American Curl Cat Breed

Body Size - Medium
Coat Length - Short and Long
Life Span - 15 Years

American Curl Description

The American Curl is a breed with distinctive turned back ears. This is a medium-sized cat with body conformation the same as the American Shorthair. The coat may be long or short with minimal undercoat. Longhaired varieties may have a plumed tail. The tips of the ears should angle toward the back of the skull, and may not be completely curled until the cat is 2-3 years of age.

American Curl History

A spontaneous mutation in ear conformation was discovered in a cat named Shulamith in California in 1981. Selective breeding demonstrated that this ear conformation is a dominant trait, and active breeding to create the American Curl began in 1983. Curls are shown in both longhair and shorthair varieties, and with any colour or coat pattern (all 70 varieties of them!)

American Curl Traits

The American Curl breed is even-tempered and affectionate.

American Curl Health

No health risks specific to the ear conformation or in other body systems in the American Curl have been identified.

American Curl Summary

Breeding of American Curl cats will occasionally produce cats with no ear curl. American Curl cats with straight ears should not be used for breeding but are good pets. Only those with the signature curl to the ear should be considered as breeding and show cats. The distinctive feature of the American Curl, first noted in southern California in 1981, is their uniquely attractive curled ears. Curls are well balanced, moderately muscled, slender rather than massive in build. Females weigh 2-4kgs, males weigh 3-5kgs pounds. Proper proportion and balance are more important than size. Allowance is to be made for normal male characteristics. They are alert, active, with gentle, even dispositions.