American Curl: Cat Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care

Thanks to their fluffy, curled-back ears, American curls are one of the most easily identifiable cat breeds today. As their coats can come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, and their hair can be either short or long, it's the unique ears of American curls that make them stand out among other cat breeds.

Today, their backwards-curled ears are a desirable trait among breeders, but they were originally the product of a natural (and harmless) genetic mutation first identified in the United States during the 1980s. In terms of personality, American curls are very affectionate and easily accept children and other pets, making them an ideal family cat.

Learn more about the American curl cat, from their history to their care needs.

Breed Overview

Personality: Playful, friendly, affectionate, inquisitive, easygoing

Weight: 7 to 10 pounds (males); less than 8 pounds (females)

Length: 18 to 20 inches

Coat Length: Short hair or long hair

Coat Colors: Any color, including black, white, gray, brown, cream, or red

Coat Patterns: Any pattern, including solid, bi-color, tabby, tortoiseshell, tuxedo, and calico

Eye Color: Any color, including amber, aqua, blue, copper, green, gold, hazel, odd-eyed, orange, yellow

Lifespan: 10 to 18 years

Hypoallergenic: No

Origin: United States

American Curl Characteristics

It's not only their curled ears that make American curl cats so special. Sometimes nicknamed the "Peter Pan cat," these felines retain kitten-like natures and playfulness into adulthood. They love to play with toys, investigate anything new brought into the home, climb furniture and cat trees, play fetch, and keep a close eye on their humans.

However, once playtime is over, your American curl is likely to cuddle up on your lap, give you some affectionate head bumps, and spend some time in peaceful companionship.

American curls are friendly and active cats that are often said to have a somewhat "doglike" attachment to their family. They like to gently poke and prod their humans with their paws and will often follow their favorite family members from room to room around the house.  

They are exceptionally intelligent cats as well. Some have been known to figure out how to flick light switches on and off, and many learn how to open and close doors and cupboards.

It's important to note, however, that American curls don't like to be left alone for too long, so you might have to consider whether your schedule can accommodate several hours of attention and playtime each day.

American curls aren't especially talkative cats, tending towards quiet trills rather than loud meows. As sociable cats, most take readily to children and other pets in the home, especially if they offer extra opportunities for play and fun.

History of the American Curl

Despite their popularity, American curls don't have a long history as a distinct breed. In fact, the first American curl litter was born only a few decades ago in Southern California.

In 1981, founding breeders Joe and Grace Ruga adopted a stray, long-haired black kitten with the curl's distinctive ears and named her Shulamith. Only a few months later, Shulamith gave birth to a litter of kittens, half of which had the same curled ears.

By 1983, cat breeders were working hard to selectively breed cats to preserve and propagate this unique characteristic. Fortunately, genetics were on their side: a feline geneticist named Roy Robinson found that the ear-curling gene was a dominant trait, so cats with only one copy of the gene would be born with curled ears.

The American curl became incredibly popular over a short period of time, and was quickly recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1987 and by The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) in 1993. Today, the American Curl is ranked among the United States' most popular cat breeds.

American Curl Care

American curls are active, so they should be given ample opportunities for play and exercise. They can also a bit more high-maintenance than other breeds when it comes to grooming, especially if they have longer hair.

Exercise

The American curl is intelligent and needs adequate exercise, so choose games that will challenge their mental and physical abilities. Try puzzles designed specifically for cats or games like hide and seek. Many are also happy to play fetch with a small toy or rolled up piece of paper.

The American curl requires several hours of attention each day, so it's important to make sure your family's schedule can accommodate proper playtime before bringing a curl into the home.

Shedding

The American curl’s coat can be long-haired or short-haired, but either way, there is not much undercoat, meaning these cats don't shed as much as some other breeds. However, they are not hypoallergenic.

Grooming

The frequency with which you groom your American curl depends on coat length. If your American curl is short-haired, you can expect to groom their coat with a brush or comb once or twice weekly in order to keep it healthy and shiny.

If your American curl is long-haired, grooming should be increased to two or three times weekly, in order to remove any tangles, mats, or debris from the coat before it becomes a problem. Use a brush specifically designed for long-haired cats to avoid breaking or damaging the fur.

Like most cats, the American curl is susceptible to ear issues, including ear mites. Be sure to check your curl's ears weekly, and gently remove any dirt or debris with a dampened cloth or cotton round. Avoid using cotton swabs, as they can cause severe damage to your curl's delicate inner-ear structures. If their ears are very dirty, red, inflamed, or smell funny, make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible. These symptoms may indicate infection or injury.

