The American curl cat is a playful, intelligent, and loving cat that was originally bred in the 1980s. This breed comes in many colors and is typically very healthy. These active and social cats need lots of playtime, so be sure to play with them frequently and provide them with safe spaces to climb and jump. If you provide a playful environment, regularly brush their fur and clean their ears, and talk to your veterinarian about dental cleanings and ear health, you can take care of an American curl cat.
Providing a Playful Environment
Plan to play with your cat each day. These cats retain their kitten-like personalities and playfulness through adulthood, and they have been referred to as the “Peter Pan” of cats. They can even be taught to play fetch! Keep your cat happy, active, and curious by playing with at it least twice each day for 15-minute periods.
Set aside certain toys for your playtime and only use them when the two of you are interacting. Rotate them every few days to keep your cat interested. Rub some catnip on one of the toys used during playtime.
Stimulate their mind with puzzle toys. American curl cats are highly intelligent. Provide your cat with challenging puzzle toys to prevent boredom and satisfy their curiosity.Purchase a food board puzzle online or at your local pet store. To earn a treat, your cat will need to solve the puzzle and move pieces around the board to access it. These toys can cost around $20 U.S.Make an interactive toy at home. Poke some holes in an empty water bottle, fill it with a few treats, and secure the plastic lid. Let your cat play with the toy to release the treats. This will allow your cat to exercise its hunting and jumping skills.
Give your cat places to climb. American curl cats love to climb, perch, and jump. Provide your cat with a cat tower or cat tree so they can climb safely and securely. While sitting on top of a cat tower, your cat can survey its environment and burn off some of its abundant energy by leaping and climbing.Buy a cat tree or tower online or at your local pet store. They come in various sizes and heights and cost between $50 and $150.
Grooming an American Curl Cat
Groom a short-haired cat weekly. This breed comes in both long and short-haired varieties and has a smooth, silky coat that lies flat.This breed does not have an undercoat, which means it sheds very little. A short-haired American curl cat requires very little grooming and needs only to be combed once a week.
Run the comb backwards through the short-haired cat’s coat to help remove dead hair.
Brush a long-haired cat twice a week. If you have a long-haired American curl cat, plan to brush its coat twice a week. This will help prevent the fur from matting and becoming tangled.
Consider brushing a long-haired American curl cat more frequently during the warmer months, since it sheds more during this period.
Check the ears every week. Be sure to check the American curl cat’s signature curled ears for dirt, redness, or odor. If you notice signs of infection like odor, redness, or swelling, talk to your veterinarian.
Clean their ears when you notice dirt. If you notice dirt in your cat’s ears, clean them with a cotton ball or soft washcloth. Moisten the cotton ball or cloth with an ear cleaner designed for use on cats. Be gentle during cleaning so you do not hurt or damage the cartilage in its ears.Cotton swabs can damage the inner ear, so do not use them to clean your cat’s ears.
Remove eye discharge with a damp cloth. If you notice eye discharge building up in the corner of your cat’s eyes, use a damp, warm cloth to wipe the area clean. After you wipe one eye, use a different portion of the cloth to wipe the other. This will help prevent bacteria or infection from spreading from one eye to the other.
Trim your cat’s nails every two weeks. Your American curl cat’s nails should be trimmed every couple of weeks.Plan to trim its nails when the cat is sleepy and relaxed. Gently massage your cat’s paw’s for three seconds, and allow your cat to sniff the clippers before you begin. Clip only the white tip of the nails.
Find a local groomer or ask your veterinarian to trim its nails if you do not wish to do this task at home.
Keeping Your Cat Healthy
Ask your veterinarian about narrow ear canals. While most American curl cats are relatively healthy due to their large genetic background, some are born with narrow ear canals. These narrow canals can lead to wax build-up and infections. Talk to your veterinarian about ear infections, build-up, and preventative home care. Checking its ears weekly and cleaning when necessary can help protect your cat’s ears.
Take your cat for a yearly checkup. Your American curl cat should be seen by the veterinarian at least once a year for a general examination and to receive its annual shots. You should also take it to the vet regularly to keep it up-to-date on its deworming and parasite control, such as flea treatments. If your cat is ill
Provide your cat with quality cat food and water. American curl cats do not have specific dietary requirements. A cat that does not have particular dietary needs can enjoy quality commercial cat food that is rich in protein, fatty acids, and carbohydrates. Be sure to provide clean water for your cat at all times. Talk to your veterinarian about selecting the best food for your pet.
Brush your cat’s teeth at home. To keep your cat’s teeth and gums healthy and clean, plan to brush its teeth at least once a week. Brushing helps prevent tartar and plaque build-up, which can stop periodontal disease. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste that is designed specifically for cats and is approved by your veterinarian.
Consider buying pet insurance. Pet insurance can be more expensive for purebred cats than mixed breed cats, but it is a great way to ensure that your cat will get the treatment it needs should it become sick or injured. Although the American curl cat does not have anticipated genetic defects or health issues, an insurance policy is great way to make sure you can cover the veterinary bills if needed. A policy on a cat can cost around $175 U.S. annually.
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