American Curl Longhair

Also known as: American Curl cat

The American Curl began in California in 1981, when a stray kitten with ears that curl backwards was found and became the founder of the breed. The curl is a natural mutation, and kittens are born with straight ears that start to curl within a few days. This longhair variety has a soft, silky, medium-length coat with a plumed tail, which lies close to the body and tangles less than many long coats. Adults typically weigh around 2.5 to 5 kilograms. These cats are usually affectionate, playful and people-oriented, and they keep a kittenish nature well into adulthood. Life expectancy is typically around 13 to 17 years.

American Curl Longhair: how old in human years?

2.5–5 kgWeight
13–17 yrsLife expectancy

American Curl Shorthair

FIFe category: Category II — Semi-longhair
Recognition: Recognised
FIFe: ACL
Country of origin: United States

Energy level

4/5
Playfulness

5/5
Family friendly

5/5
Grooming need

3/5

At a glance

Weight

Males 3.2–5 kg

Females 2.5–4 kg

Life expectancy

13–17 yrs

Coat

silky (medium-length)

Temperament & Family Life

American Curl Longhair: average score for sociability and trainability is high.

Family friendly 5/5
Good with children 5/5
Good with dogs 4/5
Friendly with strangers 4/5
Intelligence 4/5
Trainability 4/5

Activity & Living Space

American Curl Longhair: average score for activity and living space is high.

Energy level 4/5
Playfulness 5/5
Hunting instinct 2/5
Apartment friendly 4/5

Personality & Communication

American Curl Longhair: average score for personality and communication is moderate.

Affection 5/5
Independence 2/5
Vocality 2/5

Grooming & Shedding

American Curl Longhair: grooming and shedding demands are moderate.

Shedding 3/5
Grooming need 3/5

The 1–5 trait scores are editorial estimates, not measurements. Every cat is an individual, so treat them as a general guide.

Living with the American Curl Longhair

An American Curl Longhair never quite grows up: as an adult it still greets every new cardboard box as an adventure and is ready to play the moment it sees the wand in your hand. It is clever and learns quickly, so it needs things to do: balls, toys it has to puzzle out, high shelves. A scratching post and a cat tree are a must, since it likes to survey the home from above, although hunting in earnest interests it little.

A Curl bonds closely with its people and does not like long stretches alone: it follows you about, presses against your side and expects a part in everything. It is excellent with children, gets on well with a friendly dog and other cats, and is not shy of visitors. If you are out at work all day, think about a second cat for company.

Its voice is soft; it purrs and gives short chirps more than it demands anything. Flat life suits it well, as long as someone plays with it every day.

Grooming and coat

The American Curl Longhair has a semi-long, silky coat that lies close to the body, finished with a plumed tail. Comb it twice a week with a wide-toothed comb, and every other day while it sheds; look for tangles behind the ears, in the armpits, on the "trousers" and under the tail.

Handle the ears gently: the cartilage is firm, and the curl should never be straightened or bent. Look inside them and at the corners of the eyes, check the skin for redness or flakes as you comb, and have the teeth and gums looked at by a vet once a year.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

American Curl Longhair kittens are born with straight ears that start folding back in their first days and settle into their final shape over a few months. That ear, with its firm cartilage at the base, is one of three things worth watching, together with the teeth and the waistline: those are the conditions linked to the breed. An American Curl Longhair lives thirteen to seventeen years, and a yearly vet visit is the best way to spot trouble early.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own cat's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Ear infections

Inflammation of the ear canal, caused by yeast, bacteria or mites. A Curl's ear folds back, so its inside is in plain view: redness, dark wax, a bad smell or constant head shaking are quick to spot. Push nothing into the ear and never straighten the curl; let a vet look.
Dental disease

Plaque and tartar inflame the gums, and over time teeth can loosen. Signs are bad breath, a red line along the gums, chewing on one side or dropping food. If you get your Curl used to having its lip lifted from kittenhood, the vet's look at its teeth at the yearly check-up is easier for everyone.
Obesity (excess weight)

Carrying more fat than the body is made for, which puts extra load on the joints and the whole body. An American Curl stays playful all its life, so notice if it stops chasing the wand, since under a semi-long coat a thickening middle is easy to miss. Feel its sides: if you can no longer find the ribs under a thin layer, ask the vet what weight suits your cat.

Cheapest cat food per kg

This list is the same on every cat breed page. Shops do not label cat food by breed, so it simply shows the cheapest cat food we track per kilogram. Check the label for your cat's age and health needs. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 58 g of dry food a day, from €3,34 a month For a neutered, normally active 3,7 kg cat. Calculate for your cat