The American Curl is a breed that is well known for its backward-facing cat ears. This characteristic makes the kitten look like it is always on the alert, but behind this sassy appearance there is a cat with a sociable and loving personality. The American Curl is a feline that loves the company of the human family and enchants everyone's heart. Are you curious to know more about this breed? Check out!below a complete guide to the American Curl cat that will make you crazy to adopt the breed!

X-ray of the American Curl cat

• Origin : United States
• Coat : Long and short
• Personality : loving, sociable, curious and intelligent
• Height : 20 to 25cm
• Weight : 3 to 5kg
• Life expectancy : 9 to 13 years

American Curl is a cat of American origin

The American Curl cat has a relatively recent origin. The history of the cat breed begins in 1981 in the United States, when a female black cat with long hair and curved ears appeared on the doorstep of breeders in California.

Shortly after, the feline gave birth and half of the litter developed curved ears. In addition, one of the kittens was born with short hair, different from the mother's long coat. The mama cat and her captivating curved-eared kittens began to attract attention and soon attracted people interested in breeding and showing them off in cat beauty contests.

American Curls were officially recognized as a breed in 1993, being very popular in their country of origin and delighting more and more people around the world.

Curved ears are the most eye-catching feature of American Curls

One of the most striking features of curls is their curved ears. In addition, these kittens have other passionate attributes! The American Curl breed is medium-sized, with a height ranging from 20 to 25cm and a weight that can vary between 3 and 5kg. Males tend to be larger and slightly heavier than females, but the difference is small.

The most common coat of this kitten is long, but there are also short-haired specimens. The fur is usually silky, soft and smooth. The coat colors of the breed vary between brindle, tortoiseshell, white, black and tricolor. The eye color of the American Curl can also vary between shades of blue, yellow, green, hazel and copper.

What is the American Curl personality like?

The American Curl's temperament is typical of a curious cat that will make the family happy. The kitten has curiosity as one of the greatest personality traits and loves to play and have fun. Therefore, interacting with him at home is essential, mainly because he is a very attached, loving, intelligent and sociable feline. They are also known for knowing how to open doors as a cat.nobody!

Many elderly American Curl cats are known as "Peter Pan" felines. After all, it's easy to see elderly Curls running around the house and climbing on furniture as if they were younger. The youthful spirit is something that remains throughout American Curls' lives, but don't be surprised if they prefer to sit quietly by your side watching TV, either.instead of playing.

3 curiosities about the American Curl cat

1) The American Curl cat is not born with curved ears! The cat's ears gradually turn backwards, about 10 days after birth. The cat's ears develop until the age of four months, when they reach a fixed shape.

2) There are two variations of ears among American Curls, the "Curl" being the one with the full 90 to 180 degree curve and the "Semi-Curl" being the one with the partial 45 degree curve. Both variations are accepted in the breed standards.

3) The American Curl's distinctive curved ears are the result of a natural genetic mutation. The gene is dominant, meaning that if one of two cats with backward ears crosses, the kittens will have a 100% chance of turning out the same way.

How to care for an American Curl puppy?

Just like any kitten, American Curl cats need care. When you welcome an American Curl kitten into your home, it's important to provide them with the proper care to ensure they grow up healthy and happy. Here are some tips for caring for an American Curl kitten:

Food Consult a veterinarian for specific recommendations on the amount of food and frequency of meals, taking into account the age and weight of the kitten.

Veterinary visits Take your American Curl kitten to the veterinarian for routine exams, vaccinations and deworming. The veterinarian will also be able to advise on cat neutering and preventive care against fleas, ticks and other parasites.

Hygiene If your American Curl has long hair, it may be necessary to brush it daily. In addition, it is necessary to clean the cat's ear regularly, cut the nails when they are too long and brush the teeth to avoid oral problems.

Games and exercises Provide your kitten with adequate mental stimulation and physical activity to prevent boredom and promote their well-being. Interactive toys, play sessions and cat scratchers can help keep them active and entertained.

What you need to know about the health of the American Curl cat

The American Curl cat is known to be a healthy feline, with no genetic predisposition to specific diseases. It is a kitty that can have a life expectancy of up to 13 years. Despite this, there are some health precautions that parents of kittens of the breed should pay a little more attention to.

Long-haired Curls need to brush their coat regularly to avoid dangerous cat hairballs, which can trigger a number of health problems. In addition, ear infections and feline otitis are some concerns that guardians of the breed should have, especially due to the characteristic curved anatomy.

American Curl: puppy price can reach R$ 3.000

Have you fallen in love with the American Curl and are already planning to take care of one at home? The price of an American Curl cat can vary depending on several factors, such as the lineage of the parents and the reputation of the breeder or cattery. In Brazil, the average price of an American Curl kitten usually varies between R$ 1,500 and R$ 3,000, but it is important to note that this value is approximate and may vary.

It is recommended to research and contact responsible and reliable breeders to get the most accurate information on up-to-date American Curl prices. Also, when purchasing a pedigree cat, it is essential to consider other costs, which involve veterinary care, food, toys, accessories and basic hygiene needs. Be sure to consider adoption as wellanimal.