Getting To Know The American Curl
Familiar with the story of Peter Pan - the fictional boy who never grew up? Dubbed the Peter Pan of felines, the American Curl is an unusual breed that retains many of its kitten-like qualities throughout adulthood. Much like the Scottish Folds, the Curl’s signature characteristic lies in his unique ears, which curl backwards like fashionable head accessories.
As the product of a spontaneous natural mutation, the first known Curl was a black beauty that appeared in the early 1980s. She was named Shulamith and became the foundation of the breed when she and her kittens came to the attention of cat fanciers across the country. Aside from the trademark curled-back ears, the Curl also sports a luxurious plume-like tail that is reminiscent of a feather boa.
As a breed, the medium-sized Curl does not reach physical maturity until 2-3 years of age. Even then, he’s a forever kitten that enjoys companionship and interactive playtime. This sociable feline is fond of high elements and can often be found perching in high places (or hanging around to play fetch with his humans).
5 Fun Facts About The American Curl
- The American Curl is one of the youngest breeds in the cat world.
- The Curl can come in any color or pattern combination.
- Kittens are born with straight ears that only start to curl about 3-5 days later.
- The arc for the curved ears must vary between 90° and 180° for show cats.
- The ear-curling gene is dominant - any cat with just one copy of the genes will have curled ears.
Potential Health Issues Affecting The Breed
As one of America’s native breeds, the Curl is a relatively healthy breed that is not subjected to any specific genetic disorders. Nonetheless, one possible health concern is that some lines may develop narrow ear canals that are prone to ear infections (from wax buildup). Cat paw-rents should be more vigilant about cleaning your Curl’s ears, but be careful not to damage the ear cartilage. Note: Do not attempt to pull or bend their ears backwards.
As an affectionate breed that thrives on human companionship, American Curls may develop separation anxiety when left on their own for extended periods - and potential owners should consider their schedules before deciding to bring one of these friendly cats home.
Grooming Your American Curl
American Curls come in both longhaired and shorthaired variants, but are fairly low maintenance due to a light undercoat that is unlikely to mat or tangle. However, potential owners should be prepared to clean your Curl’s ears regularly to prevent wax buildup. Unlike other felines, this breed has very hard and inflexible ears - which make cleaning them a proper challenge.
Tip: Owners are recommended to fill the ear canal with a vet-approved cleaning solution, gently massage the ear base for 5-10 seconds, then let your cat shake the solution out (along with any dislodged wax or dirt buildup). Be sure to administer the dosage recommended by your vet or as per the instructions found on the label.
Overall, the American Curl is a very sociable cat that loves making friends with children and other cat-friendly dogs. He loves playing and exploring new places - and is innately skilled at opening cabinets and doors to find out where you’re keeping the delightful goodies. Cat lovers who are looking to welcome a fun-loving, adaptable and very friendly cat into your family might want to consider this very special friend as a permanent inclusion.
If you think an American Curl is just the cat for you, feel free to private message us on Facebook or Instagram for more information on kitten enquiries and availability.