Two specific cat breeds characterized by unique ears, are American Curl & Scottish fold. The American Curl is a breed of cat characterized by its unusual ears, which curl back from the face toward the center of the back of the skull. An American Curl's ears should be handled carefully because rough handling may damage the cartilage in the ear.

The breed originated in Lakewood, California as the result ofa spontaneous mutation. In June, 1981, two stray kittens were found and taken in by the Ruga family. The kittens were both longhaired, one black and the other black and white. The family named them Shulamith and Panda respectively, but Panda disappeared several weeks later, making Shulamith the foundation female of the American Curl breed.

Both longhaired and shorthaired American Curls have soft, silky coats which lie flat against their bodies. They require little grooming, but enjoy spending time with their owners.

The American Curl, while still an uncommon breed, is found across the world in the United States, Spain, France, Japan, Russia, and many other countries.

The American Curl's ears, which are firm to the touch and curl back in a graceful arc away from their face toward the center back of their head, are a genetic mutation given to us by none other than Mother Nature. Discovered in California as a stray cat in 1981, the American Curl is now recognized as one of the United States' native American cat breeds.

History and Origin of American Curl

On a sunny day in June 1981 in the suburban California, Lakewood,  a longhair silky black female kitten with unusual ears wandered up to the doorstep of Joe and Grace Ruga (Curlniques Cattery). Joe scrutinized the situation and determined that the most effective solution to this stray kitten problem was to ask Grace not to feed the kitten. Grace, not abiding by her husband's wishes but listening to her heart instead, left a bowl of food on the porch. The affectionate black kitten quickly worked her way into the Ruga's hearts (especially Joe's) and they named her Shulamith, which means "black but comely". Such are the beginnings of the American Curl as it is known today. True American Curls must trace their pedigree back to Shulamith, the foundation female.

In December 1981, Shulamith delivered her first litter of kittens. Out of four kittens, two had the same curly ears as Shulamith. A geneticist was contacted to study this phenomenon and he confirmed that this unusual ear was a genetic trait and was inherited in every case, causing it to be labeled a dominant gene, with no deformities attached to it. Referred to as a spontaneous mutation, the gene that causes the ear to curl appeared to be following a single dominant pattern.

Joe and Grace realized that Shulamith's unique ears could well indicate an entirely new breed of cat. They immediately began diligent research and test breedings which eventually led to the official recognition of the American Curl in varying registries. Shulamith did her part as well, contributing several litters of kittens whose charm and intelligence would win the affection of friends, relatives, breeders and fans the world over.

Selective breeding and presentation of the Curls began in 1983 allowing cat fanciers their first opportunity to get a glimpse of a rare, new addition to the world of cats. Curls were first accepted for CFA registration in 1986 and achieved Provisional status in 1991 followed by their advancement to the Championship Class in February 1993, setting a precedent in CFA by being the first breed to be admitted to the Championship Class as one breed with two coat lengths. Due to their domestic ancestry, American Curls are available in both longhair and shorthair varieties and come in any color or coat pattern. Both coat lengths are presented in the Longhair Division at CFA cat shows.

Breeding partners for American Curls are limited to other Curls or non-pedigreed domestic cats which closely match the Curl breed standard with the exception of the curled ear. By outcrossing to domestic cats, the American Curl gene pool grows large and optimum health is maintained due to genetic diversity. When breeding Curl to Curl, the resulting kittens will usually all have curled ears. However, a Curl bred to a straight ear cat, regardless of whether or not it is a domestic cat or an American Curl Straight Ear, will produce at least 50% Curls and sometimes more due to the dominant nature of the curl gene. American Curl Straight Ears from such litters are very valuable in a planned breeding program and also make outstanding pets.

Physical Characteristic of  American Curl

The American Curl is a medium sized cat (5-10 lbs), and does not reach maturity until 2–3 years of age. They are strong and healthy, remarkably free of the genetic defects that affect many purebred cats.
When American Curls cats are born, their ears are straight. In 3 to 5 days they start to curl back staying in a tight rosebud position, unfurling gradually until permanently ‘set' at around 16 weeks. This is the time breeders determine the kitten's ear quality as either pet or show in addition to the kitten's overall conformation. The degree of ear curl can vary greatly, ranging from almost straight (pet quality) to a show quality ear with an arc of 90-180 degrees resembling a graceful shell-like curvature. Although the distinctive feature of the American Curl is their uniquely curled ears, the medium-sized rectangular body, silky flat-lying coat, and expressive walnut-shaped eyes are equally indicative of the breed. They are available in both long and shorthair color and pattern varieties, and since there is minimal undercoat, the Curl sheds little and requires hardly any grooming.

The ideal American Curl is a medium sized, alert animal with an elegant appearance and a sweet, open expression complimented by their remarkable ears. Both longhair and shorthair Curls have soft, silky coats, but the longhair Curl has the distinction of sporting a beautiful plumed tail. Because both coat lengths have minimal undercoat resulting in non-matting hair, grooming an American Curl is easy ( only need an occasional bath and combing ). Care should be taken when handling the ears to avoid breaking the cartilage (do not force the ear into unnatural positions).

Personality of American Curl

The American Curl's temperament is one of curiosity and companionship. Being very people-oriented, they like to assist in all household projects and delight in "bumping heads" with their owners or new human acquaintances. Curls are even tempered and intelligent, yet they retain their kitten-type behavior throughout their adult life. Not overly talkative, the Curls will tell you when they need something or desire attention. American Curls easily adapt to almost any home situation and adjust to other animals remarkably well. Simply stated, they are extremely affectionate and absolutely ear-resistible!

Pricing of American Curls usually depends on each individual kitten's degree of curl, bloodlines, type and markings. Many breeders allow pickup of new kittens between 3 and 4 months of age. Along with reaching their permanent degree of curl by 4 months, kittens have had basic inoculations and developed the physical and social stability to adjust to a new environment. Four months is also the minimum age requirement for cat show participation and transportation of kittens by air.

Registered American Curl

The American Curl is accepted in both long and shorthair by the following North American cat associations:

• American Cat Fancier's Association (ACFA)
• Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA)
• The International Cat Association (TICA)
• American Association of Cat Enthusiast (AACE)

Books about American Curl

American Curl Cat by Stuart A. Kallen (Cats Set II)