American Curl

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. The breed originated in Lakewood, California as the result of a 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.
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Brown spotted tabby shorthaired American Curl
Photo: Chanan Photography

Weight: 7-10 lbs.
Overview
The American Curl is another of nature's gifts to cat fanciers; the distinctive curled ears are the result of a natural, or spontaneous, mutation. Curls are friendly, affectionate, people-oriented cats, and make playful companions. They are even-tempered cats that adapt well to other pets in the household and actually seem to enjoy being around children.
Appearance
The American Curl is a medium-size, moderately muscular cat. It has a rounded wedge-shaped head and large, walnut-shaped eyes. This cat's most compelling feature is, of course, the backward-curling ears. Kittens are born with "normal" ears (that is, folded down, not standing up until the end of the first week or so), but by three weeks it's evident which kittens are destined to have curled ears. By four months the curl is permanent. Curls may be longhaired or shorthaired; in both varieties, the undercoat is sparse, which means that even longhaired Curls are not likely to develop matted coats. Longhairs have a silky, semi-long, close-lying topcoat. Coats are acceptable to breed registries in any color or pattern.
Origins
The American Curl is a relatively new breed. In 1981, an unusual stray found her way into the California garden of Grace and Joe Ruga. She was a black kitten with longish fur and striking ears that curled back in a graceful arc. The Rugas adopted her, naming her Shulamith. Shulamith had four kittens, two of which inherited her remarkable curled ears. Today, all American Curls trace their pedigree back to Shulamith.