American Curl

The Peter Pan of cats

Also known as: Curl · American Curl cat · Curly-eared cat · Curled-ear cat

American Curl, a medium cat from United States (photo 2)

American Curl, a medium cat from United States (photo 3)

American Curl, a medium cat from United States (photo 4)

American Curl, a medium cat from United States (photo 5)

American Curl, a medium cat from United States (photo 6)

Photos: Nickolas Titkov from Moscow, Russian Federation (CC BY-SA 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons.

Breed profile

20–28 cm(8–11 in)Height at the shoulder

2.5–5 kg(6–11 lb)Adult weight

12–16 yearsLife expectancy

30 min of play a dayDaily play

GroupTails & ears

OriginUnited States

SizeMedium

CoatShort or semi-long, silky, with little undercoat

ColoursAll

HypoallergenicNo

Breed dates from1981

Estimated cost in Spain*€830–1,150 a year

* An estimate for Spain in 2026 (food, litter, vet and insurance), based on the size, grooming and health needs of the breed, not on measured costs of individual cats.

Varieties

Two coat varieties

ShorthairClose-lying and silkySemi-longhairPlumed tail and tufted ears

What it is like

In 1981, in Lakewood (California), Joe and Grace Ruga took in a stray female whose ears curled backwards and named her Shulamith. Her kittens inherited the ears: it was a dominant gene. Unlike the Scottish Fold, the Curl's mutation affects only the ear cartilage and is not associated with bone or joint problems. The ears curl back between 90 and 180 degrees. It is a cat that stays playful all its life, affectionate, curious and very adaptable, with a reputation for never growing up. It gets on well with children, dogs and other cats.

Temperament

PlayfulAffectionateCuriousAdaptable

Activity

4/5

With children

5/5

With dogs

5/5

With other cats

5/5

Ease of learning

4/5

How vocalless is better

2/5

Sheddingless is better

2/5

Brushing needsless is better

2/5

Health robustness

4/5

Indoor and flat life

5/5

Copes with being alone

3/5

For first-time owners

5/5

the more, the better the less, the better

Care

The ears are delicate: do not fold or handle them. Clean them gently and regularly, because their shape traps wax. Weekly brushing for the shorthair and a bit more for the semi-longhair. Daily play. Kittens are born with straight ears, which curl in the first few days and set at around four months.

Health

A healthy breed, with no serious inherited diseases associated with its mutation. Risk of ear infections and wax build-up because of the ear shape. Kittens' cartilage is fragile and can be damaged if handled. It inherits the risks of the domestic cats it is crossed with.

General information about tendencies in the breed, not a diagnosis. Any symptom should be checked by your vet.

Fun facts

Shulamith, the founder, was a longhaired black stray.

Kittens are born with straight ears and start to curl them within a few days.

Its gene affects only the ear cartilage, unlike the Scottish Fold's.

It is called the Peter Pan of cats because it keeps its playful kitten temperament all its life.

Frequently asked questions

How big does a American Curl get?

An adult American Curl usually weighs 2.5–5 kg (6–11 lb) and stands about 20–28 cm (8–11 in) at the shoulder, which makes it a medium cat.

How long does a American Curl live?

Its usual life expectancy is 12–16 years. Living indoors, being neutered and having regular vet check-ups make the biggest difference.

Is the American Curl hypoallergenic?

No. It produces the usual cat allergens. If someone at home is allergic, spend time with the breed before deciding and talk to an allergist.

Is the American Curl good with children?

Usually yes: it tends to be patient and sociable with children. As with any cat, teach children to let it walk away when it has had enough.

How much play does a American Curl need?

As a guide, 30 min of play a day. Its activity score is 4 out of 5: short daily play sessions with a wand toy work better than one long one.