Jungle-Curl vs American Curl - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

The American Curl is well known for its unusual shaped ears and for being one of the youngest cat breeds.

It developed in California. The first of these cats appeared to have been strays that arrived in California in 1981. The black female’s name was Shulamith, and she gave birth to a litter with the same curled ears, and was the ancestor of the American Curls of today.

Appearing in a cat show in 1992 for the first time, the longhaired American Curl was then given championship status by TICA and it was also admitted to the Cat Fanciers Association’s championship class in the long- and shorthaired divisions.

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 American Curl is a medium-sized cat weighing roughly 2.3–4.5kg. Its a cat that stands between 21 and 27cm in height.

It’s also a cat that takes a fairly long time to mature, reaching maturity about 2 or 3 years of age. The most distinctive feature of this cat is its unusual ears that curl backward as opposed to standing up like most other cats. At birth the ears are straight but they gradually start curling back, staying in a tight bud position.

The American Curl's coat is soft and silky and doesn’t require too much grooming. The fur comes in colors such as grey, white, apricot, black, and the coat can be a solid color or in a host of different patterns such as bi-color, triple-color, tabby, ticking and others.

The head is round, the eyes of the cat are large, giving the cat an alert, friendly look. The eyes can be many different colors from blue to green, amber, copper, hazel, and yellow.

Temperament:

The American Curl Cat loves his human family and gets on well with children too. He is an adaptable cat, settling into different lifestyles. You’ve got to watch him around small children who might manhandle him and pull his sensitive ears.

Nonetheless, he is sociable and loving. He is an intelligent cat, being active and alert and will even follow you around to see what you’re doing that he can be involved in too. He isn’t a particularly talkative breed but he loves to play and can even learn to fetch a smallish ball.

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.

You’ll find your American Curl to be a friendly, loving cat that will easily bond with his human family. They’re adaptable cats and will happily adjust to your lifestyle.

Despite their affection, however, American Curls aren't the type of cats to want to be pampered and petted - they are quite happy just to sit next to their owner and relax, or play with their toys.

Because American Curls are highly adaptable, they're suitable for a number of different home types, and homes with other pets or children, making you a splendid feline pet and companion.

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.

This is a healthy breed of cat that with good care can reach 9 – 15 years of age.

You need to be careful with their ears – perhaps damaging the cartilage if you brush him too hard.

Like many cats, the Curl is susceptible to ear issues so always be sure to check and clean your cat’s ears weekly.

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.

The Curl’s coat can be either short or long, but with a gentle brushing, the coat can be well maintained. The shorthaired variety sheds a bit more during the year than the longhaired variety and this is why grooming and brushing becomes necessary.

You can brush your cat’s teeth to avoid periodontal disease.

Trim your cat’s nails every other week if they don’t wear down naturally.

Check inside- and outside the cat’s ears for parasites and dirt. The cat’s ears have a unique shape and they may well be born with narrowed ear canals that can trap dirt and wax and this results in ear infections.

Like all cats breeds, your lean, muscular American Curl can be susceptible to obesity and heart disease. Speak to your vet about a special cat food for your feline friend as cat food is specially formulated to deliver the exact level of natural vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants needed. Understand the amount of food your Curl requires by checking out the feeding instructions on the food labels. Always talk to your vet if you're not sure how much and what you should feed your cat.

Remember, that if you don’t want to do these grooming routines for your cat for fear of hurting him or not doing it properly, the vet or your local pet groomer will do it for you.

Make sure to provide your intelligent American Curl with toys and exercise. You can buy toys and games that will challenge his mental and physical abilities.

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.