Groom a shorthaired American Curl weekly to keep his coat shiny and healthy. A longhaired Curl should be combed twice a week to prevent or remove mats and tangles.The only other grooming the American Curl needs is regular nail trimming, usually weekly. Brush the teeth frequently with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath. Start nail trimming and teeth brushing early so your kitten becomes accepting of this activity.Check the ears weekly for redness or a bad smell that could indicate an infection. Clean the ears only if they look dirty. Use a gentle cleanser recommended by your veterinarian. Never fold or force the ear into other positions, as this can damage the cartilage.
The Curl’s coat can be short or long, and both lengths are easy to care for. The longhaired variety has little undercoat, so it’s unlikely to mat or tangle. A weekly combing is plenty to keep the longhaired or shorthaired Curl looking beautiful. Try running the comb backwards through the shorthair’s coat; it can help to remove any dead hair that has accumulated. Shorthairs shed year-round and tend to shed more than the longhairs. During warm months, when the longhairs may shed more heavily, it’s a good idea to brush or comb more often. A bath is rarely necessary.Brush the teeth to prevent periodontal disease. Daily dental hygiene is best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing. Trim the nails every couple of weeks. Wipe the corners of the eyes with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Use a separate area of the cloth for each eye so you don’t run the risk of spreading any infection.Check the ears weekly. If they look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball or soft damp cloth moistened with a 50-50 mixture of cider vinegar and warm water. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can damage the interior of the ear. Handle the ears carefully; you don’t want to break the cartilage.Keep the American Curl’s litter box spotlessly clean. Cats are very particular about bathroom hygiene.It’s a good idea to keep a American Curl as an indoor-only cat to protect him from diseases spread by other cats, attacks by dogs or coyotes, and the other dangers that face cats who go outdoors, such as being hit by a car. American Curl who go outdoors also run the risk of being stolen by someone who would like to have such a beautiful cat without paying for it.
