The Jungle Curl cat is a hybrid cat breed with curled ears, resulting from crossing the African Jungle cat or their hybrids (like the Chausie orJungle Lynx) with curled-eared domestic cats such as the American Curl and the Highland Lynx. Additionally, this relatively new cat breed incorporates genes from domestic shorthair breeds, including the Serengeti, Bengal, and Savannah. This mix creates a domestic cat hybrid with physical traits reminiscent of their wild feline ancestors.
There’s a lot of information regarding the origins of the Jungle Curl cat breed. Sometimes, other feline breeds are lumped into the same breed name. If you run a quick internet search, sometimes the Jungle Curl may mistakenly also be called the Chausie, the Highlander, or a Jungle Cat. It’s important to note these different breeds according to different cat registries.
Because of their closer ancestry to wild jungle cats, the Jungle Curl cat’s temperament may be more exploratory and playful than that of other domestic breeds. Jungle Curls are also known for being very friendly and even dog-like. They are also highly intelligent and can even learn tricks like fetch. Unlike many other domestic breeds, these wild-looking cats vary in size depending on their genetic makeup and breeding. As a result of their somewhat complicated breeding, their weight ranges from 5 to 25 pounds. Because of their rarity, they can face some health problems due to interbreeding.
Before looking for a Jungle Curl cat for sale, it’s advisable to prioritize adopting from rescue organizations or shelters to provide a loving home to a cat in need. As mentioned, this breed is very rare, so finding one in a shelter might be difficult. You can always look up rescue networks that work to rehome Jungle Curl cats. However, if you decide to purchase a Jungle Curl kitten, it’s crucial to choose a reputable breeder. Conduct thorough research to ensure that the breeder follows ethical practices and prioritizes the well-being of their cats. Reputable Jungle Curl breeders prioritize the health and temperament of their cats, conduct necessary health screenings, and provide a nurturing environment for the kitties. This active approach ensures that you bring home a healthy and happy kitty while discouraging unethical breeding practices.
Jungle Curl Cat Quick Facts
- Origin: United States
- Size: Medium
- Breed Group: Shorthair
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Coat: Short, dense, and silky. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns, including tabby, bi-color, and solid variations of black, grey, and brown.
- Temperament: Intelligent, playful, affectionate, friendly, cheerful, charismatic, adaptable
- Exercise Needs: High
- Training: Easy to train
- Grooming: Weekly brushing
- Health: Generally healthy, but prone to certain genetic health conditions, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
- The ears begin to curl around 10 days old and curl until they are fully formed by 16 weeks old. The degree of curl can vary, ranging from a slight hook to a full 180-degree curl.
- Some Jungle Curl cats can be polydactyl, but not all. Since this is a relatively new and experimental breed, there is no standard for how many toes the breed should have, and it is up to the breeder.
- This is one of the breeds that will learn tricks and play fetch, among many dog-like behaviors.
- The F1 Jungle Curl cat is a hybrid cat breed, a first-generation cross between a Jungle Cat and a domestic cat, often with American Curl ancestry. These cats are larger and have a wild appearance, with traits like curled ears and a muscular build. They are energetic, intelligent, and may retain some wild behaviors, requiring ample stimulation and a high-protein diet. Ownership can be subject to legal restrictions; they need proper socialization and a suitable environment to thrive.
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Affectionate with Family
Some cat breeds are typically independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since kittenhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; cats who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
See Cats Less Affectionate with Family -
Amount of Shedding
If you’re going to share your home with a cat, you’ll need to deal with some level of cat hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary among the breeds. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. This furniture cover can make it easier to clean up cat hair and keep it off your sofa!
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General Health
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems. This doesn’t mean that every cat of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk. If you’re looking only for purebred cats or kittens, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in.
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Potential for Playfulness
Some cats are perpetual kittens—full of energy and mischief—while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful kitten sounds endearing, consider how many games of chase the mouse-toy you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other animals who can stand in as playmates. A classic wand cat toy like this one is perfect for playful felines!
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Tendency to Vocalize
Some breeds sound off more often than others with meows, yowls, and chattering. When choosing a breed, think about how the cat vocalizes and how often. If constant “conversation” drives you crazy, consider a kitty less likely to chat.
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Kid-Friendly
Being tolerant of children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a nonchalant attitude toward running, screaming youngsters are all traits that make a kid-friendly cat. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual cat will behave; cats from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences and personality.
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Friendly Toward Strangers
Stranger-friendly cats will greet guests with a curious glance or a playful approach; others are shy or indifferent, perhaps even hiding under furniture or skedaddling to another room. However, no matter what the breed, a cat who was exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a kitten will respond better to strangers as an adult.
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Easy to Groom
Some breeds require very little in the way of grooming; others require regular brushing to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a cat who needs daily brushing. You should definitely pick up this awesome de-shedding tool for cats of any hair length!
