Introducing the American Curl
Discover everything there is to know about the Norwegian Forest cat : its characteristics, its behaviour, its training and how much one costs.
The American Curl
The American Curl, a charming and unique feline
The American Curl is known for its distinctive curled ears, originating from a spontaneous genetic mutation in a stray domestic cat in Lakewood, California, in the early 1980s. This unique feature, along with its affectionate and sociable nature, makes the American Curl stand out.
American Curls are friendly, adaptable, and get along well with children and other pets. They are playful and active yet gentle and loving companions. Their medium-sized bodies, covered in soft, silky hair, come in various colors and patterns, adding to their appeal.
Owning an American Curl brings immense joy, combining a unique appearance with a loving personality.
AMERICAN CURL FACT FILE
This section outlines the unique features of the American Curl breed of cat.
Size
The American Curl is a medium-sized cat, typically standing around 12 inches tall and weighing between 5 and 10 pounds.
Coat length
The American Curl has a silky coat that can be either long or short, with both types being soft and lying close to the body.
Allergies
The American Curl is not hypoallergenic, making it less ideal for people with allergies.
Coat colour
American Curls can come in a variety of colors and patterns, including solid, tabby, and bi-color, with the most common shades being black, white, and cream.
Living environment
The American Curl adapts well to both indoor and outdoor environments, thriving in homes with ample space and mental stimulation.
Sociability
American Curls are friendly and sociable cats that get along well with children and other pets, making them great companions for families.
Health
The American Curl is generally healthy but can be prone to ear infections due to their unique ear shape, requiring regular check-ups.
Training
The American Curl is an intelligent and affectionate cat, making them relatively easy to train with patience and positive reinforcement.
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Physical characteristics
The American Curl, a cat with distinctive ears
The American Curl is known for its distinctive ears, which curl backward in a unique and elegant fashion, resembling a delicate shell.
Size and weight of the American Curl
The American Curl is a medium-sized cat, typically standing around 12 inches tall. Males are generally heavier than females, with males weighing between 7 and 10 pounds and females weighing between 5 and 8 pounds. They have a longer growth period, usually reaching their final size and weight around 3 to 4 years of age. This breed also features a well-proportioned, muscular build and a long, graceful tail.
The American Curl coat
Coat length
The American Curl has a silky coat that can be either short or long. Both varieties feature soft, smooth hair that lies close to the body, giving them a sleek and elegant appearance. The long-haired version often has a plumed tail and tufted ears, adding to its unique charm.
Coat color
The American Curl comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Common colors include black, white, red, and cream, while patterns can range from solid to tabby, bi-color, and even colorpoint. This diverse palette adds to the breed’s allure and makes each American Curl truly unique.
Other characteristics of the American Curl
Other physical characteristics
The American Curl is a medium-sized cat with a graceful and balanced gait. Its most distinctive feature is its ears, which curl backward in a unique arc, giving it an alert and curious expression. The body structure of the American Curl is well-proportioned with a slender yet muscular build. Its head is moderately wedge-shaped with a smooth, rounded muzzle. The eyes are large, walnut-shaped, and can come in a variety of colors, including blue, green, gold, and amber. All these physical traits make the American Curl a standout breed, known for its elegance and unique appearance.
Grooming
Regular grooming is essential for the American Curl. Brushing once or twice a week is recommended to keep their coat in good condition, with increased frequency during shedding periods. Bathing should be done occasionally using a cat-specific shampoo, even though cats are naturally adept at grooming themselves. An occasional bath helps maintain their overall cleanliness and health. It is to be noted that the American Curl isn't hypoallergenic.
Temperament & behavior
What is the temperament of the American Curl?
The American Curl is an affectionate, playful cat. They are known for their friendly and adaptable nature.
American Curl sociability
A charming companion
The American Curl is a sociable and easy-going breed. These cats form close bonds with their owners and enjoy following them from room to room. They are playful yet love extended cuddle sessions, making them great companions. American Curls are known for their varied vocalizations, including throaty purrs, meows, and chirps. They thrive on attention and prefer having an owner who can provide ample interaction and affection.
