Thai vs Jungle-Curl - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Originating from the United States, the Jungle Curl cat is a cross between the Jungle cat and the American Curl.

Several other spotted cat breeds have been used to bring about the cat such as the Bengal and the Egyptian Mau .

The Jungle Curl cat is a curled eared wild cat hybrid, though no one seems 100% sure about the different cats used to bring the cat about.

The Thai cat is also referred to as the Wichien Maat. It is an old cat breed descended from the cats of Thailand.

The Wichienmaat is a cat that was spoken of already centuries ago in a book. Over the years, the cat has remained much the same as its original breeding. Today this cat is popular in Thailand.

It was in the late 1800s that the Wichienmaat was imported to the West by British cat breeders, and the cats became known as ‘Siamese’.

Western breeders wanted to add in some other qualities to the cat and through selective breeding, they developed a finer-boned type of Siamese cat. Today some people refer to these cats as Old-Style Siamese, while others refer to them as Thais, but they are one and the same.

The JungleCurl is a large cat and it can weigh between 5 and 10kg.

It is a curled eared hybrid cat known for its long and lean frame. The hind legs are slightly longer than the front legs.

The Jungle Curl’s tail may be medium-length or a full-length, and a bobtail isn't encouraged in this particular breed. An interesting fact with this cat is that extra toes - known as polydactyly, are a sought after characteristic.

The eyes of the cat are wide-set and slanted, and come in shades varying from gold to green.

The distinguishing characteristic of the Jungle Curl is the ears which curl away from the face. Some curls are more severe than others so the degree of the curl can vary from slight to more severe. The ears are somewhat smaller than average, and may be tufted.

The Jungle Curl may have long or short hair. Recognized coat patterns are tawny (ticked), leopard, and clouded leopard. Colors are silver, mink, lilac, fawn, chocolate, sorrel, blue, ebony, with the occasional red and cream.

Temperament:

The Jungle Curl loves exploring and is an energetic cat that is also friendly. Because they are active, they need lots of exercise along with stimulating activities such as toys that make them think as well as climbing apparatus.

People who have owned them as pets say they are dog-like and will love to splash around in water with their human owners and even fetch a ball.

Jungle Curls are more playful and exploratory than many domestic cats. People who have owned them say they have the intelligence and appearance of the wild cat, but the affection of a domestic cat.

These are cats that need a lot of attention. Keep toys and activities ready for this cat and ensure that you give him lots of attention.

The cats are dog-like which means you can even throw a small ball for it to retrieve.

The Thai is a short-haired, glossy cat and comes in a variety of colors but no white.

The soft, silky fur is a warm cream shade, much like the Siamese, with dark brown, black, smoky colored extremities.

The Thai is considered to be a medium-sized cat and he will weigh between 3 an 6kg. The body is lean, slender and muscular, the ears medium size with rounded tips and set wide apart. The eyes are are beautiful blue, large and slightly slanted.

Temperament

Thai cats are curious, active, and intelligent. They are also social and vocal and are able to communicate to their human owners what they want.

They thrive on getting lots of attention from their humans and will even follow them around the house. They do well with children in the home when the children have been taught to be kind and respectful to animals.

Allowing the private possession of cat hybrids like the Jungle Curl shouldn’t be allowed. It’s not that the Jungle Curl isn’t a wonderful cat – it is – but do research and you’ll find that these cats are always being rescued from animal sheltes because people dumped them there when they didn’t work out.

The Jungle Curl is an intelligent and affectionate cat, and people who have owned it will tell you that it is also one of these cats that become much like a dog in behavior.

It is energetic and playful and loves nothing more than to play with its owner. They love all the interaction and attention and don’t want to be left alone for too long as they become bored.

The Jungle Curl should have an outside cage when he is not being watched. You can even take him for walks. When he isn't being supervised, keep him safe in his outside cage. A hybrid cat needs special attention and a lot of exercise, and before you get one, think carefully.

The Thai cat is social and friendly and enjoys time spent with his human family. They don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time and it just might be a good idea to have a feline friend for this cat.

He is also a vocal cat and lets you know his feelings and certainly when he wants his food. The Thai wants to be your friend and companion and he will thrive in any kind of home when he is made to feel important and loved.

These hybrids can also suffer from genetic defects that require particular, special diets. They sometimes require surgery because they can’t properly digest their food.

The Jungle Curl is a loving, playful cat that will require a large outside enclosure if you want to ensure his good health. He isn't a cat to keep in a small apartment or constantly indoors.

These cats are susceptible to all of the same domestic cat diseases there are so you have to know of a good vet in your area who can see your cat when he is sick.

Speak to your vet about vaccines for the Jungle-Curl.

These cats are known for their good health. Just because he is considered healthy, you can't ignore looking out for signs that he may be in distress.

There are actually a whole lot of common cat illnesses your cat could succumb to, so you want to be sure you recognize some of the signs such a vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and battling to urinate. Make sure that the eyes are always bright and clear and that he is his active self.

Have your Thai cat vaccinated against the deadly cat diseases that there are. You will also need to have your cat dewormed. Speak to your vet about the best way to prevent fleas.

Have your cat spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted kittens.

When feeding most hybrid cats protein is one of the most important factors. Also, make sure they get a good variety as well.

A cat such as the Jungle Curl will want a mix of meat such as chicken, beef, liver and salmon. Some of the excellent commercial cat foods are tremendously convenient, whether dry food, semi-wet or wet foods. There are sone excellent brands available that are high in protein.

Ensure a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Supply your cat with all the things he needs to make his life happy. Water- and food bowls, nice warm bed, brush, grooming accessories, cat carrying box, litter box, and collar and tag.

Love your cat and pour your attention onto him.

You’ll see your Thai cat preening and grooming, but he will still need to have the silky coat brushed gently to keep it shiny and healthy.

The brushing will make him happy as he just loves the attention, and it is good for the cat’s fur – to remove dust and loose hairs.

Make sure to visit your vet if you suspect that your Thai cat is ill.

Your Thai cat is a scratcher just like any other cat, and if you don’t want to have your furniture scratch, invest in a scratching post.

Examine the inside of your cat’s ears to make sure they are clear of dirt and wax that could cause infection.

Some people say you should brush your cat’s teeth, but this can be too traumatic for your cat. Pets have always done well without their teeth being brushed. It can frighten your cat so much, he’ll want to scratch you.

Your Thai is an active, energetic cat, and you will want to provide him with a cat tree for climbing.

Provide your cat with feeding- and drinking bowls, litter box, warm, soft bed and toys to keep him occupied. It is always a good idea to put a collar on your pet and an ID disc in case he runs away.