American Curl
The Good
- Incredibly affectionate and forms strong bonds with family
- Excellent with children and other pets
- Intelligent and trainable, often learning tricks
- Moderate shedding with minimal undercoat
The Real
- Prone to ear infections due to unique ear shape
- Requires significant daily attention and interaction
- Can develop separation anxiety if left alone frequently
- Limited availability and higher cost in Australia
Gallery
Breed Overview
The American Curl is instantly recognisable by their distinctive backward-curling ears, but there's so much more to these charming felines than their unique appearance. These medium-sized cats typically weigh between 3-4.5 kg and possess a kitten-like playfulness that persists well into adulthood, making them delightful companions for Australian families seeking an interactive pet.
What sets American Curls apart is their remarkable devotion to their human families. Unlike many independent cat breeds, Curls actively seek out human companionship and often follow their favourite people around the house, earning them comparisons to dogs in their loyalty. They're particularly well-suited to Australia's family-oriented culture, thriving in households where someone is frequently home.
These cats adapt beautifully to various living situations, from inner-city Melbourne apartments to sprawling Queensland properties. Their moderate size and calm temperament make them excellent choices for families with children, while their intelligence and trainability appeal to owners who enjoy interactive relationships with their pets. Available in both short and long-haired varieties, American Curls come in virtually any colour or pattern, ensuring there's a perfect match for every Australian household's aesthetic preferences.
History
The American Curl's story began in 1981 when a stray black kitten with unusual curled ears appeared on Joe and Grace Ruga's doorstep in Lakewood, California. They named her Shulamith, and she became the foundation of this remarkable breed. What makes this origin story particularly fascinating is that Shulamith's unique ears resulted from a spontaneous genetic mutation that proved to be dominant, meaning her offspring would likely inherit this distinctive trait.
Within months, Shulamith gave birth to a litter where half the kittens displayed the same charming curled ears. By 1983, dedicated breeders were working to preserve and develop this unique characteristic. The breed's rapid rise to recognition was unprecedented in the cat fancy world - The International Cat Association (TICA) officially recognised American Curls in just six years, in 1987, followed by The Cat Fanciers' Association in 1993.
What's remarkable about the American Curl's development is the careful attention paid to maintaining genetic health. Unlike some breeds where unique features come with health complications, the ear-curling gene in American Curls doesn't cause associated problems. This responsible breeding approach has resulted in a generally healthy breed that's gained popularity worldwide, though they remain relatively rare in Australia, making them a special addition to any Aussie household lucky enough to welcome one.
Traits & Characteristics
American Curl characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
American Curls are generally robust cats with lifespans of 10-18 years, though their unique ear structure requires special attention. The most significant health consideration is their increased susceptibility to ear infections. Their curled ears can trap wax and debris more easily than straight ears, creating ideal conditions for bacterial and yeast growth. Australian owners should establish weekly ear cleaning routines with veterinarian-approved solutions, being particularly gentle due to the delicate ear cartilage.
Like all cats, American Curls can develop dental disease, making daily tooth brushing essential. They're also prone to obesity, which is particularly concerning given Australia's indoor cat lifestyle trends. Regular interactive play sessions - about two 15-minute sessions daily - help maintain healthy weight and mental stimulation.
Australian Seasonal Care: During Australia's intense summer months (December-February), ensure your American Curl has access to air conditioning or cool areas when temperatures exceed 30°C. Their moderate coat provides some protection, but they'll appreciate cooling mats and plenty of fresh water. In cooler regions like Tasmania or the Blue Mountains, provide warm bedding and draft-free sleeping areas during winter months. The breed adapts well to Australia's varied climates, but humid coastal areas from Cairns to the Sunshine Coast may require extra attention to ear health and ventilation to prevent moisture-related issues.
Progressive retinal atrophy, while uncommon, has been reported in the breed. Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect early signs of this condition. Pet insurance is particularly valuable for American Curl owners, given their potential for ear-related veterinary visits and the breed's premium status in Australia.
American Curls require high-quality nutrition with animal protein as the primary ingredient, reflecting their obligate carnivore nature. Choose foods meeting Australian pet food standards, with meat listed first on the ingredient panel. Adult cats typically thrive on two measured meals daily, while kittens need three to four smaller portions.
Portion control is crucial for this breed, as they're prone to obesity despite their playful nature. Calculate daily caloric needs based on your cat's age, weight, and activity level - your Australian veterinarian can provide personalised recommendations. The typical adult American Curl needs approximately 250-350 calories daily, but this varies significantly based on individual factors.
Given Australia's warm climate, ensure fresh water is always available, particularly during summer months in regions like Western Sydney or Adelaide where temperatures can exceed 35°C. Some American Curls enjoy water fountains, which can encourage increased hydration.
Treats should comprise no more than 10% of daily calories. This is particularly important for apartment-dwelling Curls in cities like Melbourne or Brisbane, where exercise opportunities might be more limited than for cats with secure outdoor access. Australian-made treats from reputable manufacturers often provide excellent options, but always check with your vet before introducing new foods.
Automatic feeders can be helpful for working Australians, particularly those in shift work or FIFO arrangements common in mining regions. However, these social cats prefer interactive feeding when possible, making mealtime another bonding opportunity with their devoted human companions.
American Curls are refreshingly low-maintenance in the grooming department, making them ideal for busy Australian lifestyles. Their single-layer coat, whether short or long-haired, lacks the dense undercoat that causes matting in many breeds. Weekly brushing with a quality slicker brush removes loose fur and distributes natural oils, keeping their coat healthy and reducing household shedding.
Long-haired American Curls need slightly more attention - two to three brushing sessions weekly prevent tangles and mats from forming. During Australia's spring shedding season (September-November), you might need to increase brushing frequency slightly, but these cats are notably light shedders compared to double-coated breeds.
