Jungle-Curl vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison

It is believed that this unusual cat came to the United States on ships – kept by sailors who thought of them as a good luck charm and to keep the mice population under control.

These unusual cats became popular in the 1800s as ship cats but the cats soon began to be seen in port cities on the Eastern coast of the United States as well as Canada, and their numbers began to increase.

It is also believed these interesting cats were brought specifically to the Boston area.

Originating from the United States, the Jungle Curl cat is a cross between the Jungle cat and the American Curl.

Several other spotted cat breeds have been used to bring about the cat such as the Bengal and the Egyptian Mau .

The Jungle Curl cat is a curled eared wild cat hybrid, though no one seems 100% sure about the different cats used to bring the cat about.

The Polydactyl cat is unusual in that the cat has been born with something odd about it. It has more than the regular number of toes on just one or more of its paws.

Normal cats have a sum of 18 toes, with 5 on the front and 4 on the back but with Polydactyl cats you may find as many as 9 digits on their front and back paws.

American Polydactyl cats are medium to large in size with strong, muscular bodies. The cat can weigh up to 6kg. The head is broad, the ears wide-set and pointed and the coat can be any color, pattern and length.

Temperament:

These cats are easy-going, relaxed, and social. They’re hardy too and they’re able to enjoy being outdoors and indoors.

They’re affectionate with their human family and are also playful and energetic. It is prepared to be friendly with dogs and children too, but it is also able to act independently and get on with things. The Polydactyl cat is distinctive but also a very popular cat breed.

The JungleCurl is a large cat and it can weigh between 5 and 10kg.

It is a curled eared hybrid cat known for its long and lean frame. The hind legs are slightly longer than the front legs.

The Jungle Curl’s tail may be medium-length or a full-length, and a bobtail isn't encouraged in this particular breed. An interesting fact with this cat is that extra toes - known as polydactyly, are a sought after characteristic.

The eyes of the cat are wide-set and slanted, and come in shades varying from gold to green.

The distinguishing characteristic of the Jungle Curl is the ears which curl away from the face. Some curls are more severe than others so the degree of the curl can vary from slight to more severe. The ears are somewhat smaller than average, and may be tufted.

The Jungle Curl may have long or short hair. Recognized coat patterns are tawny (ticked), leopard, and clouded leopard. Colors are silver, mink, lilac, fawn, chocolate, sorrel, blue, ebony, with the occasional red and cream.

Temperament:

The Jungle Curl loves exploring and is an energetic cat that is also friendly. Because they are active, they need lots of exercise along with stimulating activities such as toys that make them think as well as climbing apparatus.

People who have owned them as pets say they are dog-like and will love to splash around in water with their human owners and even fetch a ball.

Jungle Curls are more playful and exploratory than many domestic cats. People who have owned them say they have the intelligence and appearance of the wild cat, but the affection of a domestic cat.

These are cats that need a lot of attention. Keep toys and activities ready for this cat and ensure that you give him lots of attention.

The cats are dog-like which means you can even throw a small ball for it to retrieve.

The American Polydactyl cat is such a down-to-earth kind of cat that you can welcome him into your home with ease.

Easy to look after, this lively and interesting cat will fill your home with love and companionship, and just a few extra toe nails to clip!

Allowing the private possession of cat hybrids like the Jungle Curl shouldn’t be allowed. It’s not that the Jungle Curl isn’t a wonderful cat – it is – but do research and you’ll find that these cats are always being rescued from animal sheltes because people dumped them there when they didn’t work out.

The Jungle Curl is an intelligent and affectionate cat, and people who have owned it will tell you that it is also one of these cats that become much like a dog in behavior.

It is energetic and playful and loves nothing more than to play with its owner. They love all the interaction and attention and don’t want to be left alone for too long as they become bored.

The Jungle Curl should have an outside cage when he is not being watched. You can even take him for walks. When he isn't being supervised, keep him safe in his outside cage. A hybrid cat needs special attention and a lot of exercise, and before you get one, think carefully.

With good care, these cats can live to be between 14 and 16 years of age. You need to be diligent with keeping this cat’s nails trimmed because depending on the placement of the toes, the nails could become a nuisance, growing in the wrong direction and cutting into he cat’s flesh.

Keep the nails trimmed as necessary. To avoid possible injury to your pet, your veterinarian can safely trim your cat’s claws.

Always pay attention to your cat's behavior as well as taking note of your cat when you groom him as both are good ways to discover whether anything is amiss with your polydactyl cat.

These hybrids can also suffer from genetic defects that require particular, special diets. They sometimes require surgery because they can’t properly digest their food.

The Jungle Curl is a loving, playful cat that will require a large outside enclosure if you want to ensure his good health. He isn't a cat to keep in a small apartment or constantly indoors.

These cats are susceptible to all of the same domestic cat diseases there are so you have to know of a good vet in your area who can see your cat when he is sick.

Speak to your vet about vaccines for the Jungle-Curl.

Keep an eye on your cat’s paws as their extra toes can make it that they are at a higher risk of hooking on a carpet or some other material, but this can be managed with regular nail trimming.

Daily needs:

Provide your cat with all the things he needs to make his life pleasant while in your care. He’ll need feeding and drinking bowls, a nice warm, dry bed, a litter box, stimulating toys, and things such as a scratching post and cat climbing tree.

Diet:

Cats are meat-eaters, and they need protein from meat for health. Some cooked chicken and beef can be a real treat for your pet. Grains and carbohydrates should only play a very small role in your pet’s diet. Too many grains can lead to malnutrition and obesity as well as problems with your cat's organs.

Always take into account your cat’s age because different life stages mean different energy levels and therefore different nutritional needs.

Take your sick cat to the vet when you see he is not his usual self. Make sure you keep up to date with all his vaccines and anti-parasite treatments.

Spaying and Neutering:

One of the most important health decisions you’ll make for your Polydactyl cat is to have your pet spayed or neutered. The procedure is common and performed in your vet’s office every day.

It offers lifelong health benefits. It improves your pet’s behavior and keeps them close to home too. Spaying a female cat will prevent uterine infections and breast cancer, and for males, it can prevent testicular cancer.

Best of all, it helps to prevent yet more kittens into a world overrun with stray cats and rescue centers jam-packed with unwanted kittens and cats.

When feeding most hybrid cats protein is one of the most important factors. Also, make sure they get a good variety as well.

A cat such as the Jungle Curl will want a mix of meat such as chicken, beef, liver and salmon. Some of the excellent commercial cat foods are tremendously convenient, whether dry food, semi-wet or wet foods. There are sone excellent brands available that are high in protein.

Ensure a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Supply your cat with all the things he needs to make his life happy. Water- and food bowls, nice warm bed, brush, grooming accessories, cat carrying box, litter box, and collar and tag.

Love your cat and pour your attention onto him.