Appearance
American Curls have curly ears. Other than this, they're normal-looking cats. The first
Curls were longhaired. Today shorthaired Curls are becoming more and more popular, because
the short coat makes the curled ears stand out more. Longhaired curls have full, plumbed
tails.
All colors and patterns are acceptable. However, the tabbies seem to be the most
popular. While some exotic colors are available, they're much harder to find.
Personality
Curls are mellow and quiet, but they'll play enthusiastically. These sweet cats are rarely
mischievous or destructive. Curls adapt easily to all types of lifestyles. They'll live
happily just about anywhere, as long as they receive lots of love and attention from their
owners.
History
All Curls trace back to Southern California, where in 1981, a longhaired black female with
curled ears wandered into someone's yard and was adopted. To the delight of her owners,
her first litter included two curly-eared kittens. In light of this, a new breeding
program was started to keep up the curly ears. In 1986, the American Curl was accepted for
registration.
Health
Because their ears are curled, Curls are sometimes prone to ear wax, which can accumulate
and cause bacterial growth and infection. However, many breeders recommend purchasing an
ear cleansing solution from your vet which prevents buildup and usually eliminates the
problem.
Special Consideration
All kittens are born with straight ears, but within two or three days the ears curl
slightly. Some kittens' ears may not curl at all. When choosing a Curl kitten, look for a
kitten whose ears have a wide-open base, because narrow openings are harder to clean. The
kitten's ears should feel firm but not rigid or thickened. The tips should be flexible and
the curl should be a smooth arc.
