American Curl

Description:

The American Curl cat is most commonly recognized by its unusual ears, Which curl backward. This is the result of a natural mutation. All true American Curls trade their ancestry back to Shulamith, the mother of the American Curl breed rescued in 1981.American Curl kittens can be either shorthaired or longhaired, and appear in a wide range of colors and patterns. The American Curl personality is energetic, affectionate, and even-tempered.The shorthaired variety is called the "Shorthair Curl" by some associations.

Behaviuor:

The American Curl has a well balanced personality and an even disposition. Mischievous , playful and a comfortable companion, this breed talks only rarely. The friendly, affectionate, and loving, American Curl is very attached to his owner. This breed is comfortable with other cats, dogs, and enjoys children.

Activity level:

American Curls are moderately active  , being neither highly energetic nor particularly lethargic.

Qualities:

Curls have qualities other than the whimsical ears to make them attractive pets. They are people cats that do not show any of the stereotypical aloofness, and are affectionate without harassing people for attention the way some breeds can. They delight in perching on shoulders and love to pat and nuzzle their owners? faces. Curls are a ?fetching? breed?easily taught to play fetch?and never lose their love of play. They are also noted for their affinity with children.

Personality:

 American Curls are playful and energetic. They also display the typical cat curiosity and want to be right there to investigate any changes in their environment.At birth, Curl kittens look like any other kitten, but between one and seven days the ears get firmer and start to plump up and curve back. Since the degree of curl can change dramatically over a short period, kittens should not be purchased until they are between four and four and one-half months, when the curl of the ear settles down into the form it will carry throughout the cat?s life. Curl cats take two to three years to reach maturity.

Health:

The American Curl is a healthy,  hardy breed overall,  free of genetic defects due to a lack of inbreeding. American Curls are bred with non-pedigreed domestic cats, though by 2015, this will no longer be permitted. The original deadline had been set for January 1, 2010, but breeders wanted an extension to promote genetic diversity within the breed. This has made the American Curl less consistent in appearance, but  healthier overall.

Degree of ear curl:

The degree of ear curl can vary from 90 to 180 degrees, or from first degree to the show-favored third degree curl. The ears should not curl back to touch the back of the head, however; this is cause for disqualification, as is any ear lacking firm cartilage from the base to at least one-third of its height.