The American Curl, an affectionate and playful cat with unique ears.
The Cat with Curled Ears
The American Curl is a unique cat breed, famous for its ears that gracefully curl backward, giving it a perpetually surprised expression. Originating from California in the United States, this breed is the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation discovered in 1981. Nicknamed the 'Peter Pan of cats', the American Curl is cherished for its playful temperament and affectionate nature that persist into adulthood.
Whether short-haired or long-haired, the American Curl is an adaptable, intelligent, and sociable companion that easily integrates into family life.
Our Feline Specialist's Advice
By the CatName.com team, published on October 14, 2025.
My personal tip : The American Curl's ears are its most distinctive feature and require special attention. Due to their curled shape, they can trap more earwax and be prone to infections. Gentle weekly cleaning with a damp cotton ball or wipe is essential, but you should never attempt to straighten them or use cotton swabs. As for grooming, its silky, low-shedding coat only requires weekly brushing for short-haired varieties and two to three times a week for long-haired ones, to prevent tangles. This 'eternal kitten' needs stimulation through play to remain happy and active.
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Identifying the American Curl: Key Characteristics
The American Curl's ears gracefully curl backward.
The American Curl is a medium-sized cat with a well-proportioned and moderately muscular body. Its most striking feature is, of course, its backward-curled ears, forming an arc of 90 to 180 degrees. Kittens are born with straight ears that begin to curl a few days after birth, reaching their final curl by about 4 months of age.
Size: It is a medium-sized cat, slender and athletic.
Coat: Short or semi-long, silky, soft, and with little undercoat; all colors and patterns are accepted.
Ears: Curled backward, wide at the base with rounded, flexible tips.
Eyes: Large, oval or walnut-shaped, well-spaced, all colors accepted, with no correlation to coat color.
Tail: Long and well-furred, often as long as the body, plumed for long-haired varieties.
Dimensions and Key Information (American Curl)
Characteristic
Male
Female
Average
Size (at shoulder)
22 – 28 cm
20 – 26 cm
20 – 28 cm
Weight
3.2 – 7 kg
2.3 – 5 kg
2.3 – 7 kg
Life Expectancy
11 – 16 years
11 – 16 years
11 – 16 years
Diet
Strict carnivore
Strict carnivore
High-quality kibble and wet food
Litter Size (kittens)
-
Variable
Generally 3-5
These figures indicate that the American Curl is a medium-sized cat, and its growth can take up to 2 or 3 years to reach full maturity.
Behavior: Curious, Sociable, and Gentle
The American Curl is a cat with a temperament as unique as its curled ears. Known for its natural curiosity and intelligence, it loves to explore its surroundings and interact with its owners. These cats are very sociable and become deeply attached to their families, often seeking company and participating in household activities. They retain a kitten-like spirit throughout their lives, remaining playful and cheerful.
Despite their distinctive appearance, American Curls are robust and generally healthy cats. They adapt easily to different households, whether it's a family with children, a home with other pets, or a single person. Their meow is soft and melodious, and they are known for being low-maintenance and very well-balanced. Their gentleness and affectionate nature are a joy to all who share their lives.
The American Curl is an excellent companion for those who appreciate an interactive but not overly demanding cat. Their gentle personality and love for play might remind one of the playful nature of the Abyssinian, while being less boisterous. If you are intrigued by cats with unique physical traits, you might also be interested in the distinctive look of the Sphynx or the curly coat and mischievous character of the Devon Rex. The American Curl combines singular beauty with a charming and endearing personality.
Origin and Adaptability
The history of the American Curl began in 1981, in California, when a stray long-haired cat with curiously curled ears, named Shulamith, was taken in by Joe and Grace Ruga. This cat became the ancestor of the entire breed, passing on her unique gene to some of her kittens. The subsequent breeding program developed the breed by crossing Shulamith's descendants with healthy domestic cats, ensuring good genetic diversity and overall robustness.
The breed was officially recognized by TICA in 1985 and by the CFA in 1991, accepting both short-haired and long-haired varieties. Although it is better known in the United States, its popularity extends to other countries such as France, Spain, Japan, and Russia. The American Curl is very adaptable and suitable for both apartment living and a home with secure outdoor access, provided it receives enough space, stimulation, and attention from its family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the American Curl
What is unique about the American Curl's ears?
The American Curl's ears are its most distinctive feature: they elegantly curl backward, forming an arc between 90 and 180 degrees. Kittens are born with straight ears that begin to curl a few days after birth.
What is the typical temperament of an American Curl?
The American Curl is nicknamed the "Peter Pan of cats" due to its playful, curious, and affectionate personality that persists into adulthood. They are sociable, loyal, and get along well with children and other animals.
How do you groom an American Curl's coat and ears?
Its silky coat (short or semi-long) requires weekly brushing for short-haired varieties and two to three times a week for long-haired ones. Its curled ears must be gently cleaned weekly to prevent earwax buildup and infections, without ever attempting to straighten them.
Is the American Curl a robust cat?
Yes, the American Curl is generally considered a robust breed with good genetic diversity. However, its unique ear shape makes it more susceptible to ear infections, requiring regular vigilance and cleaning. Some lines may be predisposed to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), so regular screening is recommended.
What is the life expectancy of an American Curl?
The average life expectancy of an American Curl typically ranges between 11 and 16 years, with good care and regular veterinary check-ups.
