A Unique Breed: American Curl Cats are So Cute

There are about 40 breeds of domestic cats. A few of these breeds are Siamese, Manx and Russian blue. There is another cat breed which is the American Curl.

One day in 1981, a family found a cat near their home in Lakewood, California. This longhaired cat had ears that curled back. The family kept the cat and called her Shulamith. She was one of the first American Curl cats.

Shulamith had kittens. Her kittens had curled ears too. Over the years, more and more cats like Shulamith were born. People began showing these curly eared cats at cat shows. This is how the American Curl breed got started.

American Curl cats are medium-sized cats with curled ears.

American Curl cats are named for their curled ears. They are medium-sized cats. Adult males may weigh as much as 10 pounds (5kg). Females are smaller. American Curl cats can have long or short hair. They may have different colors and markings.

American Curl cats are great pets. They are friendly and playful.

American Curl cats may have different colors and markings on their bodies.

American Curl cats are great family pets. They are playful, friendly and get along well with children and other cats. American Curl cats also enjoy spending time with people. Some follow their owners around. They like sleeping on a person’s lap. These cats may sleep under the covers with their owners too.

American Curl kittens 

As many as six kittens may be born in a litter. American Curl kittens are born with straight ears. Their ears begin to curl after about three days.

A new born American Curl kitten is blind and helpless. It stays close to its mother and drinks her milk. .

These American Curl kittens have the same curled ears and the same stare.  

Looking helpless, this American Curl kitten is barely five weeks old but it can see and walk around.

It takes six to eight months for the kittens to become adult cats. A healthy American Curl cat can live for 20 years.

All photos courtesy of Flickr