All You Need To Know
Owning an American Curl
The American Curl is a cat that’s “earmarked” by their distinctive backward-curled ears and playful, affectionate nature. It’s one of the rarer cat breeds in Malaysia as it is one of the newer cat breeds in existence.
At Petchef, we believe that it is the parent’s (pawrent’s) responsibility to prepare the best living conditions for their furkids. Read on to know more about the history, physical traits, personality, care requirements, and reasons why the American Curl cat may be the cat for you.
Breed overview
Personality | Affectionate, friendly, and playful |
Weight | 2 kg to 4.5 kg |
Length | Up to 90 cm |
Coat length | Short and long fur variation |
Coat color | White, black, blue, red, cream, chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn |
Coat patterns | Solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, calico, bi-color, parti-color, pointed |
Eye color | Blue, Green, Gold, Yellow, Copper, Hazel Heterochromatic |
Lifespan | Up to 16 years |
Hypoallergenic | No |
Origin | Lakewood, California (United States) |
Personality & Characteristics
American Curl cats are sociable, friendly, adaptable and very much people-oriented. They love being a part of the household’s activities and may even comment on them with adorable little chirps. As happy, playful and curious cats, they’re the “personality hire” and would never fail to amaze or entertain their humans with their kitten-like behaviours that maintain well into adulthood
Affection level | High |
Friendliness | High |
Kid-Friendly | High |
Pet-Friendly | High |
Exercise needs | Medium |
Playfullness | High |
Energy level | Medium |
Trainability | Medium |
Intelligence | High |
Tendency to Vocalize | Low |
History & Origin
The first American Curl kitten was a stray discovered by an American couple via the cat distribution system in 1980s. It was a black female named Shulamith with backward-curling ears and a notably affectionate and friendly nature.
Grooming & Care
American Curl cats are considered low to moderate maintenance. Here are some grooming and care tips:
Common Health Issues
American Curls are generally healthy cats, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions. Aside from the usual roulette of diseases that include Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), Urinary tract issues, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and obesity, they may also face:
Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, adequate exercise, and maintaining a stress-free environment can help mitigate these health risks and ensure an American Curl’s overall well-being.
Diet and Nutrition
American Curls require a balanced diet to maintain their large size and overall health. Here are some dietary considerations:
Starting from only RM75 a month (or RM2.50 a day), Petchef’s team of vets and chefs can curate the perfect meal plan for your furkid! Each meal contains quality meat (chicken, beef, buffalo) or fish (salmon, tuna) and vegetables to ensure your furkid fulfils all their nutritional needs. No preservatives, no additives, no fillers or grains; only food they were born to eat.
PS: Here are the answers to all the questions on Petchef’s meals you might possibly have. 😉
Lifestyle and Living
Living with American Curls is relatively easy because they are highly adaptable cats that can easily make themselves at home. Here are some tips for your American Curl cat to live their best life:
Where to Adopt or Buy in Malaysia
In Malaysia, there are several options for adopting or purchasing an American Curl:
- Animal Shelters and Rescues: Check local animal shelters and rescue organisations. While American Curls might not be as common in shelters as domestic shorthairs, there’s still a chance of finding one in need of a loving home.
- Breeders: Look for reputable American Curl breeders in Malaysia. Ensure they are registered with a recognized cat breeding association and follow ethical breeding practices. You can find breeders through online directories, cat shows, or recommendations from local veterinarians.
- Online Platforms: Websites and online forums dedicated to pets often have listings for American Curl kittens or cats available for adoption or purchase. Be cautious and verify the legitimacy of sellers before making any commitments.
- Social Media: Platforms like Facebook or Instagram may have local groups or pages where breeders or individuals post about American Curls available for adoption or sale.
Use Diligence
When adopting or purchasing an American Curl, always prioritise the health and well-being of the cat. Ensure the seller provides health records, vaccinations, and proper documentation. It’s also essential to visit the cat in person, if possible, to assess its temperament and living conditions.
Conclusion
American Curls would make the perfect cat for households that enjoy the company of playful and sociable cats. They get along well with kids and other pets so they make terrific additions to your existing (pet) family. With their kitten-like behaviour, amusing personality and human-loving tendencies, this curly-eared cat will easily capture the hearts of any parent.
| Pros of American Curl Cats | Cons of American Curl Cats |
|---|---|
Affectionate, intelligent, social and great for families | Unique curled ears require regular cleaning |
Moderate grooming needs | Craves attention and can’t be left alone for long periods |
No breed-specific health issues | Long-haired varieties require more frequent grooming |
FAQs
Most common questions about American Curls asked and possibly not covered by the above sections.
How much is an American Curl cat in Malaysia?
Starts from RM300 to RM2,800 or more if bred by reputable breeders.
Are American Curl cats good with kids?
American Curl cats can be great companions for kids and even dogs
What makes American Curls special?
American Curl cats are special for their unique curled ears, affectionate nature, playful behaviour, adaptability, intelligence, and low grooming needs.
Are American Curl cats high maintenance?
American Curl cats are moderate to high maintenance due to their grooming needs and energetic personalities. Regular brushing is required for the long-hair variants. They crave attention and may become lonely or anxious if left alone for long periods.
Article sources:
- Obesity in cats: VCA Animal Hospitals
