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.
Build
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.
Watch points
What to watch 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
Cold and heat tolerance
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
Tendency to gain weight
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.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it 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 vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a American Curl? Like all dogs, the American Curl receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for American Curl is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult American Curl vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
Which boosters for your American Curl?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting 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 provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
