American Curl - the name itself is suggestive of the distinctive feature that this specific cat breed holds. The cats belonging to this breed have ears curled in an arch that measures between 90 and 180 degrees. It is this unusual and attractive feature that sets this breed apart from other cat breeds and has generated much curiosity among the cat lovers. In addition, American Curls are of a very adaptive and sweet temperament that makes them a perfect pet for children and aged people alike.

Shulamith, a stray cat, adopted by the Ruga family in 1981, is considered to be the mother of the American Curl breed. It was in 1983 that this breed was first exhibited in a cat show, where it won attention. In the year 1983, the International Cat Association recognized this breed and gave it championship status, which was then followed by the admittance of both long and short haired American Curls into the Cat Fancier’s Association in 1993.

An American Curl is distinguished for its unusually curled ears. But many are of the opinion that the wonderfully plumed tail, which this breed has, also sets it apart from some other cat breeds. However, if you are looking for the curly ear trait in a new born of this breed, you will be disappointed. This is because American Curl kittens are born with straight ears. The ears start showing the distinctive sign of curling only after or within ten days. It grows in the backward curl until it reaches the age of four months after which its ears no longer curl further. A fully grown American Curl should have curled ears, which feel stiff and hard. The curling should be in between 90 to 180 degrees but should never touch the back of its skull, which is a disqualifying feature for the American Curls in the show category. The beautifully curled ears in this breed should be handled very carefully. Otherwise, it can damage the cartilage in the ears.

American Curls have large, walnut shaped eyes and their tails are plumed. This breed is of medium size and rectangular in shape. American Curl has soft, silky coat which falls flat against the body. The hair of the coat can be short or long, but both are accepted standards in case of this breed. American Curls can have different colored coats. This may range from bicolor to tortoiseshell, calico, solid, Siamese-style and more. One wonderful thing about the coats of American Curls is that they don’t shed much and need little grooming. This can be a relief for people who like to have a pet cat but usually avoid the same due to excessive shedding of the coat.

American Curl is a slow growing breed. It takes almost two to three years for the kittens to turn into fully grown cats. Even then, they are free from much of the puberty related diseases that otherwise affect many of the other cat breeds. A fully grown male American Curl will weigh around seven to ten pounds while a full grown female will weigh around five to eight pounds. This is a breed which even meows less and is a very wonderfully sweet natured pet.