Let's get to know the American Curl cat, the perfect result of a genetic mutation brought about by a single little cat, who gave us the pleasure of admiring this wonderful cat with its truly unique characteristics. Let's discover the American Curl cat's personality, its origins, and other characteristics of this American breed.
Origins and history of the American cat
Shulamit — that is the name of the mother of the American Curl cat. Shulamit was a long-haired black stray cat whose ears had undergone a genetic mutation that curled them back at the tips. The curled-ear gene is dominant, which means that all it takes is for a cat with this trait to mate with any other cat, and an American Curl — from the English word "curl" — is born.
From Shulamit's first litter, four kittens were born, two of which shared the same characteristic as their mother. That was enough to show enthusiasts that it was possible to establish a breeding programme and create a true breed. In 1983, these remarkable kittens appeared for the first time, and just two years later the breed was recognised in California. In 1988 they arrived in France, and in the early 1990s they reached our country. Both varieties — the short-haired cat and the long-haired cat — descend directly from Shulamit.
American Curl cat breed standard
The American Curl is a medium-to-large feline breed; males can weigh up to 8 kg, while females do not exceed 5 kg. The coat can be semi-long, with a light undercoat that is not particularly dense, or short, with no undercoat at all. In both cases, the coat is soft and lies fairly close to the body, with a silky sheen — and in the short-haired variety, a particularly brilliant shine. Almost all colours are accepted, as the breed standard is focused primarily on the ears.
The body structure is firm and muscular, with slender yet strong legs. The head is wedge-shaped, slightly elongated towards the chin; the eyes are large and come in a range of colours, regardless of coat colour. The cat's tail is quite full and matches the length of the body. And then there is the most striking feature of the American Curl cat: the ears. Broad at the base with firmly rounded tips, the ears are set at the outer edges of the head; they stand upright and feel quite firm to the touch.
At the tip, they have a distinctive backward curve that forms a true curl. This curvature is recognised in three degrees, from the first — which is sufficient to meet the breed standard — to the third, which qualifies the American Curl cat for shows. American Curl kittens are born with soft ears identical to those of ordinary cats; by the fourth month they begin to curl and take on their definitive shape. Until then, it is not possible to grade an American Curl kitten.
American Curl cat personality
Just as unique in behaviour as in appearance, the American cat is sociable and charming; it happily lives alongside other Curl cats, though it is somewhat less at ease with other breeds. With its owner, it can be quite possessive, a little self-centred, and mischievous — it will get into all sorts of trouble if kept indoors, driven as it is by an irrepressible curiosity. It learns very quickly how to open doors and cupboards, including the fridge, from which it loves to help itself to the occasional snack. It can tear open food packaging with its paws when something catches its fancy, and it adores sleeping in drawers.
In short, quite a handful around the house — but within no time at all, it becomes absolutely indispensable. Always in search of affection, it balances its bursts of high spirits with long sessions perched contentedly on its owner's shoulders. The American Curl is a feline breed that struggles with loneliness; it will resign itself to an owner who works long hours, but only if it receives an abundance of cuddles and attention on their return. It can adapt to life as an indoor cat, but access to a garden is important; it will even leap out of a window just to get outside and play.
The one routine care the American Curl requires is regular ear cleaning, which should be carried out weekly and with the utmost gentleness. Its diet can be varied — it eats cat food but also enjoys fresh meat and fish. As it begins to age, it needs a well-balanced diet for senior cats to help keep its weight in check, ideally based on dry cat kibble.
Breeding
The American Curl kitten is a true little rascal — an utterly boundless troublemaker with whom it is completely impossible to stay angry, so endearing is its expression the moment it realises it has done something wrong. If brought home as a kitten, it will learn to squeeze into every nook and cranny and to sleep inside wardrobes, drawers, or tucked behind cushions. Even as a kitten, it loves playing with children, as long as it remains the centre of attention at all times. American Curl kittens should always have a generous supply of cat toys on hand; the more they have, the lower the risk of finding something damaged around the house!
