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American Curl vs Highlander
Both have curled ears; the American Curl is a gentle medium cat for apartments, the Highlander a big, active one from wild-cat hybrid lines.
Verdict
Both breeds are known for curled ears, but they differ in size, energy and background. The American Curl is a gentle, medium-sized cat of about 5 to 10 lb that suits an apartment and is easy to place in a household. The Highlander is large, with males reaching 15 to 20 lb, scores higher for energy, needs space, and descends from wild-cat hybrid lines. Check local law on hybrid-descended cats before you buy. Choose the Curl for a gentle companion and the Highlander for a spacious, active home.
Choose the American Curl if
- You live in an apartment or a smaller home.
- You want a gentle, adaptable cat for children and other pets.
- You prefer a lighter cat with a silky coat.
- You want a breed with a longer record, recognised by the CFA since 1999.
Choose the Highlander if
- You want a large, muscular, playful cat with a short tail.
- You have a spacious home and can give daily activity.
- You have found a reputable breeder of a very new breed.
- You have checked that local rules allow it.
Where they are alike
Both are people-oriented, quiet-voiced cats that get on well with children and other pets. Both are rare and need a search to find a kitten.
Side by side
| American Curl | Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf | Wild-look and hybrid |
| Origin | Lakewood, California, United States | United States |
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Typical weight | 5-10 lb (2.3-4.5 kg); males are larger | Females 10-14 lb (4.5-6.4 kg); males 15-20 lb (6.8-9.1 kg) |
| Coat length | Medium | Short |
| Coat | Soft, silky, flat-lying coat with little undercoat, in short-haired and long-haired forms | Short or longer-haired coat, dense and plush, in two varieties |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1999 | Not recognised by the CFA |
| How common | Rare | Very rare |
| Affection | 4 | 4 |
| Energy | 3 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 2 |
| Shedding | 3 | 3 |
| Good with children | 5 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 5 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 3 | 3 |
| Trainability | 4 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 2 |
| 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 moderately, and people who react to cats are likely to react to this one. |
| Suits | A household that wants a gentle, adaptable, medium-sized cat that enjoys company and play. | A spacious, active home that wants a big, people-oriented cat and can find a reputable breeder. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants a very large cat, or a cat that tolerates rough handling of its ears. | A small flat, or anyone who wants a long-established breed with detailed health data. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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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