| Cats have evolved over the centuries to become the | | | | Siamese. In addition to its hairlessness, the Donskoy |
| sly, loving feline companions we know today. Here | | | | is also recognized by its long, webbed toes. |
| are just a few of the many breeds available to | | | | American Curl |
| serious cat lovers around the world. | | | | The first American Curl was "Shulamith," a stray |
| Most breeds that possess instantly recognizable | | | | found in Lakewood, California in 1981. |
| characteristics have their origins in a single cat. The | | | | American Curls are known for their distinctive, curled |
| new breed usually begins when a cat is found with an | | | | ears. American Curls are born with straight ears and it |
| anomaly. This unique cat is then bred so that the | | | | isn't until 3 or 5 days that the begin to curl. The ears |
| unusual gene is repeated in its offspring. | | | | take their permanent shape around the 16 week |
| Donskoy or Don Sphynx | | | | mark and that's when breeders determine if the cat |
| The Donsky started in Russia when a hairless cat | | | | could be show worthy. Show Curls have an arc of |
| was found in the streets in 1987. The recessive gene | | | | 90-180 degrees while a pet Curl's ears can range |
| was repeated when the cat was bred with a | | | | from a slight curl to almost entirely straight. |