American Curl
The Peter Pan cat with ears that curl back
Every American Curl descends from a stray black cat with oddly curled ears, found in Lakewood, California, in 1981. She was named Shulamith, and her kittens inherited the curl. The curl comes from a dominant gene, so only one parent needs to carry it.
The breed is known for staying playful and kitten-like all its life, which has earned it the nickname “Peter Pan”.
American Curl at a glance
- Origin
- California, USA
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- Usually 2.5 to 5 kg
- Lifespan
- Often 12 to 16 years
- Coat
- Short or long, silky and flat-lying
- Colours
- Almost any colour and pattern
Personality scorecard
- Energy
- 3 out of 5
- Affection
- 5 out of 5
- Chattiness
- 2 out of 5
- Grooming needed
- 2 out of 5
- Good with children
- 5 out of 5
- Good with other pets
- 5 out of 5
Our own rough guide. Every cat is different.
What they look like
A medium, balanced cat with a gently wedge-shaped head, walnut-shaped eyes and the ears that give it its name: they curve backwards from the base, with the tips pointing towards the middle of the back of the head, anywhere from a gentle arc to a full curl. Kittens are born with straight ears, and the curl develops over the first few days. The coat comes in short and long versions.
Personality
Friendly, affectionate and playful. American Curls are known for greeting visitors, following their people around, and learning games and tricks. They are usually quiet, with a soft trill, and are good with children and other pets. Most stay playful well into adulthood.
Care and grooming
Easy care: brush weekly (a couple of times a week for long-haired cats). Check and clean the ears gently as your vet advises, and never bend or pull them, because the cartilage can be damaged. Give them play and company.
Health to know about
Generally healthy. The curled ear cartilage is firmer than normal, so rough handling can hurt, and ears can be prone to wax and infection. As the breed is rare, ask breeders about health testing and how closely related the parents are.
Could suit
- Families with children and other pets
- People who want a playful, friendly cat
- Homes with space for games
Think twice if
- If you want a widely available breed
- If children might pull on the ears
- If you want a quiet, independent cat
“My ears curl back so I can hear secrets behind me.”
Name ideas for a American Curl
- Curly
- Peter
- Wendy
- Pan
- Shula
- Hook
- Tink
- Neverland
- Biscuit
- Maple
Want more? Try the cat name generator, or find out their age in human years with the cat age calculator.
Questions people ask
Why do American Curl cats have curled ears?
A natural, dominant gene change makes the ear cartilage curve back. Kittens are born with straight ears and the curl develops in the first days.
Does ear curling hurt the cat?
No, but the ear cartilage is firmer than normal, so never bend or pull the ears.
Are American Curls good family cats?
Yes, they are known for being friendly, playful and good with children and other pets.
Are American Curls rare?
Yes, especially in the UK, so you may need to wait for a kitten.
Other breeds to meet
This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your own cat.
