American Curl

American Curl has acquired this striking name for its equally striking ears which tend to bend backward unlike normal firm and pointed catlike ears. This medium-size cat breed is also popular among cat-lovers for being friendly and non-aggressive to others and children. This American Curl stands as the result of a natural mutation which is not that much unnatural in the world of feline species. Adding more cuteness to its appearance, the long strands of fur adorning its unique ears make the creature look happily surprised. It does not only look happy, it is indeed a joyous breed that is very amiable and playful with the people around. It is probably these features which helped this breed gain instant acceptance of the cat councils across the world.

Origin

Considered to be one of the newest breeds, the American Curl made its way to the cat world and slowly into the hearts of the feline-lovers in 1981. It all started like this, a stray black cat with long coat and unnatural ears arrived in California with Grace Ruga. This female cat, named Shulamith, gave birth to four litters eventually passing on the unusual ear feature to the two members of her next generation. Thus, American Curls happened and world got a new breed.

Who was the father of this litter is unknown, the two kittens with curled ears managed caught attention of serious cat-enthusiasts as well as geneticists and breeders. The fascinated breeders took the matter seriously as they started selective breeding to preserve the peculiar characteristic of this breed with backward-curled ears and a nice temperament. What they found while delving deep into this subject is that the reason behind this particular feature in American Curls was an "autosomal dominant" gene which means that if a cat has just one of this gene can have that curled ear. In 1987 that is after 5 years of its emergence, Amercian Curls received the official recognition as a new breed of cat by the International Cat Association.

Characteristics and traits

American Curls are mid-sized feline with a weight range of 5 to 10 pounds.

The new born American Curls look just like a normal kitten without any special features. One should not buy an American Curl kitten below that age. A curl that touches the forehead skin in the back of ear is not a healthy sign as that shows a weak cartilage.

American Curls are very human-friendly and love to be with kids. They are smart, lively, and playful and show a modest temperament. They tend to be very affectionate, warm, and love to follow the folks around in a house.

Not only humans, American Curls can peacefully cohabit with cat-loving dogs and other cats too.

Common ailments and diseases

American Curls are normally healthy and are not prone to cat diseases. It is advisable for the American Curl owners to take care of the body weight of their pets and always keep it in check.

American Curl has acquired this striking name for its equally striking ears which tend to bend backward unlike normal firm and pointed catlike ears. Considered to be one of the newest breeds, the American Curl made its way to the cat world and slowly into the hearts of the feline-lovers in 1981. What they found while delving deep into this subject is that the reason behind this particular feature in American Curls was an "autosomal dominant" gene which means that if a cat has just one of this gene can have that curled ear. One should not buy an American Curl kitten below that age. American Curls are normally healthy and are not prone to cat diseases.