American Curl Cat
Updated July 19, 2026
The American Curl is a balanced, people-oriented cat distinguished by ears that curve backward in a smooth arc, with both shorthaired and longhaired varieties.
Affectionate and people-focused, Playful throughout life, Curious but not typically frantic, Adaptable to household routines, Often greets visitors confidently
5-10 pounds
12-16 years
At a Glance
Maintenance Level
Affection Level
Energy Level
Good with Kids
Vocalization Level
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About American Curl Cat
The American Curl is a balanced, people-oriented cat distinguished by ears that curve backward in a smooth arc, with both shorthaired and longhaired varieties.
Coat Length
Medium Hair
Breed Group
Shorthair
Weight
5-10 pounds
Great For
What Makes American Curl Cats Special
American Curls retain a kittenlike interest in games and often greet people with gentle head bumps or by following them through the home.
The defining ear should form a smooth backward arc; it must never be bent, pulled, or treated as a handle.
American Curl Cat History & Origin
All pedigreed American Curls trace to Shulamith, a stray black longhaired female with unusually curled ears found in Lakewood, California, in 1981. Selective breeding showed the ear trait to be inherited as a dominant mutation, and fanciers deliberately maintained both coat lengths and a broad domestic-cat foundation.
Shulamith's curled-ear kittens demonstrated that the defining trait was heritable.
The ears begin straight and curl during the first days of life before settling at about four months.
TICA and CFA recognized the breed unusually quickly after its discovery.
American Curl Cat Characteristics
Individual Variation
Cats are individuals and not all cats, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
American Curl Cat Appearance
A graceful rectangular body and modified-wedge head provide a moderate setting for the breed's backward-curving ears.
Shorthaired and longhaired coats are silky with little undercoat, so the body outline remains visible.
Physical Features
Ears
Wide at the base and open, curving backward in a smooth arc of roughly 90-180 degrees with flexible tips.
Eyes
Walnut-shaped, moderately large, clear, and expressive; any color is allowed, with blue required in colorpoints.
Nose
Straight and moderate in length with a gentle rise to the forehead.
Coat & Build
Tail
As long as the body, broad at the base and tapering; fully plumed in longhaired cats.
American Curl Cat Temperament
American Curls retain a kittenlike interest in games and often greet people with gentle head bumps or by following them through the home.
The defining ear should form a smooth backward arc; it must never be bent, pulled, or treated as a handle.
Temperament Traits
Good With
Health
American Curls are generally healthy. Their ear mutation is not known to cause the widespread skeletal disease associated with Scottish Folds, but the exposed ear canals, delicate ear tips, and relatively small breed population still warrant thoughtful care and breeding.
Common Health Issues
Preventive Care
Never force or fold the ears, inspect only the visible outer ear weekly, avoid inserting swabs into the canal, maintain dental and weight care, and ask about cardiac history and genetic diversity in the breeding line.
Caring for Your American Curl Cat
Grooming Requirements
Both coat lengths are silky and have little undercoat, so they are easier to maintain than many plush or heavily undercoated coats.
Brushing
Brush shorthairs weekly and longhairs once or twice weekly, paying attention to the tail and furnishings without pulling the coat.
Bathing
Bathe only when dirty or before a show. Use a cat-safe shampoo and rinse and dry the coat thoroughly.
Eye Care
Check the eyes weekly and wipe minor discharge with a separate soft, damp cloth for each eye; persistent redness or discharge needs veterinary attention.
Nail Care
Every 2-3 weeks.
Essential Grooming Tools
Exercise & Play
American Curls are moderately active, retaining a kittenlike interest in games well into adulthood without normally being hyperactive.
Daily Requirements
Provide about 30 minutes of interactive play daily, divided into two or three sessions, plus access to climbing, scratching, and independent toys.
Mental Stimulation
Rotate puzzle feeders and toys, provide safe window views and vertical perches, and teach short reward-based behaviors to engage the breed's curiosity.
Recommended Activities
Nutrition & Feeding
Feed a complete-and-balanced diet appropriate for the cat's life stage. Individual calorie needs depend on age, body condition, neuter status, health, and activity rather than breed alone.
Daily Amount
Use the food manufacturer's feeding guide as a starting point, measure the total ration, divide it into two or more meals, and adjust with a veterinarian to maintain an ideal body condition.
Special Considerations
The breed has no universal special diet. Monitor weight and muscle condition, provide ample fresh water, and keep treats below 10% of total daily calories.
Living Environment
Space Requirements
Adapts well to apartments or houses when given daily interaction, stable climbing furniture, scratching surfaces, hiding places, and room for play.
Climate Preferences
Comfortable in a climate-controlled indoor home; longhaired cats appreciate cooling in heat, while both varieties need protection from temperature extremes.
Ideal Lifestyle Match
Fits many family homes because it is playful without being relentlessly demanding. It prefers companionship and benefits from a predictable daily play routine.
Colors & Patterns
Both coat lengths occur in essentially every color and pattern.
Solid Colors
Patterns
Eye Colors
All colors; blue is associated with pointed coats and odd eyes may occur in white cats
Fun Facts About American Curl Cat
Every American Curl kitten is born with straight ears.
The final degree of ear curl cannot be evaluated until the cartilage settles at roughly four months.
The breed descends from a foundation cat named Shulamith, found in 1981.
The curled-ear trait is inherited as a dominant mutation.
Both shorthaired and longhaired American Curls are recognized.
The coat has little undercoat and is less prone to matting than many long coats.
The breed's mutation is distinct from the skeletal mutation that produces Scottish Fold ears.
Many American Curls remain notably playful into mature adulthood.
Training Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Are American Curl kittens born with curled ears?
No. Kittens are born with straight ears. The ears begin curling during the first days of life and continue changing before settling at roughly four months.
Can you bend or massage an American Curl's ears?
No. The ear cartilage should never be forced, folded, or pulled. Handle the head gently and clean only the visible outer ear as directed by a veterinarian.
Is the American Curl related to the Scottish Fold?
No. The breeds arose from different mutations. The Curl's ears arc backward, while the Fold's ears bend forward and its mutation is associated with osteochondrodysplasia.
Specialized Care Guides
Kitten Care
Introduce grooming, toothbrushing, carrier training, and nail care with rewards. Teach every family member to avoid manipulating the developing ear cartilage.
Senior Care
Schedule veterinary checks at least every 6-12 months as advised, monitor weight, teeth, hearing, heart, kidneys, and mobility, and continue gentle inspection of the visible outer ears.
First-Time Owner Tips
A good option for many first-time owners who can provide companionship and learn gentle ear inspection without manipulating the cartilage.
Looking for a American Curl Cat?
Connect with responsible breeders, rescue organizations, and pet adoption services in your area.