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 Boasting
head adornments that could have easily been fashioned by a
legendary hat designer, along with their opulently plumed tails
reminiscent of a luxurious ostrich-feather boa, the American Curl
has audiences in awe worldwide. Distinguished by truly unique ears
that curl back in a graceful arc offering an alert, perky,
happily-surprised expression, people break out into a big smile
when viewing their first Curl. Designed exclusively by Mother
Nature, the ears can be likened to those of a Lynx with long tufts
fanning outward accentuating the swept-back look, while
complementing the Curl's overall sophistication, stylish elegance,
and dynamic presence.
Native
Country
United States
Breed
Description
Head: Medium
in size, moderately longer than wide, without flat planes. The
straight nose gives way to a slight rise from the bottom of the
eyes to the forehead. Muzzle is neither pointed nor square. No
whisker pinch. Firm chin.
Eyes: Moderately large, walnut shape, and
wide set. Color, which must be clear, brilliant, and uniform, has
no relation to coat color.
Neck: Medium.
Body: Semi-foreign, length one and one-half
times height at shoulder (n). Boning and musculature neither heavy
nor fine.
Paw: Moderate length, in proportion to body.
Forelegs slightly shorter than hind legs. Straight with good
muscle tone. Paws are medium in size and rounded.
Tail: Length equal to body length. Broad at
the base and tapering to a rounded tip.
Coat: Two varieties: Semi-long (currently
the most common) - fine, silky; sparse undercoat; no ruff, full
plume on tail. Shorthair - fine, silky, laying flat; minimal
undercoat. All colors are permissible.
History
A spontaneous
mutation is responsible for this breed's full crescent ear curl In
1981 in Lakewood, California, the Ruga's welcomed a black,
semi-longhaired stray with curled ears into their home and named
her Shalamith. At the end of the year, she gave birth to four
kittens, two of which had inherited the curled ears of their
mother. In 1983, Nancy Kiester, a breeder and friend of the Ruga's,
successfully showed Shalamith and her offspring at a cat show in
California. At the same time, she began selectively breeding this
new breed. The mutation resulting in the ear curl is caused by a
dominant gene that can be transmitted by one parent. Whether
sporting long or short hair, the American Curl has beautiful ears
accentuated by abundant interior furnishings. The cartilage is
firm to the touch. There are three degrees of curl: slight,
partial, and full crescent (the most coveted). The American Curl
was recognized by T.I.C.A. in 1985, then by the C.F.A. in 1991.
The fist American Curl arrived in France in 1988 (the first litter
was born in 1989), and the breed was introduced in Great Britain
in 1995. The American Curl is a rare cat, especially outside of
the United States.
Behavior
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. The
American Curl reaches full maturity around two or three years of
age. The cartilage in the ears begins to curl and harden four days
after birth, but the definitive curl is not set until three or
four months of age. Weekly brushing and combing is sufficient. The
ears must be cleaned with a quality ear-cleaning product. A Curl
should be bathed several days prior to a show. The gene
responsible for the ear curl does not carry any associated
diseases. Unlike the Scottish Fold, two Curls may be mated without
endangering the offspring. Curls are very rare; in order to avoid
excessive inbreeding, experts recommend that they be crossed with
normal-eared cats. |
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