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American Curl

American Curl

At a Glance

Best known for its distinctively shaped ears, the American Curl is an eye-catching cat with a sweet disposition that thrives on human interaction. They are lovable and physically affectionate cats that easily adapt to any situation. Find out more about this breed and if an American Curl is right for you and your family.

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All About Cats

Printable Breed Introduction
Breed Standard
Pet Buyer’s Guide
American-Curl-Full-Body
Temperament

Playful

Breed Seminar
Height/Weight Range

Small-to-medium sized cat ranging in size from 5-10 pounds

Adult females

Ranging from 5-8 pounds

Adult males

Ranging from 7-10 pounds

Life Expectancy

10-20 years

Colors

  • Curls are available in all colors and patterns
    Can be found in either longhair or shorthair

Similar Breeds

Opposite Breeds

About The Breed

Lovable and curious, American Curls love spending time with their families and participating in their every move, like unpacking groceries or watching TV. They love attention and being talked to, but are not noisy cats. They make a quiet “cooing” sound when they talk to their families and quietly nudge them for attention.

They love to greet their families with a soft bump to the head and show affection by patting and nuzzling against its owner’s face. Naturally clever and inquisitive, the Curl often spends a considerable amount of time exploring its environment or playing games.

The American Curl is the result of a spontaneous ear mutation in the domestic cat population of the United States. The first such cat was found n Southern California in 1981 and named “Shulamith”. The distinctive feature of the American Curl breed is their unique, attractive curled ears. American Curls are a well-balanced, moderately-muscled, medium-built cat. They are alert and active with gentle, even dispositions.

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Curls are playful and known as the “Peter Pan” of the cat world because they retain their kitten-like playfulness into their later years.

They enjoy daily exercise and can entertain themselves with just about anything left on the floor. Cat trees and indoor perches are recommended for climbing and jumping. They love to play and can even learn to fetch, but when they are ready for a break they will happily settle onto the nearest lap.

Curls are family-oriented, adapt easily and enjoy the company of other cats or cat-friendly dogs.

TICA Regions, Clubs & Rescues

Want to connect with fellow cat lovers and those who love the same breed as you?
TICA is a large resource made up of smaller regions and clubs around the world.
Click here to find a club near you and contact information for your regional director and website.

Wherever you are, you’re in TICA’s world!®

Find a Kitten: TICA Breeders

The TICA website is the only place where you can find TICA member breeders who have signed the TICA Code of Ethics.

Find American Curl

Curl kittens are born with straight ears. Within 2-3 days, the ears on the kittens curl up into a tight “rosebud”. At about 6 weeks of age, the kittens enter a developmental phase called ‘transition’ when their ears will begin to unfold and obtain their final curvature around 4 months of age.

Dubbed the Peter Pan of the cat world due to their forever young, kitten-like personality that lives on well into adulthood — much like the fictional boy who never grew up.

American Curls have a tendency to open doors (including turning doorknobs) and cabinets.

Breed Information & Characteristics

One of America’s native breeds, the American Curl is a medium-sized cat with unique ears that curl out and back in a graceful arc giving a unique alert appearance to the cat. The swept-back ears give the cat a happy, perky expression that quickly brings a smile to the face of everyone who sees them. The sophisticated head combined with the graceful body provide the American Curl with a stylish, dynamic presence.

The American Curl story begins on a hot sunny day in June 1981 in Lakewood, California when Joe and Grace Ruga found a stray black kitten with a long-haired silky coat and unusual ears on their doorstep. The affectionate kitten quickly endeared herself to the Ruga’s and was named Shulamith and all American Curls trace back to her. In December 1981, Shulamith had her first litter of kittens and two of the four kittens had the same curly ears as their mother beginning a worldwide discussion on the genetics of the unusual ears. 1983 saw cat fanciers developing selective breeding programs to conserve the gene and to develop a breed based on it. At the same time, the unique cats were presented to the cat fancy to showcase this rare new addition to the feline world.