Regular dental hygiene can help protect your cat from periodontal disease, so aim to brush their teeth several times per week. Daily brushing is ideal, but regular maintenance can support proper dental health. You can supplement brushing with plaque-removing treats, but give them to your curl in moderation—they're packed with additional calories and are meant only to support a regular dental hygiene routine.

Finally, carefully trim your cat’s nails regularly, in addition to giving them a scratching post.

Common Health Problems

American curls are generally healthy and aren't predisposed to any specific genetic disorders. But as with any cat, the possibility always exists for your feline to develop some type of disease or condition during their lifetime.

Some of the conditions that can affect this breed are:

• Ear infections: Due to the unique shape of the American curl's ears, some may be born with narrowed ear canals. These narrowed canals can trap wax, which can lead to ongoing ear infections. The opposite can also occur, where chronic ear infections lead to inflamed, narrow ear canals. Be sure to examine their ears every week to prevent or identify any ear or inner-ear issues. If you're concerned, call your veterinarian for advice.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): This condition causes deterioration of the retina. Over time, it can lead to blindness.  

Appearance

Surprisingly, American curls are not born with their most distinctive feature. Kittens are born with typical straight ears. However, within the first couple of days, the ears roll up into tight little buds.

At around 6 weeks of age, the kitten's ears slowly begin to unfurl, reaching full curvature by the time the kitten is 4 months old. The breed standards call for an ear curl that is between 90 and 180 degrees at full maturity.

These felines aren't too large when fully grown, although they are somewhat muscular for their small-to-medium size. They generally reach maturity by 1 to 2 years of age. Males usually weigh no more than 10 pounds and females less than 8 pounds as adults. They are a moderately muscled cat with a well-proportioned body.

When it comes to color, anything goes. American curls can be any color or coat pattern that occurs naturally in felines. That means your cat can be calico, solid black, red tabby, "tuxedo," solid gray, tortoiseshell, or any other combination of colors and patterns. The same is true of eye color; if it occurs naturally in felines, it is acceptable in an American curl.

The skin on an American curl's nose and paw pads should complement the color of the fur, but there is no one required color.

Diet and Nutrition

Like all cats, the American curl may be susceptible to obesity or heart disease if not properly exercised and fed a high-quality, high-protein diet.

The amount of food your curl eats each day depends largely on age and activity levels, but talk to your vet if you're not sure how much you should feed your cat. Remember to give your curl treats in moderation. As a general rule, adult cats can eat two meals per day, while kittens should eat three or four smaller meals daily.

All pet cats should have access to clean water at all times.

Where to Adopt or Buy an American Curl

Because American curls are popular purebred cats, you aren't likely to find one in a local rescue or shelter, although if you are persistent in your search, you might find an owner looking to re-home a cat that they are no longer able to keep.

More likely, you will need to purchase an American curl from a breeder. Breeders sometimes will sell "pet quality" cats for a lower price, while cats that are likely to excel in the show ring can command a far heftier price. You can find breeders at cat shows, or contact an American curl breeder directly.

Resources for breeders include:

• The Cat Fanciers’ Association Breeder Listing

• The International Cat Association Breeder Listing

American Curl Overview

The American curl is a unique cat with ears that curl towards the back of the head. This gives them a whimsical, alert appearance, which reflects the typical personality of the breed. These felines are intelligent, playful, and curious, and form strong attachments. Many will follow their favorite people around the house, looking for attention, a treat, or a bit of play or mischief. Plus, they get along with children, other cats, and most dogs, but as with any pet, make introductions slowly and carefully.

Pros of American Curls

• Affectionate and intelligent

• Good with other pets and children

• Not a heavy shedder

Cons of American Curls

• Susceptible to ear infections

• Requires regular engagement

• Doesn't like being left alone for lengthy stretches of time

More Cat Breeds and Further Research

Before adding an American curl to your family, it's important to do your research. This is a fairly low-maintenance cat, but does require adequate exercise and engagement throughout the day. They can also be susceptible to ear infections and wax buildup, so routine ear examinations are necessary.

If you want to learn about other cat breeds with unique characteristics, be sure to check out:

• Cornish Rex

• Sphynx Cat

• American Bobtail

Otherwise, check out all of our other cat breed profiles.