American Curl
The American Curl is a breed of cat characterized by its curled and unusual ears. They curl back from the face toward the center of the back of the skull. It originated in Lakewood California as a result of a spontaneous mutation. The first American Curl was exhibited in a cat show in 1983, and in 1987 an American Curl won the championship with the International Cat Association. Although the American Curl is still an uncommon breed, it is found across the world in countries such as the United States, Spain, Japan, France, and Russia, as well as several other countries.
History of the American Curl
The American Curl, along with other cat breeds has its own history of origin which is quite interesting. Where many of the other cat breeds are often clouded with unclear origins, the origination of the American curl has actually been documented. The following timeline portrays the historical origin of the American Curl:
· June 1981: A small black stray cat with unusual ears wandered into the home of Joe and Grace Ruga. The cat was then taken into the family where she became the family cat. She was extremely affectionate and sweet and they named her Shulamith.
· Shulamith was the first American Curl known as the foundation female. Every American curl pedigree can be traced back to Shulamith.
· December 1981: In December of 1981 Shulamith gave birth to her first litter which consisted of four kittens. Two of the kitten litter had the same unusual ears as their mother, Shulamith.
· 1983: From 1983 up until the present time, American Curls have been selectively bred and shown in cat shows around the world.
· 1986: The first American curls were registered within the CFA with a preliminary recognition in 1991, and a final recognition in the champion class in 1993.
· 1989: A genetic biologist by the name of Roy Robinson examined this strange phenomena and wrote, "A feature of the American Curl breed is the remarkable backward curve of the ear pinnae. However, although the ear shape is anomalous in the sense of being departure from normality, it may be regarded as minor. The condition is due to a dominant gene Cu and a large number of heterozygote's have been bred which have shown no sign of other anomaly.
· The American Curl was the first breed to be recognized within the CFA in two coat length varieties. Other organizations have recognized the breed as well including the TICA and FIFe.
· Several independent cat clubs have also recognized the American Curl breed that is not affiliated with groups such as the CFA or the TICA.
Physical Description
· The American Curl has unique ears that curl back in a graceful arc that creates an alert, perky, and surprised expression.
· Their tail is plumed and resembles a feather boa
· The distinct feature of the American Curl is its curled ears, medium size rectangular body, and expressive eyes.
· American Curls can be found with both long and short haired coats also seen in a variety of colors and patterns.
Personality of an American Curl
· American Curls have an extraordinary personality that is enjoyed by almost every cat lover around the world.
· American Curls are very people-oriented, affectionate, and can adapt remarkably to other pets, children, and new environments and situations.
· They possess some dog-like qualities in their attentiveness to owners.
· They tend to retain kitten like qualities and will generally continue to frolic and jump effortlessly.
American Curls are one of the most beloved and affectionate cats that can be found all over the world.
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