The discovery of a unique cat is an event of great importance to feline fans introducing the American Curl. Distinguished by ears that curl back in a graceful arc giving an alert, happy appearance, they have a medium-sized rectangular body with a silky flat-lying medium long coat or short resilient coat in the case of the shorthair Curl. Expressive walnut-shaped eyes finish the look.

On a June day in 1981 in Lakewood, California, a black kitten with a long shiny, silky coat, large golden eyes and uniquely curled ears showed up on the doorstep of Joe and Grace Ruga’s home. Joe told Grace not to feed the kitten, but when he returned from work he found a bowl of milk on the porch for her. From that moment on “Shulamith” grew to be a loving and affectionate member of the family and Joe’s cat. Six months later “Shulamith” delivered her first litter of four kittens, two had ears that curled like their mother.

In 1983 selective breeding of the Curls began allowing cat fanciers to get a glimpse of a rare, new addition to the cat world. Due to their domestic ancestry American Curls are available in both longhair and shorthair varieties, and can be any colour or coat pattern including the striking blue-eyed colourpoint. The Domestic Longhair and Shorthair, that closely resemble the Curl type, are the only allowable outcross.

The curled ear is a natural genetic mutation and is the result of a single dominant gene. No health problems have been associated with the gene or within the breed due to its genetic diversity through continued out-crossing.

When Curls are born their ears are straight. They begin to curl within 24 to 72 hours after birth. As the kitten matures the ears gradually unfurl until 12 to 16 weeks of age. The degree of curl can vary greatly, ranging from an almost straight ear (pet quality) to a show quality ear with an arc of 90-180 degrees. Due to the nature of the gene you can also get straight eared kittens.

The Curls are very people-oriented, faithful, and affectionate soul-mates. They adjust quickly to other pets and new situations. They are inquisitive and become easily engrossed in assisting their owners in whatever they are doing. Not overly talkative, the Curl’s curiosity and intelligence is expressed through little chirping or cooing sounds when they want to comment or would like an opinion. Because Curls retain their kitten-like personality, they are referred to as the Peter Pan of the feline world.

The American curl is still quite rare throughout the world but more and more people are falling under their spell.