Published on 05/5/2008

The American Curl is the result of discovering a novel cat that has eventually created a new breed for feline fanciers.

Adopting Kittens: American Curl Appearance, Personality and Grooming

The American Curl is the result of discovering a novel cat that has eventually created a new breed for feline fanciers.

Physical Description

• Unique ears that curl back in a graceful arc, creating an alert, perky, happily surprised expression
• Plumed tail that resembles a feather boa
• When curls are born their ears are straight. In 3-5 days the ears start to curl back staying for a while in a tight rosebud position, then unfurling gradually until permanently set at around 16 weeks
• The distinct feature of the American Curl is its uniquely curled ears, the medium-size rectangular body, silky flat-lying coat and expressive walnut-shaped eyes
• Curls are available in long- and shorthair coats, which are seen in a variety of colors and patterns

Personality

• Personality is truly enjoyable
• Attracted to water, television and sleeping in salad bowls
• They are people-oriented, faithful, affectionate soul mates who adjust remarkably fast to other pets, children, and new situations
• People say they are very doglike in their attentiveness to their owners, following their humans around so that they do not miss anything
• American Curls seem to have an inherent respect for pets in a home before they arrive
• They like to assist their owners in projects
• Not overly talkative
• Retain their kitten-like personality throughout adulthood and continue frolicking and jumping effortlessly for a favorite toy, keeping up with the 12-week-olds

Grooming

• The breed’s semi long, silky body coat has to be in peak condition and extremely clean when shown in competition. The show bath and preparation for it is extremely important as well as using the right grooming tools.
• Precaution needs to be taken of this cat’s ears before bathing. Place a cotton swab soaked with a commercially manufactured non oily ear cleaner into the outer furrows of each ear, working up and away from the canal opening.
• Start the bath with a cleaner called GOOP (available at grocery and hardware stores) working it well into a wet coat and rinsing it out thoroughly.
• Wash the cat with Dawn dishwashing liquid, again rinsing it very well
• Shampoo the cat with a quality cat shampoo that is recommended by Curl breeders and proven to be effective
• Rinse thoroughly
• Squeeze out the water from the coat with a clean towel and then blow-dry with a hand-held dryer.
• Use a professional metal comb, half fine-tooth and half medium-tooth for separating the fur while drying it
• Cream rinses are not necessary and weigh the coat down, but they can be used sparingly in the winter to control static

Source: The Cat Fanciers’ Association Complete Cat Book, By CFA and Its Associates

Written by: Connie Limon. Visit “Adopting Kittens” at http://smalldogs2.com/AdoptingKittens to find a complete online reference for choosing and caring for the perfect kitten, which matches you and your lifestyle. Learn about litter box training at http://smalldogs2.com/LitterBoxTraining

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