The American curl : the Peter Pan of cats

You couldn’t find a more appropriate name for this cat breed of U.S. origin whose ears curl back in a spectacular crescent moon shape. Its comical expression and kitten-like personality has earned it the nickname the Peter Pan of cats.

Morphology and appearance

The main feature of the breed is undoubtedly its ears that curl back in a distinct arc. The degree of curl can vary greatly from one cat to another, ranging from almost straight to an arc of 180 degrees. The ideal arc of ear curl is between 90 and 180 degrees, and must be directed toward the centre of the back of the cat’s skull, without touching it. The ear is firm and has a small tuft of hair at the tip, slightly resembling the ear of a lynx. The position and shape of the ears give the American curl an alert and happily surprised expression.

Aside from its striking ears, the American curl is also characterized by its expressive almond-shaped eyes, round head, well-balanced medium-size rectangular body and silky, flat-lying coat with little undercoat. The tail is as long as the body. American curls come in all colours, and can be shorthair or longhair. The longhair variety has an elegant, plume-like tail.

Level of maintenance (grooming)

A coat with no undercoat is naturally easier to maintain and tends to lose less hair. The American curl therefore needs to be brushed only from time to time to keep its coat silky. Moreover, since breeders paid special attention to the breed’s genetic diversity, these cats are generally rugged and healthy. Their ears must be monitored and cleaned regularly, but never with a cotton swab. Their ears must also be handled with care to avoid damaging the cartilage.

Behaviour

It is reported that most American curls tend to retain kitten-like behaviour throughout their lives. They are often curious, exuberant and playful. This breed of cat therefore greatly appreciates a diverse environment with heights, hiding spots and autonomous activities. Owners should also expect that these cats will want to participate in family life, since they are known to be very sociable. Of course, each individual has its own personality, which is as unique as its ears!

Origins

Contrary to popular belief, the unusual arc of the American curl’s ears was designed by Mother Nature. It all began in Lakewood, California, in June 1981, when a small stray female cat with strange ears decided to settle in with Joe and Grace Ruga. Quickly won over by this adorable black cat, the Rugas adopted her and named her Shulamith. Six months later, Shulamith had her first litter, which included two kittens with the same curly ears as their mother, beginning a worldwide discussion on the genetics of the crescent-shaped ears. The new gene is an autosomal dominant gene, meaning that any cat with even one copy of the gene will show the trait. In 1983, cat fanciers developed a selective breeding program to conserve the gene and to develop a breed based on it. All American curl cats are therefore descendants of Shulamith. The American curl was officially recognized by TICA for the first time in 1985.

Unusual facts

All American curls are born with straight ears, which start to curl back at three to five days, resembling a rose petal. They continue to change shape in the weeks that follow, reaching their final curved shape at about 16 weeks.

The curved ears of the jungle curl and the highlander stem from the American curl, from which these hybrid breeds were derived.

Contrary to the gene responsible for the folded ears of the Scottish fold, the gene of the American curl is not associated with other anatomical or physiological abnormalities, even though both parents pass on the curl gene to their descendants.