About the American Curl
The first kitten with such curved ears was born back in 1981 in California. This black kitten was named Shulamith, and two years later she brought her first offspring. It was when this cat reached sexual maturity that active work began on fixing this mutated gene for recurved ears. Despite all the work of felinologists, the American Curl is still a very rare breed, even in the United States, where at the beginning of 2000 only about two hundred representatives of this unusual breed were recorded. What can we say about Europe or Russia, where it is very rare to meet these cats. But nothing is impossible, because even in Russia, if you wish, you can buy an American Curl.
Description of the breed
The American Curl is a unique cat, and it is unique in its unusual shape of ears, these cats have curved ears! The turned-back shape of the ears is the result of a natural mutation of the gene responsible for the shape of the ears, so this breed can be considered naturally occurring, and not artificially bred. There is a huge variety of colors and colors, while the coat of cats is dense, soft, silky. They are perfectly built, harmonious, with a dense physique, cats do not suffer from excess weight, they are slender, not massive. The neck and chest are strong, well developed, the body is flexible, strong legs have rounded pads. On the wedge-shaped head there is a pleasant sweet muzzle, soft outlines of the profile, a straight nose with smooth transitions to the forehead and chin. Curls look at the world with clear, shiny eyes of a pleasant hazel color, slightly obliquely set, from which the look of cats acquires a certain charm and charm. But the most striking feature of the appearance is the ears of curls, open, at the base, the wide ears of cats bend back in a smooth arc, while the angle of inversion of these soft and flexible tips can vary from 90 to 180 °. It is important that the ears of such an unusual shape are absolutely healthy, unlike the ears of Scottish folds, which are prone to ear diseases just because of the lop-earedness. Interestingly, curl kittens are born with ordinary ears, on the fourth day after birth, the shape of the ears begins to appear, which is finally formed in cats by four months.Short information
Breed name: American Curl. Country of Origin: USA. Weight: 3-7 kg.Highlights
The American Curl exists in two separate types – shorthair and semi-longhair (in the FIFe system it is positioned as longhair). Despite the fact that the standard considers both varieties to be equal, breeders around the world continue to prefer semi-longhaired 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 unexpectedly strong immunity for purebred cats. American Curls are pets with a fine mental organization that love people more than other cats. They are unobtrusive and do not make 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 disposition that helps them share a home with other cats and even dogs. In addition, they are very supportive of children. Curl’s playful paws masterfully open kitchen cabinets and press door latches until they switch to the desired position for the cat. Adult kitties retain playfulness and childish spontaneity into old age, for which they are called cats with the character of Peter Pan. Thin, like curlers, the ears of the American Curl have harder cartilage than the ears of ordinary cats, and are easily injured. In general, get ready to explain to guests for a long time and convincingly why you do not allow petting your cat on the head. American Curl kittens are born with straight ears, which begin to curl only on the 3-10th day of life. The degree of cartilage curl in this case can be different: from the minimum to a miniature “roll”. American Curls are affectionate, affable intellectuals, remembered for their extraordinary image and a fantastic sense of affection for a person. Moderately balanced, but far from phlegmatic, they masterfully break any stereotypes regarding the feline tribe. Independence, stubborn unwillingness to share the territory and the owner with other pets, a passion for solitude – all this is absolutely not about Curls, who consider such habits to be the height of bad manners. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is one of the most positive breeds, whose representatives are desperately unwilling to grow up, therefore, in their advanced ten years, “arc-eared” cats are as frisky and easy-going as in their youth. If in the story with the cat Matroskin, whiskers, paws and a tail acted as identity documents, then in the case of curls, ears alone are enough. Large, though not devoid of elegance, “locators” of cats 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: | Medium size, wide at the base, with slightly rounded tips. Set wide apart, slightly inclined forward. |
| Ears: | The wide and large ears of the American Curl are curved back and have a thin, rounded tip. According to the requirements of the standard, the angle of inversion of the ear cartilage must be at least 90°, but not more than 180°. |
| B ody: | American Curls are distinguished by their plump yet elegant silhouette. The body of cats is flexible, rectangular in shape, somewhat stretched, but rather muscular. |
| Limbs: | The legs of the American Curl are straight and of medium length. Paws are rounded, collected 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 “thinner” as it approaches the thin, pointed tip. |
| Wool: | The representatives of the long-haired variety of the breed have an airy, semi-adjacent type of hair, with a minimum amount of undercoat and protective hair. The area of the neck and tail of the cats are especially richly pubescent. The “outfit” of shorthaired curls is less voluminous. They, like long-haired individuals, have practically no undercoat, but the coat itself is more elastic, smooth. |
| Color: | In terms of colors, almost everything is allowed for American Curls. Solid, Siamese, tabby, tortie, color-point and bicolor – made in USA curls can have any of the colors, sometimes quite unexpected. |
Faults and disqualifying vices
At exhibitions, Curls can qualify for a rating of no higher than “good” if they have the following anatomical deviations:- set low, too steeply kinked and directed anywhere but backwards, ears;
- nose with prominent stop;
- too rough or, conversely, the cottony structure of the undercoat.
Character of the American Curl
American Curls are the sweetest creatures with an extraordinary appearance and angelic character, which you just want to cuddle in your arms. Unlike most other representatives of the purring brethren, they are completely devoid of arrogance and militant independence and are truly attached to a person. To get along with the American Curl, you do not have to take any special actions. This 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 their fluffy paw, help you tie (or untie) another napkin, or simply lie on the sofa at your feet. However, do not confuse the desire for close physical and emotional contact with obsession, which is absolutely not characteristic of Curls.How about a little attention?
The American Curl is one of the cat breeds 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, think carefully about whether it will fit into your work schedule. The poise and natural calm of the American Curl allows them, if not to be friends with other domestic animals, then at least not to conflict. It is hard to imagine what such a terrible thing must happen to make these good-natured purrs release their claws and hiss threateningly at a dog or cat living with them in the same house. But with small animals, kitties, as a rule, do not stand on ceremony. Hunting instinct – nothing can be done.
Another distinguishing feature of the character of the American Curl is the ability to painlessly adapt to the changing conditions of the surrounding reality. These cats adapt quickly and endure moving and traveling relatively easily. Curls and sound effects are not annoying, 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 threshold of the house, demonstrating their own location with a quiet purr and cutting circles at the feet of the “alien”.
