A friendly, curious cat that loves being with its people and keeps a youthful sense of fun all its life, earning it the nickname 'Peter Pan' of cats. It is adaptable, gets on well with children and other animals, and tends to coo softly rather than meow loudly.12
how to spot oneAmerican Curl coat and colours
shorthair or longhair, silky with little undercoat
A slender, moderately muscled cat with a rectangular body and ears that curve backwards in a smooth arc of 90 to 180 degrees. Both coat lengths are silky and lie flat, with very little undercoat.12
Comes inall colours and patternstabbysolidsmokecolourpoint12
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for an American Curl. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Nail trimevery 3 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
Litter scoopevery day
Litter changeevery week
PlayDaily playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
how busy a day looksAmerican Curl exercise needs
Moderate. Enjoys daily play and will make a game out of almost anything, then happily curls up on a lap.2
where they are happiestAmerican Curl at home
Settles well in most homes; offer plenty of toys and interactive play.2
who they like aroundAmerican Curl with people and other pets
Highly sociable and happiest when involved in family life; usually friendly with other pets.12
the hands-on bitsAmerican Curl grooming and care
Light. Brush a few times a month (a grooming glove suits the shorthair), and gently check and clean the ears and teeth from time to time.12
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my American Curl, and at what times?
Feeding frequency and times depend on your cat's age, weight, and health. Pet Wiki's starting plan is to offer meals at consistent times each day, but please check the food label and ask your vet for a schedule tailored to your American Curl.
What should an American Curl eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a balanced, high-quality cat food appropriate for your American Curl's life stage. Dangerous foods include chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a safe diet.3
Does an American Curl need baths?
Baths are rarely needed for an American Curl, only if they get very dirty or sticky. Their silky coat with little undercoat stays clean easily. Pet Wiki's plan focuses on regular brushing instead.4
How often does an American Curl need brushing?
Brush your American Curl a few times a month; a grooming glove works well for the shorthair. Pet Wiki suggests brushing weekly to keep the coat silky and reduce shedding.12
How do I trim an American Curl's claws, and how often?
Trim claws every two to three weeks using proper cat nail clippers, cutting only the tip. Pet Wiki's plan recommends every 21 days. If your cat is new to it, do just one or two claws per session at first.4
How much play does an American Curl need?
Your American Curl enjoys daily play and will make a game out of almost anything. Pet Wiki suggests a daily play session to keep this curious, fun-loving cat happy and active.2
How do I look after an American Curl's teeth and ears?
Gently check and clean the ears from time to time, and brush the teeth regularly, Pet Wiki suggests every two days, with daily brushing being ideal. Use pet-safe products and ask your vet for guidance.12
How long does an American Curl live?
An American Curl typically lives between 10 and 20 years, with proper care and regular vet checkups. Pet Wiki notes that senior years usually start around age 11.2
Is an American Curl good with children and other pets?
Yes, the American Curl is friendly, adaptable, and gets on well with children and other animals. It loves being involved in family life and coos softly rather than meowing loudly.12
Can an American Curl be left alone?
This highly sociable cat is happiest when involved in family life, so it may not enjoy long periods alone. Provide plenty of toys and interactive play, and consider a companion pet if you are away often.12
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
per year, in your countryWhat an American Curl costs
Running costs for an American Curl, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
American Curl tip
American Curls love treats, but they aren't necessary for health; a few in moderation will make them your best friend. Because this breed is prone to obesity, treats should never make up more than 10% of daily calories, and if your cat shows signs of a food allergy, ask your vet.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Kittens are born with straight ears that begin to curl back within a few days and settle into their final shape at about 16 weeks.1
2
Every American Curl traces back to one stray cat, Shulamith, found in 1981.1
3
Curls are known to figure out door handles and open doors.2
4
The breed is nicknamed the 'Peter Pan' of cats because it never really grows out of kittenhood.2
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed name comes from the cat's distinctive ears, which curl backward from the face toward the center of the back of the skull.5
stars of the breedFamous ones
Shulamith The first American Curl, a stray black kitten found in Lakewood, California in 1981, who became the ancestor of all American Curls.2
I wake up and stretch, my curled ears twitching as I hear my human stirring. I coo softly and hop onto the bed for a morning cuddle. After a quick snack, I find a crumpled piece of paper and bat it around the floor, making a game of it. I leap onto the bookshelf, then back down, always playful. Later, I settle on my human's lap for a long nap, purring contentedly. In the afternoon, I chase a sunbeam across the room, pouncing on it with delight. As night falls, I curl up beside my human, cooing a soft goodnight.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganAmerican Curl history
In 1981 a long-haired black female stray with oddly curled ears turned up in Southern California and was named Shulamith. Her kittens inherited the ears, and planned breeding began in 1983 using ordinary domestic shorthairs and longhairs to keep the gene pool wide. The breed went on to be recognised by both CFA and TICA.12
Highlander
Scottish Fold
American Shorthair