Pet Wiki

American Curl

Felis catus

Also called American Curl Longhair, American Curl Shorthair

Recognised breedShort profile

From Southern California, United States, from a curl-eared stray found in 198112

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male3.2 to 4.5 kg12
Weight, female2.3 to 3.6 kg12
Lifespan10 to 20 years2
Sizesmall

CFA and TICA both give 7-10 lb for males and 5-8 lb for females.

Stays playful and kitten-like into old age
Very people-oriented and affectionate
Easygoing and adaptable with kids and pets
12

Coat and looks how to spot one

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

Coloursall colours and patternstabbysolidsmokecolourpoint12

Personality what they are like

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

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate. Enjoys daily play and will make a game out of almost anything, then happily curls up on a lap.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

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

Home where they are happiest

Settles well in most homes; offer plenty of toys and interactive play.2

Company who they like around

Highly sociable and happiest when involved in family life; usually friendly with other pets.12

The story where it all began

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

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 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. 2

    Every American Curl traces back to one stray cat, Shulamith, found in 1981.1

  3. 3

    Curls are known to figure out door handles and open doors.2

  4. 4

    The breed is nicknamed the 'Peter Pan' of cats because it never really grows out of kittenhood.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

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.3

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

CurlsPixieEchoFawnLunaCocoMistyRascalDaisyBubblesSparrowPepper

A day in the life told by an American Curl

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.

Recognised by the official bits

CFA
Recognised breed in longhair and shorthair divisions1
TICA
Recognised breed2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an American Curl. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

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 it's wise to watch for fish as a potential allergen.

Source: petmd.com

Cat-Friendly Pancakes

A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
  • 1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)

How

  1. Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
  2. Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
  4. Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
  5. Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
  6. Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.

How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Tuna Biscuits for Cats

These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
  • Extra water as needed

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
  4. Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
  5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
  8. Allow to cool completely before storing.

How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

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

Owner questions the things everyone asks

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. Furry Diary'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. Pet Wiki plan

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.4

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. Furry Diary's plan focuses on regular brushing instead.5 Pet Wiki plan

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. Furry Diary suggests brushing weekly to keep the coat silky and reduce shedding.12 Pet Wiki plan

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. Furry Diary's plan recommends every 21 days. If your cat is new to it, do just one or two claws per session at first.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does an American Curl need?

Your American Curl enjoys daily play and will make a game out of almost anything. Furry Diary suggests a daily play session to keep this curious, fun-loving cat happy and active.2 Pet Wiki plan

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, Furry Diary suggests every two days, with daily brushing being ideal. Use pet-safe products and ask your vet for guidance.12 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an American Curl live?

An American Curl typically lives between 10 and 20 years, with proper care and regular vet checkups. Furry Diary notes that senior years usually start around age 11.2 Pet Wiki plan

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.

You might also like

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. American Curl - Cat Fanciers' Association cfa.orgused for origin, weight, ear curl, coat, temperament, history, fun facts
  2. American Curl - TICA tica.orgused for weight, lifespan, coat, temperament, care, fun facts
  3. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.