The American Curl is the kind of cat we love: simple, nice, charming, with a little extra compared t other cats: its ears are curved back like two moon crescents facing one another. With its smiling expression and its walnut-shaped eyes, and although it is one of the most recent breeds, as it is only 20 years old, the American Curl has got all it takes to become one of the people's favourite.
The history of the American Curl started, as its name tells it, in America. In California to be more precise, in June 1981. It was very hot that day in Lakewood, where Joe and Grace Ruga lived. Grace, who was seven months into her pregnancy, only wanted to rest to avoid the heat. Suddenly, Joe noticed two skinny kittens coming towards their house. They were two six-month old females, with a long, silky hair. One was all black with golden eyes and the other black and white. The first one was called Sulamith and the second, Panda. And even if one day Panda disappeared as quickly as she came, Salumith definitely settled at the Rugas'.
Sulaminth had funny, little ears curved backwards. This was a mere detail for Joe and Grace, who did not pay much attention to it until the day Salumith had her first kittens. To their surprise, two of them had the same curved ears as their mother's. Then they thought that they were in front of a totally new cat breed. They decided to show them to the world of cat fanciers and exhibitors. Geneticians became interested in the kittens. By observing Salumith and her descendants, they quickly concluded to a spontaneous mutation caused by a dominant gene. The little black kitten became the founder cat of all the American Curls. As she was issued from mating with street cats, she wore many colours, which came back after the different crossings. One of those males was shorthaired, so that she even gave birth to shorthaired American Curls Kittens.What is quite incredible, is the fact that the CFA, one of the most important cat clubs in the world, and also known as one of the most conservative and rigorous, recognized the breed very quickly, as the first American Curls were registered in the Books of Origins in 1986, only 5 years after Salumith had arrived at the Rugas', and were qualified for the championship in 1993.
What is so special with the American Curl's ears to make of this cat a unique breed? Their ears are curved back in a graceful, regular arc towards the back of their head like two moon crescents facing one another. They are firm at the basis and supple at the tip. The gene of the ear folding has nothing to do with that of the Scottish Fold, and none of the cartilage affections that may be found sometimes in the latter have never been noticed. It is not a letal homozygote gene either, and one can marry American Curl with American Curl without any risk for the health of the cats. Thanks to its "stray" origins, the American Curls kept the strength and health of its ancestors, which lived in the streets. It is a particularly healthy breed.Even if the American Curl's ears are a gift from nature, man decided to rank them according to their different shapes, which make the quality of a cat for an exhibition. There are three different degrees. In the first degree, the ears are only very slightly curved. In the 2nd degree, the ears begin to curve, while remaining slightly erect. In the 3rd degree, the most sought after, the ears form a 90° arc. In order to be perfect the ears must have the same degree of curviness. On the contrary, the ears, which are so curved that they touch the skull, are not allowed.Some kittens with straight ears are still born sometimes in American Curls litters. They are indeed called "straight ears." These kittens, although very beautiful, cannot be exhibited but are very useful to reproduce. Although the ears are essential, they are not enough.
The few years of selection have produced an elegant cat, with a rather triangular head, with no irregularities and a not very pronounced stop. The eyes are almond shaped, something very important for its expression. The body is balanced and well-muscled. Both shorthair and longhair Curls are allowed. In longhair individuals, the hair is supple, silky, with little undercoat, and never rough above all. After its origins, all colours are allowed, including colorpoint, just like in the Siamese.The American Curl is original but not eccentric, strong but sophisticated, coming in a great palette of colours, attached to its owners but not over dependant. Indeed, this cat combines a great number of qualities, which should make it very appreciated by friendly and worriless cat lovers.
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