The American Curl is named after a natural, genetic mutation that causes its ears to permanently curl backward.

The curled-back ears lend the breed an open, inquisitive and gentle appearance that is true to their nature. An affectionate, intelligent cat, the American Curl has a people-oriented temperament which lets it adapt well to almost any living situation. They make playful companions, remaining kittenish throughout their lives, and get along well with other pets and especially children. Though not talkative, the American Curl will vocalize when there is something that they need or desire. Overall, they make wonderful companions in generally any living situation, but seem to be happiest amidst playful company. An analogy between the different personalities of Scottish Folds versus Curls can be described as: Folds will sit and watch while you make dinner... Curls will help you make it!

A medium sized cat, the American Curl averages from seven to ten pounds, with a moderately muscular, semi-foreign body; legs are medium, tail equal to body length, and a modified wedge head with a rounded muzzle and no whisker break. It has a short, close-lying coat with little to no undercoat and can be of any color or pattern. Large, walnut-shaped eyes grace a sweet, open face that hovers beneath the Curl's most unusual and compelling feature- its ears. At birth, a Curl kitten's ears appear perfectly straight and normal, but within a week to ten days of life, if they carry the Curl gene, it's ears begin to curl and uncurl in varying degrees until they reach approximately four months of age. At this time the ears will reach their final degree of curl and will be permanently set with cartilage that is firm to the touch, not unlike that of human ears. If the kitten does not have the Curl gene it's ears will be just like any other cat, soft and supple with no Curl. These straight-eared Curls are valuable to breeding programs to retain proper ear size. Because of this, it is unwise to try and force the ears forward or bend them awkwardly, as this could cause potential injury to the Curl. The curled-back ears lend the breed an open, inquisitive and gentle appearance, which is true to their nature.

The American Curl was first documented in 1981, when a stray Curl kitten was found wandering in the garden of a California resident. The Rugas family adopted the kitten, naming her Shulamith. Shulamith had kittens of her own, two of which inherited the genetically mutated ears. As of today, all known American Curls can be traced back to Shulamith, as nothing was known of the breed previous to 1981.

The American Curl is a very healthy cat. Most are free of the genetic defects the plague some other pure bred cats. No special care is needed other than an occasional bath and careful ear cleaning, as the ears are more open to the elements than other breeds.

There is currently no special breeding information in our databases for this animal. To submit breeding / propagation information that is specific to this animal please click here.