About American Curl Breed 

The American Curl Story begins in June 1981, the relatively new breed that gives its place in modern American culture was discovered in California, Lakewood; on the doorstep of unsuspecting residents, Joe and Grace Ruga (Curlniques Cattery). It all starts when two cats with curly ears show up on Joe and Grace's doorstep, one of the unique cats passed away, but the couple named the other Shulamith a long-haired black female that in few months she became a beloved member of the family. 

For some reason, Joe and Grace were curious about her peculiar ears, but found no breed that fit her description, so they decided to cross her with another black and white cat named Panda. In December 1981, Shulamith had four kittens, two of the babies had curly ears even though the father lacked the unique genetic mutation. It soon became clear that the gene for curly ears was dominant, meaning that only one parent needed the trait to pass it on to their offspring. Afterwards,  Shulamith had more litters, creating more curly-eared cats. Soon there were long-haired, short-haired and curly-eared cats of various colors and patterns.

In fact a woman named Nancy Kiester acquired two of the kittens. Not only was she fascinated by their curly ears, but also by their carefree nature. As well she realized that the cat was distinct from the Scottish Fold and pushed for them to become a breed of their own, The International associations immediately began diligent research and breeding trials that eventually led to the official recognition of the American Curl in several registries. Definitely Shulamith also did her part, contributing several litters of kittens whose charm and intelligence would win the affection of friends, relatives, breeders and fanciers around the world.

Shulamith and her first litter of kittens:

Phisical Description of the American Curl:

When the Curls are born, their ears are straight. Approximately 3 to 5 days they begin to curve back, held in a tight "rosebud" position, gradually unfolding until they are permanently at around 4 or 5 months, so the degree of curvature can vary greatly, from an almost straight ear that is a pet quality or with some imperfection, to a show ear with a 90-180 degree arch. In fact for a show quality the size of the ears should be proportional to the size of the head and you know that the Curl's cartilage is firm, similar to that of humans? They should be firm from the base of the ear to at least one third of the height, with the tips flexible and rounded, that say the TICA standard.  the ideal American Curl has been described as a well-balanced cat, indicating that the ideal ear height is one that is in balance and proportion to the overall size of the head and body, so don't is a determining factor, the ideal is maintaining a smooth arch. it really is impossible to predict what degree of ear curl kittens will have based on the degree of parental ear curl, as a sire or dam need not have show ears to produce them and two parents with show ears can easily produce ears much less curly than the desired 90 degrees. This always makes for the greatest intrigue in every litter, as mother nature holds the reins in this process! 

Although the distinguishing feature of the American Curl is its exclusively curly ears, body type and a silky coat without some undercoat and smooth coat are equally important. So that the ideal torso is a agile and athletic, with a medium-sized rectangle that will support a medium-boned cat weighing no more than 6 kilograms. Also the Curl have its expressive walnut-shaped eyes which make it extremely attractive and cute cats, also its wedge-shaped head that is longer than it is wide, its straight profile with a small gentle curve that goes to join the brow line of the skull. In other hand, their color is unique in each specimen, there is no standardized color for this breed just like their ancestors House Hold Pets, they can have all possible colors and patterns posible in the cats world.