Longevity
Life expectancy
With an appropriate lifestyle, a balanced diet and regular veterinary follow-up, this cat can commonly live from 13 to 16 years. Monitoring the ears and maintaining a healthy weight contribute to its longevity.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The American Curl generally enjoys robust health. The diversity of its coats and its coat lengths does not fundamentally alter its sturdiness, but the particular anatomy of its ears requires regular attention and careful handling.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
The ears are the main point to check. Any redness, odor, discharge, pain or tendency to shake the head justifies a veterinary consultation. Routine care and vaccination prevention remain those recommended for all cats.
Ear irritations and infections: The curled shape of the ears requires regular inspection and gentle cleaning in order to quickly spot redness, discharge, or unusual odors.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its lifestyle is mainly indoors. The short-haired variety as well as the semi-long-haired one must have access to a temperate shelter, away from high heat, intense cold and drafts. Outdoor access must be secured and adapted to weather conditions.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
His ration must be adjusted to his age, his weight, his neutering and his activity. Even if he likes to play, he is not a tireless athlete and can gain weight if his diet is too rich. Measured portions, daily play and regular monitoring of his figure help prevent obesity.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Inspect the ears each week without forcing them or straightening them.
- Never insert a cotton swab into the ear canal.
- Keep vaccinations and antiparasitic treatments suited to the lifestyle up to date.
- Consult promptly in case of redness, odor, or ear discharge.
Vaccination
American Curl vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a American Curl need? Like all cats, American Curls should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. Kittens receive their initial American Curl vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if they live indoors. Depending on their lifestyle (outdoor access, living with other cats, shows, travel), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Depending on lifestyle Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisDepending on lifestyle Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult American Curl booster shots are given annually for feline herpesvirus and feline leukemia if your cat goes outdoors. For feline panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your cat's lifestyle.
Which boosters does your American Curl need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy American Curl
An annual veterinary examination helps monitor weight, teeth, skin, heart and overall condition. Particular attention must be paid to the ear canals, without forcing or straightening the ears. The vaccination schedule and antiparasitic treatments must be adapted to the lifestyle.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
