Compare
American Curl vs American Shorthair
Two easygoing American family cats; the Curl is rarer, more affectionate and playful, the Shorthair more independent and easier to find.
Verdict
These two are close. Both are medium-sized, adaptable, family-friendly cats with quiet voices, moderate energy and modest grooming needs. The American Curl is rarer, scores higher for affection and play, and has backward-curving ears and a silky coat. The American Shorthair is more independent, copes better with a workday alone, and is the more common of the two. It also comes in over 80 recognised colours and patterns. Choose the Curl for a more playful companion and the Shorthair for a durable, undemanding one.
Choose the American Curl if
- You want the more affectionate and playful cat.
- You like curved ears and a soft, silky coat.
- You have children or other pets.
- You will handle the ears gently.
Choose the American Shorthair if
- You want a more independent cat that copes with time alone.
- You want a durable, low-fuss cat that is common and easy to find.
- You want a wide range of colours.
- You will ask your vet about the heart condition on its watch-list.
Where they are alike
Both suit apartments and busy family homes. Both get on well with children and other pets.
Side by side
| American Curl | American Shorthair | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf | Shorthair |
| Origin | Lakewood, California, United States | North America, from European cats brought by settlers |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 5-10 lb (2.3-4.5 kg); males are larger | 6-15 lb (2.7-6.8 kg); males are larger |
| Coat length | Medium | Short |
| Coat | Soft, silky, flat-lying coat with little undercoat, in short-haired and long-haired forms | Short, dense, hard-textured coat that protects against cold and scratches |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1999 | — |
| How common | Rare | Common |
| Affection | 4 | 3 |
| Energy | 3 | 3 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 3 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 2 |
| Shedding | 3 | 3 |
| Good with children | 5 | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 5 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 3 | 4 |
| Trainability | 4 | 3 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The silky coat sheds in moderation, and people who react to cats may react to an American Curl. | No breed is hypoallergenic. The dense coat sheds steadily, and people who react to cats are likely to react to this breed. |
| Suits | A household that wants a gentle, adaptable, medium-sized cat that enjoys company and play. | A family or first-time owner that wants a calm, durable, low-maintenance cat that copes with busy homes. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants a very large cat, or a cat that tolerates rough handling of its ears. | Anyone looking for a very talkative, clingy or highly acrobatic cat. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch | — |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026