American Curl

Breed Overview

Introduction

The American Curl is a domestic cat breed distinguished by its unique ears that curl backward from the head. It originated in Lakewood, California in the early 1980s from a spontaneous genetic mutation observed in a stray black cat named Shulamith. This breed has a medium-sized, well-muscled body with a long, rectangular form.

Adult Curl cats typically weigh between 5 and 10 pounds (2.3–4.5 kg) and reach full maturity around 2–3 years of age. Their coat can be either short or semi-long, is soft and silky (with minimal undercoat), and comes in virtually any color or pattern. American Curls also have large, walnut-shaped eyes that may be any feline eye color.

American Curls are renowned for their affectionate, playful personalities. They have earned the nickname “Peter Pan cats” for retaining a kitten-like energy and playfulness well into adulthood. They form strong bonds with their human families, often greeting owners at the door and following them from room to room.

Exceptionally intelligent and curious, American Curls enjoy interactive games (some even learn to play fetch or open doors).

Despite this liveliness, they are generally gentle and quiet, communicating with soft trills rather than loud meows. This combination of friendly, “dog-like” attachment and enduring youthful spirit makes them charming companions.

Breed History

The American Curl’s history begins in the summer of 1981 when a long-haired black kitten with unusually curled ears appeared on the doorstep of Joe and Grace Ruga in Lakewood, California. The Rugas named this cat Shulamith and soon discovered that her ear-curl trait was caused by a dominant genetic mutation.

When Shulamith mated with a local cat without curled ears, about half of the kittens inherited her unique ears, confirming the trait’s dominant inheritance. Shulamith subsequently had several litters with different mates, which helped establish a diverse genetic foundation for the breed.

Enthusiastic cat breeders took note of this novel trait, and efforts to develop a standardized breed began. The American Curl was recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1987, gaining championship status in the late 1980s.

In 1999, the breed achieved a milestone by becoming the first in history admitted to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) Championship Class in both its longhair and shorthair divisions.

Since its inception, the American Curl has remained relatively uncommon, but interest has spread beyond the U.S. Modern American Curls can now be found in several countries worldwide, including in parts of Europe and Asia

Physical Characteristics

American Curls are a medium-sized breed with a lithe, athletic build. They have a well-muscled, rectangular body and medium-boned legs, giving them an agile yet sturdy appearance.

Adult males typically weigh 7–10 pounds, while females weigh slightly less (around 5–8 pounds). The head is mildly wedge-shaped, and the eyes are large and walnut-shaped, coming in a full spectrum of colors. Their medium-length neck and long, plumed tail complete the balanced physique of the breed.

The coat of the American Curl is single-layered and can be short or semi-long. It has a soft, silky texture, and there is very little insulating undercoat. This means they require only moderate grooming to prevent matting and minimize hairballs.

The breed is accepted in all colors and patterns; common variations include solid colors, tabby, tortoiseshell, calico, bicolor, and more.

The breed’s signature trait is its curled ears. American Curl kittens are born with straight ears that begin to curl backward within the first 48 hours of life. The curling process typically completes by around 3–4 months of age.

Ideally, a mature American Curl’s ears curl smoothly in an arc of about 90° to 180° (90° is preferred for show standards). The ear bases remain firm and strong, while the tips are soft and flexible.

A properly curled ear curves gently backward without touching the skull. Because the ear cartilage at the tip is quite thin, owners should handle the ears with care during cleaning and grooming.

Behavior and Personality

American Curls are exceptionally friendly and affectionate. They rarely act aloof; instead, they often act more like small dogs in their sociability.

For example, they typically greet family members at the door, gently “paw” or head-bump their humans, and follow them around the house.

They are generally gentle with children and get along well with other pets, making them excellent family companions. Their intelligence is notable — many Curls will learn tricks, open cabinets, or be taught to play fetch.

A playful spirit pervades the American Curl’s personality. They retain a kitten-like liveliness throughout their lives. They enjoy chasing toys, exploring new objects or boxes, climbing furniture or cat trees, and chasing a string or light pointer.

After active play, most Curls are happy to relax and cuddle up with their owners. They prefer company and are known to sit nearby or even on a shoulder, especially if they want to keep an eye on household activities.

Unlike some more vocal breeds, American Curls are relatively quiet; they often communicate with soft chirps or trills rather than loud meowing.

Owners should note that American Curls dislike being left alone for long periods. They thrive on social interaction and mental stimulation. If kept alone too much, they may become bored or anxious. Overall, this breed fits best in a home where people spend time with them and involve them in daily life.

Care Tips

Diet

Provide a high-quality, protein-rich cat diet. As obligate carnivores, American Curls do best on meat-based food. Feed kitten Curls multiple times a day (up to 3–4 small meals) and scale back to about two measured meals daily for healthy adults.

Monitor portion sizes carefully: this breed can be prone to obesity if overfed. Use feeding guidelines on pet food labels as a starting point, and adjust portions based on activity level and body condition.

