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    Tailless & Mutation Group

    American Curl

    The cat with cinnamon-roll ears. American Curls have ears that curl backward 90–180 degrees, giving them an alert, surprised look. Unlike Scottish Folds, the curl mutation is purely cosmetic and causes no health problems. Sweet, playful and people-oriented, with one of the lowest hereditary disease loads of any pedigreed breed.

    American Curl cat with backward-curling ears sitting on a cushioned bench in a sunlit hallway

    Quick Facts

    Origin
    California, USA (1981)
    Weight (M / F)
    7–10 / 5–8 lb
    Lifespan
    13–16 years
    Coat
    Short or semi-long silky single coat
    Shedding
    low
    Hypoallergenic
    No
    Energy
    ●●●○○ (3/5)
    Affection
    ●●●●● (5/5)
    Vocal
    ●●○○○ (2/5)
    Grooming need
    ●●○○○ (2/5)
    Climber
    ●●●●○ (4/5)
    Kid-friendly
    ●●●●● (5/5)
    Apartment OK
    Yes
    Indoor only
    Recommended
    Multi-pet OK
    Yes

    History & Origin

    The American Curl began in 1981 when a stray longhair kitten with curled ears was adopted by the Ruga family in Lakewood, CA. Her offspring inherited the trait. CFA recognition came in 1993.

    Temperament & Personality

    Curious, playful, gentle. American Curls remain kitten-like throughout adulthood.

    Health Watchouts

    Top conditions reported by CFA/TICA parent clubs, AAFP, the Winn Feline Foundation, and the Merck Veterinary Manual. Discuss screening with your vet — especially before breeding or insuring.

    Ear infections

    Slight elevation

    Curled ears trap wax more readily.

    Screening: Weekly ear cleaning

    Periodontal disease

    70%+ of cats by age 3

    Plaque hardens to tartar and inflames gums, leading to tooth loss and bacteremia.

    Screening: Annual oral exam; daily brushing or VOHC-approved dental treats; professional cleaning every 1–2 years

    Obesity

    ≈60% of indoor cats (AAHA)

    Excess weight increases risk of diabetes, arthritis, hepatic lipidosis and shortens lifespan by ~2 years.

    Screening: Monthly body condition score (target 4–5/9); measure all food; structured play 2× daily

    Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

    Breed-elevated risk

    Thickening of the left ventricular heart wall — the most common heart disease in cats. Lower than other pedigreed breeds; recommended to screen.

    Screening: Annual echocardiogram from a board-certified cardiologist; DNA test where available (Maine Coon, Ragdoll)

    Polycystic kidney disease

    Low

    Rare in this breed.

    Screening: DNA test

    Enrichment & Play

    Playful into senior years; moderate climbers.

    • Cat trees
    • Wand toys
    • Puzzle feeders
    • Window perches
    • Companion cat

    Nutrition

    Daily calories: Adult: 200–270 kcal/day.

    Two measured meals daily.

    Common allergens to watch: Fish.

    ⚠ Body-score monthly.

    Grooming & Coat Care

    Brush weekly. Clean ears weekly with a vet-approved cleaner — never insert anything into the ear canal.

    Cost of Ownership

    Lifetime cost depends on lifespan, vet care, and litter/food choices. Try our Lifetime Cost Calculator →

    Cost band for American Curl: medium.

    Living Situation Fit

    Excellent family cat. Apartment-friendly.

    Choosing a Kitten

    Kittens are born with straight ears — they curl over the first 4–7 days. Pet-quality kittens $800–$1,500.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do American Curls have the same health issues as Scottish Folds?

    No — the curl mutation is purely cosmetic and does not affect cartilage or joints. American Curls are generally one of the healthiest pedigreed breeds.

    When do American Curl ears curl?

    Kittens are born with straight ears. The ears begin curling within 2–10 days and reach final shape by 4 months.

    Related breeds

    Silver tabby Scottish Fold cat with folded ears in a charming owl-like pose on a woven rug

    Scottish Fold

    The owl-faced cat. Scottish Folds carry a dominant cartilage mutation that folds the ears forward and gives them a sweet round-faced 'owl' appearance. The same mutation causes painful arthritis in every Fold, increasing with age. Major veterinary associations now recommend against breeding them; consider adopting a Scottish Straight (non-folded sibling) instead.

    Calico Japanese Bobtail cat with short pom-pom tail in a Japanese-style room with shoji screens

    Japanese Bobtail

    The 'lucky cat' (Maneki-neko). Japanese Bobtails have a short pom-pom tail, slender athletic body and an outgoing intelligent temperament. The mi-ke (calico) tri-color is the iconic appearance. Generally one of the healthiest pedigreed breeds — the tail mutation does not cause spinal issues like the Manx gene.

    Silver tabby Munchkin cat with very short legs sitting low on a polished hardwood floor

    Munchkin

    The corgi of the cat world. Munchkins have a normal-sized body on very short legs caused by a dominant chondrodysplasia gene. They are playful, affectionate and surprisingly fast — but the breed is controversial: CFA and FIFe refuse to register them on welfare grounds, while TICA accepts them. Research the ethical debate before adopting.

    Reviewed by PetHelpAnswers Editorial Team

    This profile is shared for informational and educational purposes only. Individual cats vary — always consult a licensed veterinarian for medical guidance.