This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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The American curl cat is a playful, slender, and loving cat that was originally bred in the 1980s. This breed comes in a multitude of colors and patterns and is typically very healthy. If you note the unusually curved ears from which the breed takes its name, notice a rectangular and medium-size build, and watch for a playful personality, you can identify an American curl cat.[1]
Steps
Noticing an American Curl Cat’s Build and Coat
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1Observe its medium size. An American curl cat is a medium-size cat. A male cat typically weighs between 8 to 12 lbs (3.6 to 5.4 kg), while a female may weigh 8 lbs (3.6 kg) or less. This breed has a life expectancy of 9 to 13 years.[2]
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2Look for a rectangular build. An American curl cat has a lean, rectangular body and a muscular build. This breed has a long body for its size, but its medium-sized bones give it a sturdy figure.[3]Advertisement
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4Notice the variety of coat colors and patterns. Because this breed has a diverse genetic background, you will notice that they can come in a multitude of colors and patterns. The American Cat Fancier’s Association recognizes all of their coat varieties.[8]
Observing an American Curl Cat’s Features
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1Notice its unique ears. The hallmark feature of the American curl cat is its curled ears. This breed has arched, curved ears that are made of firm cartilage. The arch can range from 90° to 180°.[11] The ears have been compared to the ears of a lynx, which is a medium-size wild cat with pointed ears.[12] These unique ears give the cat a happy, playful expression.[13]
- Kittens are born with straight ears, but they begin to arch after three to five days.[14]
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2Look for walnut-shaped eyes. Another identifier of this breed is the shape of its eyes. Its large eyes are walnut or wedge-shaped, which gives them a bright, friendly, and curious expression.[15]
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3Observe its eye color. This breed also has a wide variety of eye colors due to its large genetic background. Some of the colors include amber, blue, copper, green, gold, hazel, orange, or yellow.[16]
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4Pay attention to its rounded or wedge-shaped head. This breed has a rounded or wedge-shaped head, a well-formed muzzle, and a strong chin. In terms of proportion, its head is longer than it is wide and is well-portioned to its body size.[17]
Assessing an American Curl Cat’s Temperament
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1Notice its people-oriented personality. American curl cats are affectionate and attentive to their owners and others around them. They have been described as dog-like in personality, and they like interacting with children.[18] An American curl cat is curious and will likely want to follow you throughout the house.[19]
- This cat is likely to greet you affectionately at the door when you come home.[20]
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3Watch its friendly interactions with other animals. The American curl cat is adaptable and will usually get along well with other cats, dogs, and other pets in your home.[23] When brought into a new home, this breed will respect the other animals and their territories, giving them time to adjust to its presence.[24]
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4Listen for cooing sounds. The American curl cat is not a very vocal cat. Instead, this cat will let you know when it needs something by making a quivering, trill-like cooing sound.[25]
References
- ↑ http://cattime.com/cat-breeds/american-curl-cats#/slide/1
- ↑ http://www.hillspet.com/en/us/cat-breeds/american-curl
- ↑ http://www.hillspet.com/en/us/cat-breeds/american-curl
- ↑ http://www.petmd.com/cat/breeds/c_ct_american_curl#
- ↑ http://cattime.com/cat-breeds/american-curl-cats#/slide/
- ↑ http://www.hillspet.com/en/us/cat-breeds/american-curl
- ↑ http://cattime.com/cat-breeds/american-curl-cats#/slide/1
- ↑ http://cfa.org/Breeds/BreedsAB/AmericanCurl.aspx
- ↑ http://www.hillspet.com/en/us/cat-breeds/american-curl
- ↑ http://www.hillspet.com/en/us/cat-breeds/american-curl
- ↑ http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/cats-101/videos/american-curl/
- ↑ http://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/group/lynx/
- ↑ http://cfa.org/Breeds/BreedsAB/AmericanCurl.aspx
- ↑ http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/cats-101/videos/american-curl/
- ↑ http://cfa.org/Breeds/BreedsAB/AmericanCurl.aspx
- ↑ http://www.hillspet.com/en/us/cat-breeds/american-curl
- ↑ http://www.cat-breeds-encyclopedia.com/American-Curl-cat.html
- ↑ http://cattime.com/cat-breeds/american-curl-cats#/slide/1
- ↑ http://cfa.org/Breeds/BreedsAB/AmericanCurl.aspx
- ↑ http://cattime.com/cat-breeds/american-curl-cats#/slide/1
- ↑ http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/cats-101/videos/american-curl/
- ↑ http://cattime.com/cat-breeds/american-curl-cats#/slide/1
- ↑ http://cattime.com/cat-breeds/american-curl-cats#/slide/1
- ↑ http://cfa.org/Breeds/BreedsAB/AmericanCurl.aspx
- ↑ http://cfa.org/Breeds/BreedsAB/AmericanCurl.aspx
- ↑ http://cfa.org/Breeds/BreedsAB/AmericanCurl.aspx
About This Article
The best way to identify an American curl cat is to look for unique, curved ears, which is the hallmark feature of the breed. Besides the curved ears, look for a medium-sized cat with a rectangular build. Since American curl cats come in all different colors, like white, black, brown, and red, you can't identify one based on the color of its coat. However, all American curl cats have smooth, silky fur. You should also look for large, walnut-shaped eyes, which give American curl cats a bright, curious expression. For tips from our Veterinary co-author, like how to identify an American curl cat based on its temperament, keep reading!