​History

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​​The American Curl is a new breed. The story began in 1981 in California when the Rugas found and adopted a black female cat with strange ears. They named her Shulamith.​ Then she had a litter of kittens and some had curled ears like their mum. The curled ear trait characteristic is caused by a spontaneous genetic mutation which involves a simple dominant gene! Later, the breed was created and recognized in 1985 by the International Cat Association (TICA) and in 1986 by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA).

 

​Physical description and

personality​

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​The American Curl is a medium sized cat. All colors of eyes and coats are accepted. The coat is silky with minimal undercoat therefore the grooming is simple. There are Curls with long-hair or short-hair.

The ideal head is an elongated triangle with a a smooth profile. The eyes are rather large and walnut-shaped.  The ears are like moon crescents and they are curled away from the cat's face in a graceful arc to 90-180 degrees​. ​It's the principal feature of the breed.

The body is elegant, rectangular and well-balanced. Curl tails are plumed and should be as long as the body.​

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It's a social and playful cat with a truly unique personality.