American Curl Cats

The American Curl cat breed is easy to identify by its curled ears. This is one of the newest cat breeds. The American Curl cat breed began with a stray cat that had curled ears. The stray cat was named “Shulamith” and welcomed into a home in Lakewood, California in 1981. All pedigree American Curl cats are descendents of Shulamith.

American Curl cats are born with straight ears. Within the first five days of life, the ears begin to curl backwards. Whether an American Curl cat is designated as pet quality or show quality depends largely on the degree to which the ears of the kitten curl. The ears of some American Curl cats stay almost straight.

In order to be considered show quality, the ears must curl from ninety to one hundred eighty degrees. The tips of the ears should not touch the back of the ear or the head. During the first several weeks, the degree of curl can change until they become set in their permanent position. The permanent degree of the curl can usually be determined by the time the kitten is sixteen weeks old.

The American Curl cat is one of the medium-sized cat breeds. They have walnut-shaped eyes. The American Curl cat may be longhaired or shorthaired. The tails of American Curl cats have longer hair. The coloring of the American Curl’s coat can be solid, bi-color, tortoiseshell, smoke, shaded, tabby, calico, and pointed colorings.

The solid color variations of the American Curl are white, black, blue, red, cream, chocolate, and lilac. The color pointed American Curl cats have blue eyes. Other colorings of American Curl cats can have eyes of other colors. The silky, flat-lying coats require minimal grooming.

American Curl cats are considered an intelligent breed. They can be expressive and make trill cooing noises. American Curls are characteristically alert and perky. American Curl cats are a people-oriented cat breed. These cats seek attention from the cat owner throughout the day. The American Curl cat is generally playful throughout their lifetimes. Due to their kitten-like dispositions and attention-seeking behavior, kitten lovers may thoroughly enjoy owning an American Curl cat.