The Charming American Curl

The American Curl cat's most distinctive feature is its outward-curling ears. The breed's ears curl back about 90 degrees and look like crescents when viewed from the side. However, the curl should not be so pronounced that the ears touch the head. American Curl kittens are born with ears that look no different from those of other cats. After about one week, however, their ears begin to curl, and it takes four months for their final shape to develop. The American Curl's coat is full and soft, but it has no undercoat. Coat length ranges from short to long, with a variety of colors and patterns.

The American Curl is a relatively recent breed. In 1981, Grace Ruga, who lived in California, found two curly-eared kittens and decided to raise them at home. One died in an accident, but the other lived out the rest of her life with the Ruga family.

That cat, Shulamith, gave birth to curly-eared kittens. Ruga gave one of the kittens to her sister, Esther Brimlow. Brimlow's friend Nancy Kiester, a cat enthusiast, found the curly-eared kitten unusual and contacted Ruga to suggest entering the cats in a cat show. Soon afterward, the American Curl was formally recognized as a breed.

American Curls are affectionate and gentle. They are highly adaptable and readily adjust to new environments. They enjoy bumping their heads against people they like. They also get along well with children, making them suitable companion cats for families with children.