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American Curl
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Physical Characteristics
- Long, fluffy tail
- Ears curl into an arc
- Alert and happy expression
- Sophisticated, stylish presence
- Two coat varieties: longhair and shorthair
Temperament
- People-oriented, faithful, affectionate, smart, curious
- Good with children and other pets
- Attentive to owners
- Makes coo-like sounds
- Keeps kitten personality through adulthood
Medical Conditions
- Needs boosters by 12 weeks old
- Annual vet visit for checkups is important
While the listed ailments may be common in this breed, not all members of the breed suffer from these conditions. Responsible breeders screen for orthopedic and genetic diseases.
At Home
- Does best indoors
- Needs sufficient scratching device
- Declawing is not recommended
- Kittens are available after 12-16 weeks
Grooming
- Easily groomed
- Brush gently once a week
- Trim nails regularly
Other Facts
- Ears are straight when they're born, not curling until three to five days later
- Ears curl into a tight rosebud position, and gradually relax until they set in a permanent position around 16 weeks
- Nicknamed the Peter Pan of cats because of their youthful nature
Breed History
- The first American Curl was found in Lakewood, Calif., in 1981
- The Curl, named Shulamith, gave birth to six kittens, most with the unique curled ears
- In 1983, breeders selectively bred to keep the ear-curling trait
- Geneticist Roy Robinson found the ear-curling gene is dominant, which means every cat with the gene will have curled ears
For more information about this breed and breeder referral contacts, please visit the Harrier Club of America For breed rescue opportunities, visit HCA Rescue
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