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At
a glance...
Body Size... Medium
Coat Length... Short & Long
Life span... 15 yrs |
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American Curl |
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A~ Z index |
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Description... |
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 The American Curl is a breed
with distinctive turned back ears. This is a medium-sized cat with
body conformation the same as the American Shorthair. The coat may
be long or short with minimal undercoat. Longhaired varieties may
have a plumed tail. The tips of the ears should angle toward the
back of the skull, and may not be completely curled until the cat is
2-3 years of age.
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History...
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 A spontaneous mutation in ear
conformation was discovered in a cat named Shulamith in California
in 1981. Selective breeding demonstrated that this ear conformation
is a dominant trait, and active breeding to create the American Curl
began in 1983. Curls are shown in both longhair and shorthair
varieties, and with any colour or coat pattern (all 70 varieties of
them!)
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Traits...
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This breed is even-tempered
and affectionate.
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Health...
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No health risks specific to
the ear conformation or in other body systems have been identified.
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Summary...
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Breeding of American Curl
cats will occasionally produce cats with no ear curl. American Curl
cats with straight ears should not be used for breeding but are good
pets. Only those with the signature curl to the ear should be
considered as breeding and show cats. The
distinctive feature of the American Curl, first noted in southern
California in 1981, is their uniquely attractive curled ears. Curls
are well balanced, moderately muscled, slender rather than massive
in build. Females weigh 2-4kgs, males weigh 3-5kgs pounds. Proper
proportion and balance are more important than size. Allowance is to
be made for normal male characteristics. They are alert, active,
with gentle, even dispositions.
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