Jungle Curl

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!

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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!

• Avalo’s Feline Hybrid and Exotic Sanctuary

• American Curl Rescue