The most critical grooming aspect is ear care. Their distinctive curled ears require gentle, careful cleaning with veterinarian-recommended solutions. Never use cotton swabs, which can damage delicate ear structures. Instead, use soft cotton rounds dampened with ear cleaner, working only on visible areas. Many Australian veterinary clinics offer ear-cleaning demonstrations for new American Curl owners.
Regular nail trimming every 7-10 days prevents overgrowth and furniture damage - particularly important for apartment dwellers in Sydney or Melbourne high-rises. Dental hygiene shouldn't be overlooked; daily tooth brushing prevents periodontal disease common in cats.
Coat Specifications:
- Coat Length: Available in both short (dense, silky) and long-haired (flowing, minimal undercoat) varieties
- Coat Colours: All colours accepted including black, white, grey, brown, cream, red, and combinations
- Coat Patterns: Any pattern including solid, bi-colour, tabby, tortoiseshell, tuxedo, and calico
- Hypoallergenic: No, though minimal undercoat means less allergen-trapping fur than some breeds
American Curls are exceptionally trainable cats, often surprising new owners with their dog-like willingness to learn. Their high intelligence and strong desire to please make them excellent candidates for clicker training, particularly appealing to Australian families who enjoy interactive pet relationships. Start with basic commands like "sit" and "come," using high-value treats as motivation.
These cats excel at puzzle feeders and interactive toys, which are essential for preventing boredom-related behaviours in Australia's increasingly indoor-cat culture. Rotate toys weekly to maintain interest, and consider puzzle feeders for meals to provide mental stimulation during long Australian work days.
Their natural curiosity makes them excellent candidates for supervised outdoor time in secure cat enclosures (catios), which are growing popular across Australian suburbs from Perth to Brisbane. If apartment living limits outdoor access, create vertical territory with cat trees and wall-mounted shelving, allowing them to satisfy their climbing instincts safely.
Socialisation is crucial during kittenhood but continues throughout their lives. American Curls genuinely enjoy meeting new people, making them excellent companions for Australians who frequently entertain. Introduce new experiences gradually - from vacuum cleaners to visiting grandchildren during school holidays.
Many American Curls enjoy learning tricks like fetch, high-five, and even walking on leashes - perfect for Australian owners wanting to safely explore local parks or beaches. Their social nature means they often prefer training sessions that involve family interaction rather than solitary play, fitting perfectly with Australia's family-oriented lifestyle.
Who is an ideal owner?
The perfect Australian home for an American Curl includes someone who genuinely enjoys interactive pet relationships and has time for daily engagement. These cats thrive with work-from-home professionals, retirees, or families where someone is frequently present. They're not suited to households where everyone works long hours away from home, as they can develop separation anxiety.
Families with school-aged children find American Curls particularly rewarding, as these cats actively participate in household activities and tolerate the chaos of homework sessions and weekend sleepovers. Their gentle nature makes them excellent for first-time cat owners who want an affectionate, trainable companion without the independence challenges of some breeds.
Apartment dwellers in Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane can successfully keep American Curls, provided they offer adequate vertical space and interactive enrichment. The breed's moderate size and quiet nature suit body corporate regulations, while their social temperament handles urban noise levels well.
These cats particularly suit Australians who appreciate unique pets but prefer lower-maintenance grooming routines. Retirees often find them ideal companions for morning coffee routines and afternoon reading sessions, while young professionals working flexible schedules enjoy their interactive, almost dog-like loyalty.
Households with other pets, particularly social cats or gentle dogs, often work well, as American Curls typically integrate smoothly into multi-pet families. However, they're equally content as only pets in devoted single-person households, particularly suiting empty nesters seeking a devoted feline companion.
Interesting facts about the American Curl
Interesting Fact
American Curl kittens are born with straight ears that begin curling within 3-5 days, reaching full curl by 16 weeks
Interesting Fact
The breed's ear curl ranges from 90 to 180 degrees, with show cats requiring specific curl angles
Interesting Fact
Shulamith, the original American Curl, lived to be 19 years old and had numerous offspring carrying the curl gene
Interesting Fact
American Curls are one of the youngest recognised cat breeds, achieving official status in record time
FAQ
Yes, American Curls are premium cats in Australia, typically costing $1,500-$3,000 AUD from reputable breeders. Their rarity and unique appearance contribute to higher prices, and you may need to join waiting lists or travel interstate to find available kittens.
Generally yes, American Curls are considered one of the healthiest pedigreed breeds. Their ear curl results from a genetic mutation that doesn't cause other health problems, unlike some breeds where unique features come with complications. However, they are more prone to ear infections due to their ear shape.
The distinctive backward-curling ears are the primary identifier. Kittens are born with straight ears that begin curling within days, reaching full curl by 16 weeks. The curl should be between 90-180 degrees, and the ears feel firm but flexible.
Absolutely! Their moderate size, quiet nature, and adaptable personality make them excellent apartment cats across Australian cities. They're content with indoor living provided they have adequate vertical space, interactive toys, and daily human engagement.
Yes, they adapt well to Australia's varied climates. Their moderate coat works in both Sydney's humidity and Melbourne's cooler weather. However, provide cooling options during extreme heat waves and ensure good ventilation in humid coastal areas to prevent ear moisture issues.
Excellent choice for families! They're patient with children, enjoy household activity, and their playful nature matches well with active family life. They're particularly good for families wanting an interactive, affectionate cat that participates in daily routines.
Weekly brushing suffices for most American Curls, though you might need to increase frequency during spring shedding season. More importantly, their ears need gentle weekly cleaning, especially in humid climates like Queensland's coast where moisture can increase infection risk.