American Curl cat breed: facts, temperament and care

About the American Curl

The American Curl is a medium-sized cat whose ears curve back from the face in a smooth arc. The breed began with stray kittens that turned up on a doorstep in Lakewood, California, in June 1981. A black female called Shulamith from that group is regarded as the ancestor of the breed, and the curl comes from a dominant mutation.

Kittens are born with straight ears. Within a few days the ears begin to curl, and by about four months the shape is set, with a firm base and flexible tips. The ears range from a gentle curve to a tight half circle. The body is moderately built and the head is a modified wedge with walnut-shaped eyes.

Two coat lengths are recognised. The long-haired version is semi-long, and the short-haired version is plush and flat. Both are soft and silky, with little undercoat. American Curls take two to three years to mature, and adults usually weigh 5 to 10 pounds, with females lighter than males.

Temperament and living with one

The American Curl is known as a sweet, people-oriented cat. Owners often describe a Peter Pan quality, meaning that it keeps a kitten's curiosity and playfulness for life. It likes company, greets people at the door and settles near the family rather than demanding constant attention.

The breed is generally easygoing with children, dogs and other cats when introductions are gentle. The voice is soft. Curls are intelligent and often enjoy puzzle toys and learning simple tricks. They are good climbers, though not as athletic as some breeds.

Teach children to handle the ears gently, because the curled cartilage should not be pulled, folded or straightened.

Care: coat, food and play

The silky coat tangles less than the coat of many longhairs. Brush a long-haired Curl once or twice a week and a short-haired Curl every week or two. Do not clean inside the ears unless a vet shows you how. Wax can build up in a curled ear, and a gentle check every couple of weeks is enough to notice smell, redness or discharge.

Feed a complete diet in measured portions. Give climbing trees, scratching posts and daily play. Trim nails every few weeks and keep up dental care.

Health

The American Curl is generally considered a robust breed with few documented breed-specific conditions. Unlike the fold in the Scottish Fold, the curl has not been linked to a widespread cartilage or bone disorder, although the breed is young and its gene pool is small. Ear infections and wax build-up are worth watching for, and a vet can advise on routine cleaning. If you are buying a kitten, ask the breeder about the parents' health and about any ear problems in the line. Regular checkups and a lean body weight help any cat.

Is it right for you?

The American Curl suits a family or couple who want a friendly, adaptable cat with an unusual look and modest grooming needs. It is rare, so be ready to wait for a kitten. For a similar all-round temperament in a more common cat, see the American Shorthair. For another cat with ears that differ from normal, see the Scottish Fold and read about its health concerns first.