American Curl

History
The American Curl is famous for its ears which are uniquely curled. The history of this breed began in June 1981, in Lakewood, California. According to the story, two cats with unusual curled ears wandered up to the doorstep of cat lovers, Joe and Grace Ruga. However, one of them disappeared soon after they were seen together. The other, a longhaired black cat that Ruga named Shulamith, which means "black but comely", stayed with them. In December 1981, Shulamith delivered her first litter of four kittens. Out of these four kittens, two had curled ears. A geneticist who was contacted to study this phenomenon confirmed that this unusual; curled ear was a genetic feature and was inherited in every case and there is no deformities attached to it.

In 1983, an American Curl was exhibited at a cat show for the first time. American Curls were officially accepted for CFA registration in 1986, and for championship competition in February 1993. American Curls were also the first breed with two coat lengths to participate in the Championship of CFA. The longhaired American Curl was also given championship status by The International Cat Association (TICA). American Curl is considered a wonderful pet in the United States of America. The main reason remain behind its popularity is that no genetic defects are associated with the curl gene.

Appearance
The ideal American Curl is usually found in medium size. It is an alert cat with an elegant appearance and a sweet, open expression, complimented by their remarkable ears. When they are born, they look like any other kitten, but within five to seven days their ears get firmer and start to plump up and curve back. These cats don't reach maturity until the age of 2-3 years. American Curls come in both longhair and shorthair. The longhair Curl has a beautiful plumed tail. The shorthaired variety of this breed is called the "Shorthair Curl" by some associations. Both these varieties have soft, silky, lustrous, flat-lying coats.

American Curls require little grooming & only an occasional bath and regular combing is needed to keep the coat in good condition. This breed is strong and healthy, is also free of the genetic defects that are common in many purebred cats. American Curl generally found as a pet, may have almost straight ears, but show cats must have ears that curl in an arc between 90 and 180 degrees. They are disqualified if their ears touch the back of their skulls. The American Curl can be found in different colors or coat pattern. There eyes are generally found in a rainbow & striking blue of colors.

Personality
American Curls are friendly, faithful, and affectionate cats. They enjoy spending time with their owners. They love companionship and adjust remarkably faster with other pet animals and children. They adjust very easily in new atmosphere. Curls are even-tempered and intelligent. They are known for their affinity with children. Their behavior remains kitten-like throughout their adult life. The cat lovers are generally impressed by their infectious personality, intelligence and beauty. Due to these reasons, American Curls are one of the most famous cats among Americans.