American Curl Shorthair

An interested and active cat has a calm, reserved nature. It is very attached to its owner, loves to spend a lot of time in his company. With family members and other people, the pet is also friendly. The loneliness he tolerates poorly loves to be in the center of attention. The cat can walk tail after the owner, but at the same time, do not be obtrusive. Curl treats children perfectly, with pleasure playing with them.

Breed Photos

Origin History

The American Curl Shorthair is a relatively young breed that was born in 1981. One day, a family from Lakewood, California, found a black kitten under their door. The couple felt sorry for him and took it for themselves; later, they became interested in the pet’s ears’ best shape. When they consulted an expert, they found out it was a dominant gene that had been mutated.

Later, the cat gave offspring with the same kittens, which the breeders were interested in. They began breeding the new breed in 1983. Three years later, the American Cat Fanciers Association began to register it under its modern name. Another year later, the American Curl was recognized by the International Cat Association. Full CFA recognition happened in 1993.

Appearance

The American Curl Shorthair has a flexible, rectangular body. The body is slightly elongated but muscular. The cat’s head is wedge-shaped, with smooth transitions. The nose is moderately long. The chin is well defined. The eyes are large, oval; the color can be different. The ears are the hallmark of the Curl. They are wide and large, curved back.

The limbs are of medium length, straight, with round paws. The tail is equal in length to the cat’s torso. It is thick at the base and narrow at the end. The Curl’s coat is short, elastic, and smooth. The color can be different, with no restrictions.

Character

An interested and active cat has a calm, reserved nature. It is very attached to its owner, loves to spend a lot of time in his company. With family members and other people, the pet is also friendly. The loneliness he tolerates poorly loves to be in the center of attention. The cat can walk tail after the owner, but at the same time, do not be obtrusive. Curl treats children perfectly, with pleasure playing with them.

It also gets along well with other animals. The exception will be small rodents and birds, on which the cat awakens it’s hunting instinct. American Curl painlessly adapts to new conditions. You can take it on trips, moving to a new apartment will also not be a problem.

Care

Since the cat spends all its time in the apartment, it is worth buying a cot or a comfortable house. Also, you can’t go anywhere without a bowl for food and a litter box. Until three months of age, you should not let the kitten outdoors. Carefully monitor the movement of the little pet around the house to protect it from injury.

The short-haired version of the American Curl should be brushed once every 7-10 days. When shedding, it is worth doing it more often. It is not recommended to bathe the cat often; 2-3 times a year is enough. Pay attention to the cat’s ears and eyes. The first ones need monthly cleaning. You should do it very gently so as not to damage the fragile ear cartilage of your cat. Wipe plaque from eyes every day. Also, don’t forget to trim its claws.

Education

The American Curl Shorthair is an intelligent and obedient cat and also has a quiet temperament. There will be no problems with its upbringing, but it is better to start training early. In addition to socialization, the pet, like a dog, can be taught basic commands.

Remember not to repeat and change commands. In case of failure, show leniency. In no case do not yell at the cat. Always reward your cat with treats and praise.

Common Diseases

American Curls have very good health. They were born by mutation, so they are not susceptible to genetic diseases. Cats are also resistant to viral infections. It is worth remembering about the fragile ear cartilage of the pet. Don’t pull on the ears, and be careful when brushing, so you don’t break them.

Pay due attention to your cat’s eyes and teeth as well. The latter should preferably be cleaned of plaque once every 1-2 weeks with a special toothpaste. It will prevent plaque from forming. Proper care and a balanced diet are key to your cat’s health. Do not forget to show the cat to the vet, get vaccinations, as well as worming prophylaxis.

Nutrition

It is necessary to monitor the diet of the American Curl. Food from the human table is not good for him. The basis of a cat’s proper diet should be lean meat and by-products. Lamb, beef, chicken, and other poultry will be good. Also, oat and rice porridge cooked in the broth will not hurt.

Low-fat dairy products such as yogurt, cottage cheese, and kefir will be useful. Vegetables should be stewed or boiled. Carrots, pumpkin, zucchini, and beets will do. Vitamin supplements will not be superfluous, which will strengthen the body of the pet. Up to six months, kittens eat 4-5 times a day. After one year, you should feed them three times, and from the age of a year and a half, switch to two meals a day.