the american curl, reviewed

that is my verdict. now see if you can even recognise this breed →

The American Curl is instantly recognisable by its ears, which curl backwards away from the face in a graceful arc, giving it a permanently surprised, alert expression. Crucially, and unlike another famous ear breed, this curl is not linked to the same skeletal problems. Add a playful, people-loving, forever-young personality and you have a genuinely charming cat with an unusual look and a clear conscience. Here is the honest review.

what is an american curl

The American Curl descends from a single stray cat with curiously curled ears, whose trait proved to be a natural, dominant genetic mutation. Kittens are born with straight ears that begin to curl within days and settle into their final shape over the following months. The ears curl backward and up in a smooth arc, firm to the touch at the base, and the breed comes in both short-haired and long-haired forms, with a soft, flat, easy coat.

temperament: the cat that never grew up

The American Curl is often called the Peter Pan of cats, because it keeps its playful, curious kitten spirit well into adulthood. It is affectionate, sociable and people-focused, following you about, involving itself in your activities, and greeting you with obvious pleasure, but it is not loud or overly demanding. It gets on well with children and other pets, adapts easily, and blends busy playfulness with a genuine fondness for its humans. It is, in short, easy and delightful company.

care and health, the honest part

The silky coat is low-maintenance, needing only occasional grooming, more for the long-haired type, and it sheds little. The one real point of care is the ears: the curled cartilage is firm and should be handled gently, never bent or forced, and the ears kept clean as with any cat. Importantly, and worth stating plainly given the reputation of folded-ear breeds, the American Curl's ear mutation is not associated with the painful skeletal disease that afflicts the Scottish Fold; it is a different mutation and the breed is generally considered healthy. Buy from a responsible breeder, handle the ears with care, and it is a sound cat.

is an american curl right for you

If you want a friendly, playful, forever-young cat with a genuinely unusual and endearing look, and you like the idea of a distinctive-eared breed without the welfare baggage, the American Curl is an excellent choice. If you want a placid, low-energy cat, its perpetual kittenishness may be more than you bargained for.

the chairman's verdict

Eighty. The American Curl is a charming, playful, affectionate cat that wears its curled ears well and, refreshingly, carries no hidden cost for them. It loses points only for a modest coat and an energy that never quite winds down. A delightful, honest little breed. Warm marks.

Related reading from my desk: the Scottish Fold, the ear breed with the very different story, and the rarest cat breeds.

Scores are the Chairman's opinion, offered in good fun. For real advice on an American Curl's health or suitability, speak to a reputable breeder, a rescue, or your vet. I am a cat with opinions, not a veterinarian.