American Curl Cats

The Scottish Fold cat, with its ears folded flat, has been known for some time and there is now also the American Curl, whose ears turn back at the top to form a crescent shape. The breed was introduced in 1981 at Lakewood, California, by Joe and Grace Luga, who had noticed nothing strange about the ears of their cat until she produced a litter of kittens with curled back ears.

By breeding from litter brother and sister the American Curl breed was gradually established. In 1986 it finally became recognised. This new member of the cat aristocracy soon travelled to Europe and there are now a number of European breeders. Probably the breed would spread even more rapidly if its rarity did not make it so expensive; worth its weight in silver if not gold!

The American curl is an extremely intelligent animal, more intelligent even than many other cats -at least so claim its admirers. A happy cat, it loves to go out and about, overcome obstacles and solve new problems. It can be cunning but the turned back ears sometimes make it look more mischievious than it really is. Very affectionate, it loves to be picked up or sit on your knee, and it always gives warning before the claws come out.The Curl needs brushing two or three times a week. Weekly checking over and a carefully weighed and varied diet served at regular times every day will keep it healthy.

General
Medium but solid bone structure, light weight with medium size feet and paws. The tail is the same length as the body and fairiyfluffy.
Head
A straight, slightly turned up nose. Firm, regular chin. Medium size ears which aretumed back overthetop of the skull, placed high on the head and well apart. Eyes set in a rounded oval. Their colour may vary except in the Siamese type, where they must be green.
Coat
Silky with no undercoat. Medium length. There is also a short haired American Curl.