American Curl cat overview
Other names: Peter Pan
Life expectancy: 10–20 years
Size: 9–12 inches (height), 16–21 inches (length), 5–10 lb (weight)
Coat: brown, white, black, blue, red, cream, chocolate, lilac, silver or golden; with various patterns including solid, tuxedo, bi-color, tabby, tortoiseshell or calico
Eye colour: amber, blue, copper, green, gold, hazel, odd-eyed, orange or yellow
Temperament: curious, companionable, adaptable, people-oriented
Origin/native country: USA
Here’s a question for you: what do an American Curl cat and the fictional character Peter Pan have in common? A playful persona and kid-like energy, of course!
The charming American Curl scoops the top spot when it comes to the high-energy cat breeds that will want to play with you all the time. The youthful breed retains its kitten-like energy well into adulthood which means they make for a fabulous cat for families, lively homes, and pet parents who have plenty of time for play.
Aside from its friendly disposition, this hugely affectionate cat is perhaps best known and characterized by its unusual ears that fold backward and impressive walnut-shaped eyes that are hard to say no to! Of course, deciding between what cat is right for your home is no easy task. Which is why we’ve roped in the help of vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan, who has shared the grooming needs, exercise requirements and more about this breed.
Are American Curl cats hypoallergenic?
No, American Curl cats are not a hypoallergenic breed. Explaining why, Dr MacMillan says: “They produce the same triggering Fel d1 protein that other cat breeds do, so it is likely they will cause a reaction in people with allergies.”
However, if you are in an allergy-prone household (or don’t want to be picking up fur after your cat all the time), these cats aren’t classed as non-shedding cats, but they are only light to moderate shedders, which may be helpful for those who are hypersensitive to allergens.
Are American Curl cats rare?
As a relatively new cat breed, the American Curl is considered to be rare.
“The American Curl first appeared in the 1980s, so there are relatively few breeders around compared to other long-standing breeds,” recalls Dr MacMillan.
“Kittens are born with straight ears that then start to curl back within a few weeks. There is no guarantee how many kittens will be born with the curled ear trait within each litter, further adding to the rareness of the breed,” the vet explains.
Are American Curl cats ethical?
Well, according to Dr MacMillan, the curled ears originally came from a natural mutation in one cat, and there has since been a diverse gene pool involved in the selective breeding process.
“This has created a relatively healthy cat with no known breed-linked health issues,” the expert says. “This is definitely a good thing, especially compared to many pedigrees out there.”
However, Dr MacMillan does still question the ethics of whether or not these cats have communication issues due to their curled ears.
“Cats use facial expressions, including flattening the ears against the head, to show their feelings to others,” Dr MacMillan says. “So, with their unusual anatomy, these cats may not be able to signal as well as they would like. The curled ear is a human style choice, rather than being a functional feature for the cat.”
The American Curl isn’t the first cat to have curled or folded ears. One of the most famous examples of cats with curled ears include the Scottish Fold, which is often loved by the masses (Taylor Swift included) but it does come with some ethical concerns. At present, the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and International Cat Care consider the breeding of Scottish Folds as ‘unethical’ and are currently raising awareness of Scottish Fold suffering.
But that said, according to The Cat Fanciers’ Association, to date, no breed-linked health issues have come to light regarding the American Curl.
How much grooming does an American Curl cat need?
American Curls can be either short-haired or long-haired.
“The long-haired variety will need brushing two to three times a week to keep tangles and mats at bay, whereas once a week should be fine for the short-haired variety,” confirms Dr MacMillan.
Therefore, no matter whether you’re thinking of adopting a short-haired or long-haired variety, it’s well worth buying one of the best cat brushes to keep their coat in top condition and to help prevent any mats from developing.
How much exercise does an American Curl cat need?
American Curls are playful and active, but this kitty doesn’t have a never-ending battery.
Therefore, “Like most cats they will need at least 30 minutes of activity each day to keep them happy,” Dr MacMillan says.
American Curl health problems
Now, for the good news: the American Curl isn’t prone to any specific genetic disorders, and they are a relatively healthy cat breed.
“Like all cats though, there is always the chance of developing a general health complaint such as a heart murmur, kidney disease, obesity, or dental disease,” Dr MacMillan highlights.
“Regular check-ups, a good diet, and preventative oral care will help to keep some of these issues in check,” she says.
However, due to their defining curled feature, American curls can develop issues with their ears.
“Their unique anatomy means that they were born with narrow ear canals that are more prone to wax buildup and ear infections,” the vet says. “Owners should keep a close eye on their pet’s ears and seek help if they notice any redness, increased scratching, or odor.”
How much does an American Curl cost?
Due to their rare nature, an American Curl cat is on the pricer side, with figures starting at around $1,200 and heading up to $3,000.
This makes them one of the most expensive cat breeds, just like the Korat, Selkirk Rex and Abyssinian.
Should I get an American Curl?
If you’ve got kids, or a lively home, the American Curl would fit right in.
“They retain their playful kitten ways for many years and get on well with children,” confirms Dr MacMillan. “They will often follow their favorite family member around!”
The American Curl is described as ‘dog-like’ due to their affectionate and friendly nature, so this can be one of the best cat breeds for dog owners.
“They are adaptable and would be fine in most households, provided they are not left alone for long periods,” the vet adds.
So, if you are away from home a lot, then this isn’t the cat breed for you. That’s because they form strong bonds with their owner and can suffer from separation anxiety if parted for too long.
Read next: American Shorthair breed profile
Dr Rebecca MacMillan
Having graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London as a veterinary surgeon, Rebecca is highly experienced in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. Rebecca recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation).
Rebecca writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
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