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American Curl
American Curl
Origin
United States
Size
Medium Breed
Ideal Space
Apartment
Ideal Weather
18º-24ºC
Life Expectancy
12-16 years
Cost of buying
₹ 75,000 - ₹ 2,00,000
Top 5 Traits
Playful
Curious
Friendly
Affectionate
Gentle
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 2,800 - ₹ 4,200
by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 16 Aug 2025
American Curl Cats: The Unique Breed with Curled Ears
The American Curl is a medium-sized, muscular cat breed that originated in Lakewood, California, in 1981 when a stray cat named Shulamith with unusual curled-back ears wandered into the home of Joe and Grace Ruga. Her kittens carried the same trait, and through selective breeding, the American Curl was officially recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) by the early 1990s, according to CFA and TICA.
Characteristics
Temperament with Kids
Aggressive
Friendly
Playfulness
Silent
Very Playful
Friendliness
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Shedding amount
Negligible
Frequent
Compatibility with other cats
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Prey Drive
Low
High
Need for attention
Independent
Very Needy
Monthly Expenses
Lifespan & Price of the American Curl in India
Cost of buying
₹ 75,000 - ₹ 2,00,000
Lifespan: American Curl cats are known for their hardiness and longevity, with a typical lifespan ranging between 12–16 years when provided with proper nutrition, veterinary care, and a safe environment.
Buying or Adopting an American Curl: What's The Best Call For You?
Bringing an American Curl home is exciting, but it’s important to prepare thoughtfully. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Nutrition Care for the American Curl
Monthly Food Expenses
₹ 1,500 - ₹ 2,000
Calories per day
Kittens: 300 kcal
Adults: 250 kcal
Essential Nutrients
Protein
Fats
Carbohydrates
Vitamins
Minerals
Amino Acids (Taurine, Arginine, etc.)
Essential Fatty Acids
Fiber
List of foods
Dry kibble
Sardines (in moderation)
Eggs (cooked)
Wet canned food
Chicken (cooked or raw)
Turkey
Tuna
Cat-specific multivitamins
The American Curl is an active and playful breed that requires a well-balanced diet to fuel its high energy levels, maintain lean muscle, and support long-term health. Although there are no breed-specific dietary needs, ensuring a nutrient-dense, high-quality diet is key to keeping them thriving.
Breakdown of Macro-nutrients
Selecting Good Quality Food
Choose Premium Cat Food with Real Meat
Never feed these foods to American Curl Cats
Avoid anything with these ingredients
Onions and Garlic
Chocolate
Alcohol
Grapes and Raisins
Xylitol
Artificial Additives
Dairy (in some cases)
Raw Eggs
Although American Curl cats are hardy and adaptable, certain foods can pose serious risks to their health and must be avoided. Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks contain compounds that break down red blood cells, leading to dangerous anemia. Chocolate, coffee, and tea have methylxanthines that can cause hyperactivity, vomiting, tremors, seizures, and even fatal heart complications.
Health
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 500 - ₹ 700
Common Health Issues
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
Hairballs
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Dental Problems
Obesity
Skin Allergies
Arthritis
Otitis Externa (Ear Inflammation)
Activities
Chasing Objects
Climbing
Hide and Seek
Exploring
Interactive Playtime
Energy Level
Medium
Exercise routine
30 - 60 minutes
Recognising Stress
Changes in litter box behavior
Decreased appetite
Hiding
Increased vocalization
Overgrooming
Medical Care
The American Curl is considered a generally healthy and hardy breed, but consistent veterinary care is key to supporting their long-term well-being. Annual wellness exams are recommended for adults, which include monitoring weight, checking heart and lung health, and conducting dental evaluations. Senior Curls benefit from biannual check-ups to detect age-related conditions such as kidney disease, arthritis, and thyroid disorders early, according to PetMD.
Vaccination details
Growth Stage
Core Vaccines
6-8 Weeks
Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP).
10-12 Weeks
FVRCP (Booster), Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV).
14-16 Weeks
FVRCP (Final Booster), Rabies.
Annual
FVRCP (Booster), Rabies, FeLV.
Annual
Rabies, FVRCP.
Grooming
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 800 - ₹ 1,500
Shedding Level
Moderate Shedding
Hygienic Checklist
Grooming (for some breeds)
Nail Trimming
Ear cleaning
Eye care
Teeth care
Litter Box
Health Observation
Benefits of Grooming
Cleanliness
Low Shedding
Odourless
Prevents Bad Breath
Prevents infections
Quality of life
American Curls have smooth, silky coats that can be either short-haired or long-haired, both of which are relatively easy to care for compared to denser-coated breeds. However, their grooming needs go beyond just coat care, attention to their distinctive ears, teeth, nails, and overall hygiene is essential to keep them in top health.
Written by
Happy Pet TeamAuthor
Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.
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Compare with similar breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it difficult to train an American Curl?
American Curl cats are intelligent and relatively easy to train. They can learn basic commands and are known for their playful and engaging nature, which can make training an enjoyable experience.
What kind of personality do American Curl cats have?
American Curl cats are playful, curious, and affectionate. They enjoy interacting with their human family members and are known to be quite adaptable and social.
What makes the American Curl cat's ears unique?
The American Curl is known for its distinctive curled-back ears, a genetic trait that sets them apart from other breeds. This curl begins to develop when kittens are a few days old and is fully set by four months of age.