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Intelligence
Some cat breeds are reputed to be smarter than others. But all cats, if deprived the mental stimulation they need, will make their own busy work. Interactive cat toys are a good way to give a cat a brain workout and keep them out of mischief. This scratcher cat toy can keep your smart kitty busy even when you’re not home!
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Pet Friendly
Friendliness toward other household animals and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some cats are more likely than others to be accepting of other pets in the home.
Jungle Curl Cat History
The history of the Jungle Curl cat breed started out with attempts to cross a wild African Jungle Cat with domestic felines like the Hemingway Curl. As the breed has developed, it has become removed from the wild cat side of its ancestry and gained a reputation as an athletic cat that nevertheless shows a strong affectionate side.
The Curl part of the Jungle Curl’s name comes from its distinctive ears, which give the impression they’ve been turned-out. These days, you can find Jungle Curls in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. So make sure to consider adoption if you decide that this is the breed for you!
Jungle Curl Cat Size
The Jungle Curl is a large-to-medium cat. As is always the case, exact size standards might vary.
Most Jungle Curls weigh in at 8-25 pounds.
Jungle Curl Cat Personality
So what sort of a personality does the average Jungle Curl display? Well, first of all, the breed definitely lives up to its wild cat billing in terms of being a super energetic and highly active feline. This is a cat that’s going to need a lot of space to prowl and run around, along with suitable cat furniture to scale and explore. If you have a safe enclosed outdoor space, like a catio, that would be ideal for a Jungle Curl.
Many Jungle Curl owners have compared the cat to being much like a dog, in terms of the way it likes to play and be around human beings. So you’ll need to be a big presence in its life–and if you have children, this can be a great breed to act as a play buddy.
Beyond the Jungle Curl’s physically outgoing side, the breed also loves humans and will form strong and affectionate bonds with the people in its life. In some cases, Jungle Curls have even been known to become territorial about the homestead and almost act as guard cats towards strangers!
Jungle Curl Cat Health
Jungle Curls are generally considered to be healthy cats–although they can be predisposed to the same conditions that the African Jungle Cat and Hemingway Curl breeds face. As always, it’s important to schedule regular wellness visits with your cat’s vet. There aren’t any breed-specific health problems associated with the Jungle Curl, but always keep an eye out for signs that your cat might be in distress or pain.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in cats is a genetic disorder that affects the retina, leading to a gradual and irreversible loss of vision. The retina is the part of the eye responsible for detecting light and transmitting signals to the brain for visual interpretation. PRA is not a singular disease but rather a group of genetic conditions that share a similar outcome.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common form of heart disease in cats and is characterized by the thickening of the heart muscle. HCM affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively and can lead to serious health problems.
Jungle Curl Cat Care
As with all cats, it’s important to keep up your Jungle Curl’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your cat healthy. Beyond scheduling yearly wellness visits with your vet, make sure that you pick up a scratching post for your Jungle Curl cat’s living environment–this can help promote healthy scratching and keep the cat’s nails in good condition. This is especially important for such an active and athletic cat breed like the Jungle Curl.
The cat’s ears–whether they’re out-turned in appearance or not–should also be examined regularly for signs of dirt building up or possible infection. Talk to your vet about starting a regular teeth brushing regime that will suit your Jungle Curl. Your vet can advise you about specific brands and techniques.
Finally, because the Jungle Curl is a cat with lots of energy, it’s recommended that you add at least one cat tree to your home–and if you can secure safe enclosed outdoor time then that’s even better.
Jungle Curl Cat Coat Color And Grooming
The Jungle Curl is a cat that can be found as either a long or short-haired feline. It is often seen with leopard-style markings. The most common colors for a Jungle Curl’s coat are brown, silver, lilac and cream.
When it comes to grooming, it will really depend on whether your Jungle Curl has long or short hair. A short-haired Jungle Curl will suffice with weekly brushing sessions–but longer-haired felines will need closer to daily brushings to make sure mats don’t take form.
In terms of climate, most Jungle Curl cats are adaptable, but as befits their heritage, they prefer a slightly warmer living environment. You should also always make sure that there’s enough shade and fresh water available during the hotter months.
Children And Other Pets
In general, the Jungle Curl gets along really well with young kids. Just make sure that early socialization takes place and boundaries are properly set on both sides–and supervise early interactions between kids and cats, especially when you’re dealing with such an athletic cat as the Jungle Curl.
When it comes to other household pets, the Jungle Curl usually fares well with many domestic animals. But always make sure to supervise early interactions between the new cat and existing pets–sometimes these relationships are very much dependent on the individuals pets’ personalities.
Be wary of leaving the Jungle Curl around smaller animals, too. Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this breed. Make sure to reward your Jungle Curl for good behavior when you bring them home to your family!
Jungle Curl Cat Rescue Groups
More Info For You
If you’re also looking for a dog, check out DogTime’s dog breed page!
