What is the American Curl Cat?

The American curl cat is around due to a natural mutation that is not very common. The name has nothing to do with the coat of this curly cat breed like the LaPerm cat. Instead, it has to do with the way their ears sit. In the American curl cat, the ears curl backward.

They have long fur around them. Many people say that this curly cat breed looks surprised all the time. This can be true as these cats are often happy and joyful. They love playing, even when they are older. Some American curl cats will even play fetch. If you are interested in getting a cat with curled ears, you can keep reading here to learn more about the American curl cat. 

American Curl Cat History

Before adopting any type of cat, it is a good idea to look into their history. This can give you an idea of how these cats came to be and how or why they were first bred. 

With the American curl cat, they have a natural mutation with unusual curled ears. Back in 1981, breeders took an interest in this and started breeding them. It started with a black longhaired, stray female kitten that had odd-looking ears. This kitten lived in Lakewood, California. She was named Shulamith. After a few months, this cat had 4 kittens. Two of the kittens had the same ears as Shulamith. This is where the breed of the American curl cat began. 

All throughout the world, cat breeders heard of the American curl cat. They were very intrigued. By the year 1983, there were selective breeding programs that helped to preserve this characteristic. Roy Robinson, a feline geneticist, found that there was a gene causing this mutation. It was autosomal dominant. This meant the cats that had 1 or more copies of this gene would have curled ears. 

American curl cats spread rapidly throughout the world. The International Cat Association and the Cat Fanciers Association both recognized the American curl cat. 

The Temperament of the American Curl Cat

Before adopting a cat, it is good to know more about how that type of cat behaves. It is good to know more about their personality and quirks, too.

The same is true when learning about a dog's temperament. The American curl cats are usually joyful. They love playing and sometimes will even play fetch. Just like other cats, the American curl cat is often perching on the highest things they can find. They also like to follow around their owners and cuddle in their laps. 

This curly cat breed is usually sociable and family-oriented. They really seem to like children. If you have younger children ad you are looking for a pet, the American curl cat might be a great option. Most American curl cats get along great with most dogs and cats, too. 

Last, but not least, these cats are very smart. You can challenge them by giving them puzzle toys or teaching them tricks. 

Grooming of the American Curl Cats

You will need to groom the American curl cats to keep their coat healthy and shiny as part of cat care. If you have an American curl cat with long hair, you should comb them at least two times every week to prevent tangles and mats. 

It would also be beneficial to trim your American curl cat’s nails about once a week. Their teeth should be brushed with the proper toothpaste, as well. This helps to keep their breath fresh and their oral health intact. A great tip is to start the nail trimming and brushing of the teeth early on. This way, the kitten gets used to it and accepts it as part of their grooming routine. 

The American curl cat’s ears should be checked every week for a smell or for redness. This is to ensure their ears are kept healthy. It would be helpful to gently clean their ears if they start looking a bit dirty. 

Picking a Breeder

If you have decided that you want this curly cat breed, you should start checking out breeders. You want to get a cat with curled ears that are healthy and happy. Great breeders take the time to ensure their cats and kittens are well taken care of. You can find breeders through The International Cat Association, the Cat Fanciers Association, and other places, as well. 

It is important to put in the time to research which breeder to get your kitten or cat from. This will help to ensure the kitten or cat that you get is right for your family. There are breeders who even offer health certifications. This is something that you may want to look more into. 

When picking out a breeder, you should ask them questions about the parents to help ensure you are getting a kitten from healthy parents.

Conclusion

These are some of the things that you should know about the American curl cat. If you are looking to get a cat with curled ears, the American curl cat is a great choice. These cats are playful, smart, and sociable. They are cute and cuddly, as well. If you want a curly cat breed that is unique, you can get an American curl cat from a breeder. 

What breed of cat has hair in their ears?

There are many cats that have hair in their ears. However, the one that is most recognized for this is the Maine Coon cat. Those are also the most popular and biggest cats in the entire world. The American curl cat has hair in its ears, as well.

How much do American curl kittens cost?

When checking into the prices of an American curl kitten, you will find they average between $75 to $150 if you go through an adoption center. However, you can also get an American curl cat from breeders. The price for these kittens or cats is usually between $1,000 to $1,200.

How long do American curl cats live?

The main physical characteristic of American curl cats is their curled back ears. These cats usually weigh between 5 to 10 pounds when they are fully grown. Most American curl cats will live to be 13 years or even older.