Limit treats to no more than ~10% of daily calories to help prevent weight gain. Always provide fresh water.

Exercise

American Curls are energetic and playful, so daily interactive play is important. Schedule at least 15–30 minutes of playtime a day, with games like feather wands, ping-pong balls, or laser pointers.

Many Curls enjoy playing fetch and may carry toys around. Provide climbing structures such as cat trees, shelves, or perches, as they love to jump and survey their environment.

Regular play not only keeps them fit but also prevents boredom.

Environment & Enrichment

Set up a cat-friendly environment with vertical spaces. Cat trees, climbing towers, and scratching posts help satisfy their natural urge to climb and scratch. Leave puzzle toys or food-dispensing balls for mental stimulation while you’re away.

Access to a safe window perch for bird watching is a bonus. Because Curls love human company, leaving a TV or radio on, or a pet sitter for company, can be helpful if owners are out.

Avoid prolonged confinement; these social cats do best in busy homes where they won’t be lonely.

Grooming

American Curls require moderate grooming. Their silky coat benefits from a light brushing once or twice a week to remove loose hair and reduce hairballs. Long-coated Curls (occasionally called “Longhairs”) may need more frequent brushing.

Trim the nails every few weeks. Special attention should be given to the ears: because the upper ear is thin and delicate, clean ears gently with a vet-recommended solution.

Check the ears regularly for wax buildup or signs of infection (redness, odor, or discharge) and clean only as needed. Bathing is seldom necessary unless the cat gets unusually dirty.

Mental Stimulation

Engage the intelligent Curl with tricks and training. They are often food-motivated and respond well to clicker training and treats.

Teaching simple commands or tricks (sit, fetch, “give paw”) can strengthen your bond. Rotate toys frequently to keep their interest.

Incorporate new environments (like different boxes or safe outdoor enclosures) to explore. Since they love learning, consider training them to walk on a leash or exploring cat agility activities.

Health Concerns

Is This Breed Right for You?

FAQ

Do they shed a lot?

Not excessively. They have a silky, single-layer coat and shed moderately, especially during seasonal changes. Regular brushing can minimize shedding and prevent tangles.

Are American Curls affectionate?

Yes! They are incredibly affectionate and sociable cats. Most love being with people, following them around, and even sitting on shoulders or laps.

Are American Curls expensive?

Yes, they are a rare breed and can cost between $1,000 and $2,000 or more depending on lineage and breeder reputation.

Are American Curls hypoallergenic?

No. They produce normal amounts of dander and the Fel d 1 protein, which can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.

Do they get along with other pets?

Absolutely. They are generally friendly with dogs, cats, and children when introduced properly, making them a great choice for multi-pet households.

Bonus Facts

“Peter Pan cats.”

The American Curl is often nicknamed the Peter Pan of cats because it retains kitten-like playfulness throughout its life. Many Curls continue to act like lively kittens even as seniors.

Single ancestor

All American Curls alive today trace back to Shulamith, the original stray kitten found in 1981. No other strain introduced the curl gene.

Dominant curl gene

The ear-curl trait is autosomal dominant. This means if one parent has curled ears, many of the kittens will also curl. In Shulamith’s first litter, 2 of 4 kittens had curled ears, confirming the gene’s dominance.

Ears develop after birth

All American Curl kittens are born with straight ears. The curling becomes noticeable within 48 hours and completes by around 3–4 months of age. By then, the ear cartilage holds its distinctive shape.

World travelers

Though developed in California, American Curls have fans worldwide. Breeders and owners can be found in countries such as Spain, France, Russia, and Japan. However, the breed remains relatively rare everywhere.

Clever climbers and riders

Many American Curls love high perches and may even perch on a shoulder to observe their surroundings. They are excellent climbers and enjoy tall cat trees.

Sun sensitivity

The backward ear shape exposes more inner ear skin to sunlight. As a result, Curls can be prone to sunburn on the ear tips, especially if they have thin fur or white patches on the ears. Owners often keep them indoors during peak sun or use pet-safe ear sunscreen.

Rare breed

American Curls are a relatively rare breed. According to cat registries, there are very few active breeders today. In fact, one source notes that currently no TICA-registered American Curl breeders remain in the U.S. This scarcity is one reason for their higher cost and exclusivity.

References

Robinson, R. (1989). “The American Curl Cat”. Journal of Heredity. 80 (6): 474–475. doi:10.1093/oxfordjournals.jhered.a110902. PMID 2614061.

“Breed Profile: The American Curl”. cfa.org. Retrieved 11 October 2024.

Jump up to:^a b “American Curl – TICA”. Retrieved 11 October 2024.

“Cat Fanciers: American Curl”. Fanciers.com. Retrieved 15 December 2017.

“Scottish Fold – Osteochondrodysplasia”. www.ufaw.org.uk.