Roy Robinson, the renowned English feline geneticist, worked with the breeders and analyzed the data on 383 kittens from 81 litters. He confirmed that ear-curling gene was unique and that it was an autosomal dominant gene – that means any cat with even one copy of the gene will show the trait. In an article published in the December 1989 issue of the Journal of Heredity, he reported that he had found no defects in any of the crosses that he had analyzed and this laid the foundation for a new and healthy breed.

Curls are curious, exuberant and loving companions that greet each day with joy as they look for new challenges and adventures. They are exceedingly people-oriented and pat you to get your attention as they want to include you in all their activities. They want to be with you all the time whether sleeping in your bed at night or curled on your lap to watch their favorite TV show. They adore children and adapt well to other pets and new situations. When introduced to their new homes, they are alert and inquisitive but respect the earlier occupants. These even-tempered intelligent companions are devoted to their owners and follow them around so as to be sure they are part of everything! Expect their help with all your projects. They have quiet voices and are not overly talkative however they make their wants known with gentle trilling and cooing sounds. Their kitten-like personalities have earned them the nickname of the Peter Pan of cats.

American Curls come in longhair and shorthair-and a myriad of colors. The coat is a silky, flat-lying coat with little undercoat. Consequently, there is little shedding and the coat requires little grooming. While the curled ears are the major feature of this special breed, other key characteristics of the American Curl are its large walnut shaped eyes and a medium-sized rectangular body.

All American Curls are born with straight ears. They start to curl back into a rosebud position at 3-5 days gently unfolding like a rose petal until they reach their final shape at about 16 weeks. The degree of curl in the ear can vary greatly ranging from almost straight to an arc of 90-180 degrees. To ensure the health and genetic diversity of the breed, breeders do outcross breedings to cats without curled ears. At least 50% of the kittens from these breedings will have curled ears. 100% of the kittens in a Curl to Curl breeding will have curled ears. The straight-eared cats still have all the personality of their curled ear brethren and make equally delightful pets. The gene to curl the ear affects the cartilage of the ear which remains firm to the touch – it should never be stiff or floppy. However, care should be taken with the ears so as not to break the cartilage and the ears should never be forced into unnatural positions.

American Curls are well-balanced, medium sized cats with a rounded head, a substantial muzzle and distinct whisker pads. They have an elegant, alert appearance with a sweet, open expression and their remarkable ears. While both have soft silky coats, the longhaired American Curl also has a beautifully plumed tail.

Curls have no known genetic health issues because of the wide gene pools from their domestic outcross background.

American Curls can be either longhair or shorthair. Shorthair Curls should be brushed regularly with a grooming glove or soft brush. Longhaired Curls do not have much undercoat, but should be brushed occasionally. Less undercoat means less shedding and less maintenance.

Nails should be trimmed periodically with a clipper (it is not recommended to use the scissor clippers). Curls are known to have a black ear wax that is normal for the breed therefor the inside of their ears should be clean periodically. Brush their teeth with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath and schedule regular veterinary dental cleanings.

Curls are slender cats. It is suggested to feed them a good quality food without a lot of fillers (like generic store brand foods). They will do just fine with good dry food, although they love canned foods as a supplement. Curls love treats, but they are not necessary for their health. A few in moderation will make them your BFF.

As with all cats, it is important to give your cat fresh, clean water daily. Fresh, clean water is best, so cats don’t hesitate to drink. If you worry about your cat drinking enough water each day, here’s a tip from some cat behaviorists – place the water bowl at least three feet away from any food. Cats’ noses are sensitive and an overwhelming smell of food may cause them to drink less. Filtered drinking fountains can also be used in place of a water bowl.

American Curl (SH/LH) Breed Committee (3)

Name Email
Chair: Grace Ruga1stamericancurl@gmail.com
Linda Bullpsalm0512@yahoo.com
Joe Rugajruga@llu.edu

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