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From: Karen OBrien <[email protected]>
Subject: rec.pets.cats:  American Curl  Breed-FAQ
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All the cat breed faqs are available as ASCII files either on rec.pets.cats
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                              American Curls

  Author: Karen O'Brien, CFA American Curl Breed Council Secretary,
  [email protected]

  Copyright (c)1995 Karen O'Brien, All Rights Reserved.

    _________________________________________________________________

  "What did you do to their ears? Are their ears always like that? Did
  you use a curling iron?"

  Yes, their ears ARE always like that and no, a curling iron was NOT
  used to achieve those extraordinary ears! The curled ear is a natural
  genetic mutation and first time admirers are always surprised by the
  American Curl's unique ears and impressed by their overall striking
  beauty. Curls quickly become a favorite with all who come to know
  them.

  The American Curl's ears, which are firm to the touch and curl back in
  a graceful arc away from their face toward the center back of their
  head, are a genetic mutation given to us by none other than Mother
  Nature. Discovered in California as a stray cat in 1981, the American
  Curl is now recognized as one of the United States' native American
  cat breeds.

    _________________________________________________________________

History

  On a sunny day in June 1981 in Lakewood, California, a longhair silky
  black female kitten with unusual ears wandered up to the doorstep of
  Joe and Grace Ruga. Joe scrutinized the situation and determined that
  the most effective solution to this stray kitten problem was to ask
  Grace not to feed the kitten. Grace, not abiding by her husband's
  wishes but listening to her heart instead, left a bowl of food on the
  porch. The affectionate black kitten quickly worked her way into the
  Ruga's hearts (especially Joe's) and they named her Shulamith, which
  means "black but comely". Such are the beginnings of the American Curl
  as it is known today. True American Curls must trace their pedigree
  back to Shulamith, the foundation female.

  In December 1981, Shulamith delivered her first litter of kittens. Out
  of four kittens, two had the same curly ears as Shulamith. A
  geneticist was contacted to study this phenomenon and he confirmed
  that this unusual ear was a genetic trait and was inherited in every
  case, causing it to be labeled a dominant gene, with no deformities
  attached to it. Referred to as a spontaneous mutation, the gene that
  causes the ear to curl appeared to be following a single dominant
  pattern.

    _________________________________________________________________

Acceptance

  Selective breeding and presentation of the Curls began in 1983
  allowing cat fanciers their first opportunity to get a glimpse of a
  rare, new addition to the world of cats. Curls were first accepted for
  CFA registration in 1986 and achieved Provisional status in 1991
  followed by their advancement to the Championship Class in February
  1993, setting a precedent in CFA by being the first breed to be
  admitted to the Championship Class as one breed with two coat lengths.
  Due to their domestic ancestry, American Curls are available in both
  longhair and shorthair varieties and come in any color or coat
  pattern. Both coat lengths are presented in the Longhair Division at
  CFA cat shows.

  Breeding partners for American Curls are limited to other Curls or
  non-pedigreed domestic cats which closely match the Curl breed
  standard with the exception of the curled ear. By outcrossing to
  domestic cats, the American Curl gene pool grows large and optimum
  health is maintained due to genetic diversity. When breeding Curl to
  Curl, the resulting kittens will usually all have curled ears.
  However, a Curl bred to a straight ear cat, regardless of whether or
  not it is a domestic cat or an American Curl Straight Ear, will
  produce at least 50% Curls and sometimes more due to the dominant
  nature of the curl gene. American Curl Straight Ears from such litters
  are very valuable in a planned breeding program and also make
  outstanding pets.

    _________________________________________________________________

Characteristics and Temperment

  When Curls are born, their ears are straight, but within two to ten
  days after birth, their ears begin to curl back. During the first 4
  months, the kitten's ears will gradually curl and uncurl in varying
  degrees until they are set permanently at 4 months of age. At this
  age, breeders can determine the kitten's quality (pet, breeder, show).
  Along with the kitten's overall conformation to the breed standard,
  degree of curl to the ear is a key factor in determining quality as
  follows: first degree (pet), second degree (breeder), and third degree
  (show) being the most desirable curl to the ear, emulating the
  graceful curve of a full crescent. Ear furnishings (hair tufts)
  fanning outward from the ear accentuate and further enhance the curled
  ear.

  The ideal American Curl is a medium sized, alert animal with an
  elegant appearance and a sweet, open expression complimented by their
  remarkable ears. Both longhair and shorthair Curls have soft, silky
  coats, but the longhair Curl has the distinction of sporting a
  beautiful plumed tail. Because both coat lengths have minimal
  undercoat resulting in non-matting hair, grooming an American Curl is
  easy -- an occasional bath and combing is all that is needed. Care
  should be taken when handling the ears to avoid breaking the cartilage
  -- do not force the ear into unnatural positions.

  The Curl's temperament is one of curiosity and companionship. Being
  very people-oriented, they like to assist in all household projects
  and delight in "bumping heads" with their owners or new human
  acquaintances. Curls are even tempered and intelligent, yet they
  retain their kitten-type behavior throughout their adult life. Not
  overly talkative, the Curls will tell you when they need something or
  desire attention. American Curls easily adapt to almost any home
  situation and adjust to other animals remarkably well. Simply stated,
  they are extremely affectionate and absolutely ear-resistible!

    _________________________________________________________________

  Pricing of American Curls usually depends on each individual kitten's
  degree of curl, bloodlines, type and markings. Many breeders allow
  pickup of new kittens between 3 and 4 months of age. Along with
  reaching their permanent degree of curl by 4 months, kittens have had
  basic inoculations and developed the physical and social stability to
  adjust to a new environment. Four months is also the minimum age
  requirement for cat show participation and transportation of kittens
  by air.

    _________________________________________________________________


   American Curl FAQ
   Karen O'Brien, [email protected]
   Last updated 07/19/95