The Pet Atlas

Breed Cats Distinctive Feature

American Curl

Curled ears with a clean, balanced silhouette

At a glance

Basic requirements and commitment level

Daily requirements

Activity
Medium
Vocality
Low
Health sensitivity
Low
Grooming
Medium
Shedding
Low
Temperature sensitivity
Low

Context & compatibility

Size
Medium
Lifespan
12–18 years
Coat type
Single
Coat length
Medium

Is this right for you?

Common scenarios where this breed tends to fit well or less well

A good match

  • Want curled ears as the main feature and accept typical coat upkeep

Not ideal

  • Prefer to avoid breeds where ear structure is the main identity marker

Social & behavior

Temperament and interaction style

Personality & activity

Commonly upbeat and curious—often stays interested in what you’re doing without being nonstop.

Handling & social style

Many do best with gentle, opt-in contact; ear handling is best kept respectful and minimal (more petting, less fiddling).

Care & health

Setup, routines, and health considerations

Care overview

Straightforward care with one focus: the ears are a structural hallmark, so they’re handled gently and checked routinely.

Environment & space

Standard indoor setup works; no special space requirements beyond typical scratch/perch basics.

Daily routine

Minimal grooming; add quick ear checks as part of normal routine (awareness, not constant cleaning).

Health sensitivities

Look for breeders selecting for overall soundness, not extreme ear curl; ask what ear-related issues they’ve seen (if any) in relatives.

Background

Origins and how that history shapes what you see today

Origin region

United States

Background

Began with a natural curled-ear mutation and was standardized to keep that ear shape reliably. The breed exists because of the ears, with a deliberately balanced body and coat around them.