Cat breed · United States
American Curl
Mèo tai xoăn Mỹ
Contents (10 sections)
Quick facts
- Origin
- United States (California, 1981)
- Weight
- no data
- Lifespan
- no data
- Coat
- short or long
- Energy
- moderate
Details & sources
Traits (scale 1–5)
- Energy
- 3/5
- Shedding
- 2/5
- Grooming needs
- 2/5
- Good with kids
- 5/5
- Vocal
- 2/5
- Independence
- 2/5
Basis: Editorial estimate based on CFA's description, not a measurement
Registry recognition
| CFA | Yes |
|---|---|
| TICA | Yes |
| FIFe | Yes |
| GCCF | — |
GCCF: pending verification.
History
In 1981 a stray kitten with curled ears turned up on a doorstep in California [1]. She was a black female named Shulamith, and she became the breed's foundation cat [1]. Her kittens showed that the curl is autosomal dominant: one copy of the gene is enough [1]. Original breeders Joe and Grace Ruga worked with CFA judges to draft a standard [1]. Curl-eared cats were then crossed with domestic shorthairs and longhairs that fit it [1].
Appearance
- Ears: curled backward and tufted. The curl ranges from almost straight (pet quality) to a 90–180 degree arc (show quality) [1].
- Body: medium-sized and rectangular, with a tail about as long as the body [1].
- Head and eyes: a modified wedge with expressive walnut-shaped eyes [1].
- Coat: short or long, silky and flat-lying, with minimal undercoat [1].
Photo gallery
7 photos · tap to enlarge- (enlarge, photo 1/7)
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Photos: Wikimedia Commons – author & licence shown when enlarged and on the Photo credits page.
Temperament
Curls are exceptionally people-oriented, torn between helping with dinner, sorting the mail and chasing your shoelaces [1]. They're affectionate, easygoing and settle into new homes in record time [1]. Intelligent and curious, they chirp little comments on what you're doing [1]. Lively but never annoying, and kitten-like into adulthood, they do well with children of all ages [1]. They tend to respect other pets and get along with dogs and cats [1].
Care
Health
- Diverse gene pool: outcrossing to random-bred cats was allowed until 2015; CFA says no breed-linked health issues have surfaced [1].
- Testing: many breeders still test regularly for recessive conditions from the wider cat population [1].
- Lifespan: we found no reliable breed-specific data.
This is general information; talk to your vet about any specific concern.
Don't confuse with…
- Scottish Fold: ears fold forward and down [4], the opposite of the Curl's backward curl [1].
Ask your vet. This information is for reference only and does not replace a veterinary diagnosis.
Fun facts
Frequently asked questions
Is the American Curl like the Scottish Fold?
No. The Scottish Fold's ears fold forward and down [4], while the Curl's ears curl backward [1].
Are American Curl kittens born with curled ears?
No. Ears are straight at birth, start curling at 3–5 days and set at around 16 weeks. The curl varies from almost straight to a 90–180 degree arc [1].
How do you clean an American Curl's ears?
Use a cotton swab soaked in ear cleaner, work up and away from the canal opening, and never pull on the delicate cartilage [1].
Similar breeds
Breed photos: Wikimedia Commons (CC0 / CC BY / CC BY-SA) – authors & licences on the Photo credits page.
References
- CFA, American Curl (breed profile & standard)
- FIFe, Breeds (ACL/ACS American Curl longhair/shorthair)
- TICA, Browse All Breeds (American Curl listed)
- CFA, Scottish Fold (breed profile & standard)
Accessed: 2026-10-02
Written by Catopidia from the sources above. Photos credit their author and licence under each image and on the Photo credits & licences.