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American Keuda Cat Breed Info: Pictures, Personality & Traits

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on February 7, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

American Keuda Cat Breed Info: Pictures, Personality & Traits

The American Keuda is a wild-looking cat with a slender body, a wedge-shaped head, and long ears. They are thought to have come from Spain to the United States, where they first landed in Texas. However, there is not much known about the origins of this breed nor when they were first bred. It is thought that they are descendants of an ancient cat, but that is simply speculation.

Breed Overview

Height:

8–10 inches

Weight:

3–12 pounds

Lifespan:

12–15 years

Colors:

Black, white, brown, tabby, piebald

Suitable for:

Active households, farms, homes with room to explore, families with children

Temperament:

Intelligent, energetic, curious, attentive, interactive

What we know for sure is that the American Keuda is a fun-loving, curious cat that would fit in perfectly on a farm but can happily live in a house or apartment. These cats love water, playing with toys, and exploring their domain. They do not mind spending time at home alone, but they would much rather have someone around to hang out with.

They come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, and tabby. There is much to learn about the American Keuda, especially if you are considering adopting one as a pet. Here is everything you ever wanted to know about the American Keuda and probably more!

American Keuda Characteristics

Energy
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A high-energy cat needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep healthy and happy, while a low-energy cat needs minimal physical activity, but still needs mental stimulation. When choosing a cat, It’s important to ensure their energy levels match your lifestyle.
Trainability
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Cats that are easy-to-train are more willing and skilled at quickly learning prompts and actions with minimal training. Harder-to-train cats are usually more stubborn or aloof and require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
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Certain cat breeds are more prone to various genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every cat in those breeds will have these issues, but they do have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Lifespan
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Due to their size or potential genetic health issues of a specific breed, some cats have shorter lifespans than others. Proper nutrition, exercise, mental stimulation, and hygiene also play an important role in your cat’s lifespan and quality of life.
Sociability
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Some cat breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other cats and animals. Cats that are more social have a tendency to rub up on strangers for scratches or jump on laps for cuddles, while cats that are less social shy away, hide, are more cautious, and even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed or gender, it’s important to socialize your cat and expose them to many different situations.

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American Keuda Kittens

American Keuda kittens are naturally curious, and they love to learn through interaction. As they grow older, their truly unique personalities truly start to shine. It is important to visit the breeder’s facility, if possible, to ensure that it’s clean and that the animals are well taken care of. If the breeder will not allow you to tour the facility, they may have something to hide. The breeder you decide to work with should be completely transparent.

 

3 Little-Known Facts About American Keuda Cats

1. There Is Not Much Known About Them

The American Keuda’s history is elusive. They are not extremely popular pets compared to other cat breeds, so they are not commonly seen by professionals like veterinarians who can help us understand them better. Still, they make great pets and can be just as healthy and happy as any other cat.

2. They Can Thrive on Farms

The American Keuda is known for being an excellent ratter and small pest hunter. They have an extra flap on their belly that allows them to stretch farther while running, which makes them faster. They can keep up with the quickest vermin and keep the barnyard free of pests.

3. They Love Water

American Keudas love to play in the water. They try to share showers with their human family members, splash in the sink, and jump into a pond or swimming pool! They will even try to catch fish out of fishbowls and aquariums.

 

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Temperament & Intelligence of the American Keuda Cat

The American Keuda is smart, courageous, and curious. They do not spend their awake time lounging around much. Instead, they choose to spend their time exploring, playing with toys and other animals, and interacting with humans. They are cuddly during their downtime and will happily snooze on a lap or the couch while the family is watching a movie.

They are smart enough to train, but they are also stubborn, so patience and positive reinforcement are necessary for the long haul. The American Keuda is known for having a high prey drive, but it can be controlled with plenty of exercise and toy stimulation.

Are These Cats Good for Families?

The American Keuda enjoys the company of children, but they will not typically put up with teasing or tail-pulling. Young children should be supervised while spending time around these cats until they understand how to treat them with respect.

American Keudas love spending time in a house full of humans and will easily adapt to any situation that might be going on, whether it is game night for the family or study time for the teenagers.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

American Keudas can get along with other cats and household dogs if raised with them, but do not expect them to welcome strange animals into their home. They will cuddle and play with cat siblings, but they are territorial, so they need their personal space to protect so they do not end up trying to protect the entire house.

They should also have a safe place to lounge that is out of reach of any dogs living in the house so they can get away when they are feeling grumpy.

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Things to Know When Owning an American Keuda Cat

The American Keuda is no harder to care for than any other cat. They need love and attention, food and water, toys, a warm bed, and a roof over their head. Here are more specifics about taking good care of them.

Food & Diet Requirements

Like all cats, the American Keuda is a carnivore, and its food should be made up primarily of animal protein in the form of chicken, beef, pork, turkey, or seafood. They enjoy wet and dry commercial food, but you can give them both to keep them hydrated and prevent plaque from building up on their teeth.

Their food should be free of artificial colors, flavors, and fillers like corn and soy. They should also have access to unlimited amounts of fresh, clean water to drink. Your veterinarian can help you develop a healthy meal plan for your cat and provide advice on the best brands.

Exercise

American Keudas should have the freedom to exercise all day long. Luckily, they do not need more than time with a cat scratcher or a cat gym and access to various interactive toys. They enjoy climbing on furniture and jumping on tables, so boundaries should be set about which items in the house they can and cannot get on.

They can get bored easily, and owners should make an effort to play with them for at least 30 minutes a day to keep them from gaining weight.

Training

American Keudas are smart, and training them is possible. They can learn to come when their names are called, to meow or stop meowing on command, and even to fetch items like their toys. Training requires patience, treats, positive reinforcement, and clear direction. Even without training, these cats are a joy to spend time with and care for.

Grooming ✂️

American Keudas take care of most of their grooming needs themselves. However, they may need to be combed or brushed during the summer months to keep the slight shedding to a minimum. Their ears should be checked regularly for infections and cleaned with a clean, damp cloth or a cotton ball when the buildup is heavy.

Their nails should be clipped once a month to keep them from cracking and chipping and to keep furniture from getting ruined. While they do not need baths, they love water, so bathing would likely be welcome.

Health and Conditions

The American Keuda is healthy, and there are no known health conditions that they are particularly prone to. However, that does not mean that they cannot succumb to health problems as they age, so regular veterinarian visits should be prioritized throughout their lifetime.

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Male vs. Female

There are no specific differences between male and female American Keudas that breeders or owners have documented. Like most cats,  males like to spray inside the house and are harder to potty train than females, especially when they have not been neutered, but this trait is not specific to the breed.

Otherwise, each American Keuda has their own unique personality and character traits that will make them stand out from the crowd. Owners should expect differences between one cat and another, regardless of sex.

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Final Thoughts

The American Keuda is a fun-loving, interactive cat that people of all ages should enjoy the company of. They do not sleep too much, meow too much, or interfere with household schedules. They do not require constant attention but expect daily attention.

They love to play, and they will never let you down when you are ready for a good cuddle. Which features do you like the most about this interesting cat breed? We would love to hear your thoughts! Leave us a message in our comments section below.


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