Collection: Personalised American Curl Gifts

One of the newest cat breeds on the block, the American Curl is most known for its distinctive ears and tail. All of the American Curl cats can trace their lineage back to one particular cat. Due to good breeding practices, this cat is generally healthy and has managed to avoid several illnesses than other purebred cats are subject to.

All American Curls can trace their heritage back to a stray kitten called Shulamith. A black kitten with distinct ears. She was picked up by a couple called Grace and Joe Ruga, who named the kitten after a figure in the Old testament. Eventually Shulamith had a litter with an unknown father. She had four kittens, two of which had her distinctive ears. The couple consulted a geneticist who determined the trait genes that created these unique traits were dominant. In 1983 an interest was taken in the breed, and people began to selectively breed for Shulamith's curly ears. The breed was then named the American Curl and was recognised by the International Cat Association in 1987. The transformation of the breed from stray to pedigree took an unprecedentedly short amount of time, a total of six years! Whilst all cats of this breed are descended from Shulamith, the breed has been crossbred with cats of similar traits to try and keep the gene pool for the breed expansive and strong!

This breed stays true to its domestic shorthair roots and is curious, intelligent, and moderately athletic. It is also an affectionate breed which has been known to enjoy the company of children, although all children who are in contact with cats should be taught how to properly interact with them to reduce the risk of scratches! This is a breed that loves to play, with some members of the breed learning to play fetch. This breed needs to be kept both physically and mentally active, so both puzzle toys and physically active toys need to be provided for them.