Friendly and adaptable
American Curls are known for their friendly and patient nature. They are excellent with families, including children, dogs, and other cats. When their tolerance is reached, they prefer to isolate themselves rather than display aggressive behavior, making them ideal for a harmonious household.
Living environment of the American Curl
Adaptable and comfortable
The American Curl is highly adaptable and can thrive in various environments, from small apartments to large houses. They do best when their owner is present, as they enjoy companionship and interaction. These cats need a mix of space and activity, so a home with plenty of room to explore and play is ideal.
Playful and engaging
The American Curl is an active and playful breed, requiring ample opportunities for mental and physical stimulation. Interactive play with the owner is crucial for their well-being, as it helps channel their energy and prevents destructive behaviors. If you're worried about losing track of him, you can fit them with a GPS collar so you can track their movements and locate them if they escape. Providing calm spaces for rest and relaxation is also important for maintaining their overall balance.
Training the American Curl
Training an American Curl should begin at an early age to instill good behaviors and social skills. Education should be based on kindness, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Training through play is highly effective for this intelligent breed, as it helps with mental stimulation and reduces the likelihood of bad behavior.
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Health & nutrition
How to take care of the American Curl?
The American Curl is a friendly and resilient breed known for its robust health. Generally, these cats do not present specific health problems, making them relatively easy to care for.
Health of the American Curl
General health
The American Curl is a robust and healthy breed, rarely falling ill. However, like many cats, they may be prone to specific hereditary diseases such as feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease. DNA tests can help detect these diseases and prevent their transmission. Regular visits to the veterinarian are crucial for vaccinating against common diseases such as typhus and rabies.
Routine care
To ensure the American Curl stays healthy, regular vet check-ups are essential for updating vaccinations and preventing common diseases. Routine care should also include worming and flea prevention, as well as maintaining the cat's teeth, claws, and ears to reduce the risk of infections.
Feeding the American Curl
Quality nutrition for a graceful feline
The American Curl, with its sleek, muscular body, requires a high-quality diet to maintain its health and figure. It is recommended to use nutritionally high-quality kibble as the dietary base, complemented by green vegetables rich in water to support the cat's renal system.
Tailored diet for growth
American Curls grow relatively slowly, reaching their full size around 3 to 4 years of age. Their diet must be carefully controlled and adapted to their specific growth needs. Maintaining the same brand of kibble ensures continuity in their diet, and feeding at set times helps avoid digestive disruptions.
Active and playful lifestyle
Though the American Curl is playful, it can be prone to weight gain if its diet is not controlled and it does not get enough exercise. Encouraging your cat to play, run, and jump is essential to prevent weight problems and promote overall health. Regular interaction and play sessions with the owner provide necessary stimulation and fun.
Breeding or adoption & cost
How much does an American Curl cost?
The American Curl is a well-appreciated breed with several breeders available. It is important to consider a few factors before adoption.
Choosing the right American Curl
How to choose your American Curl
Purebred cats like the American Curl are often bred by professional breeders or in catteries. It’s important to visit the breeding sites before adopting to observe the living conditions and ensure their quality. From June 10, 2024, owners must have their cats microchipped by the age of 20 weeks and register the details in a relevant database such as Petlog or Animal Tracker. This is a legal requirement in Britain, and failure to comply could result in a fine of
Additionally, ensure health examinations and DNA tests are performed on the cat and its parents to detect possible hereditary health problems.
The price of an American Curl
The cost of acquiring an American Curl can vary depending on several factors such as lineage, pedigree, reputation of the breeder, and age of the cat. Generally, American Curl kittens can range from
to
In addition to the purchase price, maintaining this breed involves costs, including healthcare, grooming, and a healthy diet, estimated to be around
to
annually. Taking on an American Curl is a significant commitment and requires careful consideration of these ongoing expenses.
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