Breed Guide

American Curl

General Information

The American Curl is instantly recognizable by its uniquely curled-back ears. Playful, affectionate, and highly social, this breed thrives in homes where it receives attention and interaction. Ideal for families, couples, or anyone looking for a friendly and adaptable companion, the American Curl enjoys both playtime and cozy snuggles.

A curious fact: kittens are born with straight ears, which start curling backward within the first week of life, giving each cat its signature look.

Physical:

The American Curl is a medium-sized, muscular cat with a well-proportioned body. Its most distinctive feature is its ears, which curl gracefully backward a few days after birth. The coat can be short or long, soft and silky, and appears in nearly any color or pattern. Large, expressive eyes and a long, tapered tail complete its elegant appearance, making the curled ears the key trait to identify a true American Curl.

Personality:

The American Curl is known for its friendly, affectionate, and playful personality. They are highly social, often bonding closely with their human family and enjoying interaction with other pets. Curious and intelligent, they love exploring and engaging in games, yet they are gentle and adaptable, making them excellent companions for both families and singles. Their sweet, outgoing nature combined with moderate activity levels makes them a balanced, loving pet.

Health & Care:

The American Curl has a soft, medium-length coat that lies close to the body. Weekly brushing is usually sufficient to remove loose hairs and keep the coat shiny. Their coat is naturally low-maintenance, and regular nail trimming, ear checks, and dental care complete their basic upkeep.

Hygiene

American Curls rarely need full baths, so a shower every 2–3 months or when visibly dirty is sufficient, using a cat-friendly shampoo.

Nails should be trimmed every 2–3 weeks with a proper cat nail clipper; if you’re unsure, a veterinarian or professional groomer can help.

Their teeth should be brushed 2–3 times per week using a cat toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste—if you’ve never done this before, ask a vet to demonstrate proper technique.

Ears should be checked weekly and cleaned gently with a cotton pad or vet-recommended solution as needed.

Common Health Issues

For the American Curl, common health issues are generally rare, but the main tendency to watch for is related to their unique ear cartilage:

Their curled ears are flexible but delicate, so injuries, infections, or ear mites can occur more easily than in straight-eared cats. Regular checks can help spot redness, odor, or swelling early.

Other than ear concerns, American Curls are usually healthy, with no breed-specific genetic diseases widely reported.

History:

Origin

The American Curl originated in the early 1980s in California, USA. A stray cat with unusual, curled-back ears was discovered by a family, and they began a selective breeding program to preserve this unique trait. All American Curls today trace back to this original cat, named “Shulamith.”

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