-haired and semi-long-haired individuals are combed using the same set of tools, but with different frequencies. In particular, the “fur coats” of short-haired curls are recommended to be worked with a comb once every 7-10 days, for long-haired curls - twice a week. American curls shed seasonally and during such periods it is better to increase the number of combing: it is useful for the pet, and there is less wool in the apartment. Sometimes a slicker is used to remove dead undercoat, which is insignificant in the breed.

Give me a paw!

It is better not to abuse bathing: two or three times a year is enough for an American Curl for the eyes. They wash the purr with zoo shampoo, which is better to select with a cat cosmetics consultant. It is advisable to use conditioner to give the coat a pleasant shine and to make it easier to comb. Dry short-haired curls with a cotton towel, long-haired curls with a hairdryer. In between bathing, kotofey can arrange dry cleaning, for which it is worth buying powder and powder shampoos.

It is also necessary to clean the ears of American Curls, but due to the unusual structure of the ear funnels, this should be done with extreme caution. The ear cartilage in kitties is dense and easily breaks if you press hard on it. Usually the ears of American Curls do not give off much of a dry, dark plaque-like secretion, which is recommended to be cleaned once a month. The eyes are best examined daily. Representatives of this breed do not suffer from excessive lacrimation, but the paths and lumps in the corners of the eyelids, of course, do not decorate the animal. So wipe the corners of the curl's eyes with a damp cloth in the morning.

Brushing your teeth is best done once every couple of weeks. To do this, you will have to stock up on a cleaning compound from a veterinary medicine and a cat's toothbrush. If for some reason such things are not available, you can limit yourself to a piece of gauze and baking soda wrapped around your finger. Even if a Curl has ten scratching posts hung all over the apartment, it is still necessary to cut "scratches" for him, since they often grow into pads in the representatives of this breed. The only point: if you do not have experience in clipping claws as such, it is advisable to read the step-by-step instructions before the procedure, otherwise you risk touching a blood vessel in the claw and injuring your pet.

Feeding

Where is my food?

American Curls have an enthusiastic and reverent attitude towards food. Purrs with "twisted" ears love to stuff their bellies, and sometimes with things that do not suit them at all. Do not get fooled by your pet asking for glances and do not put a spoonful of roast or a slice of pie in its bowl. First, because the food from the table is unlikely to be appreciated by the digestive system of kotofey. And secondly, because such indulgences undermine your authority in the eyes of the animal.

American Curls should have their own "kitchen", the basis of which is either high-quality "drying" super-premium class, or natural products. Moreover, in the second case, the stake will have to be made on lean meat (poultry, lamb, beef) and offal. Once a week, you can treat the mustachioed gourmet pork or beef cartilage (no fish and chicken bones). Oatmeal and rice porridge cooked in broth, low-fat kefir, fermented baked milk and cottage cheese are suitable as additives to the main diet. Vegetables for American curls are given only in boiled or stewed form. These are mainly carrots, pumpkin, zucchini and beets. And of course, do not forget about vitamin supplements with calcium, which help to balance the pet's natural diet.

How to feed an American Curl

Up to 6 months, kittens should eat 4-5 times a day. Half-year-old adolescents are fed 4 times and so on up to a year. Starting from 12 months, the American Curl eats three times a day, since the transition to two meals a day is carried out no earlier than one and a half years.

American Curl health and disease

American Curls are cats with excellent health, so their owner does not have to be systematically on duty outside the veterinary office. The gene for the twisted shape of the ear cartilage did not affect the physical endurance and immunity of the breed; as a result, the animal body practically does not succumb to viral infections. As for other, non-hereditary ailments, Curls are susceptible to them to the same extent as other breeds.

How to choose a kitten

I am already chosen

• Even in the litters of eminent Curls with champion diplomas, babies with straight ears can "slip". And if a breeder shows you a flock of cats, in which straight-eared kitties run along with "arched" purrs, this is not a reason to suspect the cattery and its owners of all mortal sins.
• American Curl kittens rarely inherit the parental degree of ear curl. Accordingly, if, when meeting a mother cat, you found that her ears are not so curled, this does not mean that her offspring will have a similar feature.
• It is more reasonable to take American Curl kittens at the age of 2.5-3 months. This rather late period is explained by the fact that during the first weeks of life, the ear cartilage of babies is unstable and often changes the angle of volvulus.
• Choosing a kitten with the steepest ear curl in order to provide yourself with access to exhibitions in the future is an unnecessary safety net. This parameter has absolutely no effect on the show karma of the American Curl: individuals with a slight bend of the cartilage (but not less than 90 °) often become champions.
• Check that the selected kitten has the necessary documents (metric, veterinary passport), as well as the presence of an electronic chip on its body.

American curl price

Prices for American Curls with pedigrees start at about 25,000 rubles and end at around 40,000 rubles. A higher price tag is usually set on individuals with show potential, as well as on animals of rare colors such as golden chinchilla, red and chocolate van.