American Curl
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- United States
- Weight
- 5–10 lb (2
About the American Curl
The American Curl is a breed of domestic cat originating from the United States. Characterized by its unique curled ears, this breed is known for its friendly and outgoing temperament.
Overview
The American Curl is a cat characterised by its unusual ears, which curl back from the face toward the center of the back of the skull. The breed originated in Lakewood, California , due to a spontaneous mutation.
History
The first American Curls appeared as strays on the doorstep of the Rugas in Lakewood, California in June 1981. The black female, named Shulamith, gave birth to a litter of cats with the same curled ears, and so became the ancestor of all American Curls today. In 1986, an American Curl was exhibited at a cat show for the first time, and in 1992, the longhaired American Curl was given championship status by The International Cat Association (TICA). In 1999, the American Curl became the first breed admitted to the Cat Fanciers'' Association (CFA) Championship Class with both longhair and shorthair divisions.
Characteristics
The American Curl is a medium-sized cat 5–10 lb (2.3–4.5 kg) , and does not reach maturity until 2 – 3 years of age. Females should be between 5–8 lb (2.3–3.6 kg) and males 7–10 lb (3.2–4.5 kg) . American Curl kittens are born with straight ears, which begin to curl within forty-eight hours. After four months, their ears will not curl any longer, and will be hard and stiff to the touch at the base of the ear with flexible tips. Both longhaired and shorthaired American Curls have soft, silky coats which lie flat against their bodies. They''re known to be relatively low maintenance. The American Curl, while still an uncommon breed, is found across the world in the United States, Spain, France, Japan, Russia, and many other countries.
Genetics and Health
Various matings between cats with curled ears and cats without curled ears revealed a dominant inheritance of the curl gene. Sex-linked distribution was not found. The mutant gene was designated as curl and is symbolized by Cu. Another mutation of the ear pinna was found in Scottish Fold cats, in these cats both heterozygous and homozygous (FdFd) cats, animals suffer from osteochondrodysplasia . The question arises if homozygous curls (CuCu) could also be affected by cartilage formation defects and bone abnormalities. However, observations of a CuCu cat over two years showed no sign of anomaly.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the American Curl?
The American Curl is a medium-sized cat weighing 5-10 pounds, with males weighing 7-10 pounds and females weighing 5-8 pounds. They do not reach maturity until 2-3 years of age. One of the breed's distinctive features is their curled ears, which begin to curl within 48 hours of birth and reach full curl by four months.
Is the American Curl a good family cat?
American Curls are known to be friendly, outgoing, and affectionate. They are generally good with children and make suitable family pets. However, as with any cat breed, it's essential to socialize them well and provide proper care and attention to ensure a harmonious household.
What health problems do American Curls have?
American Curls are generally a healthy breed, but like all cats, they can be prone to certain health issues, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, patellar luxation, and hip dysplasia. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health problems early on.
How much does an American Curl kitten cost?
The cost of an American Curl kitten can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, you can expect to pay between $600 to $1,200 for a pet-quality kitten. Show-quality kittens may be more expensive, while adoption fees may be lower.