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🐱 Cat · size Very small

American curl

cat breed

Photo · Wikipedia FR (CC BY-SA)

Weight

2.55–3.45 kg

Size

Very small

Lifespan

12–18 ans

Energy

Moyen

Coat

All coat colors are acceptable.

Maintenance

Faible

Training

Moyen

The American Curl is a cat breed from the United States. Breeding began in the 1980s, starting with a black cat with naturally backward-curled ears, named Shulamith, taken in by a California couple. The breeding program is based on crosses between cats descended from Shulamith, with curled ears, and domestic shorthair cats. The breed is recognized by the two major American federations, The International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), in 1985 and 1991 respectively.

Read more (23 mots)

The International Cat Federation (FIFé) recognizes the American Curl in 2002. However, the breed is considered rare.

Profile

At a glance

Energy

Modéré

Trainability

Modéré

Maintenance

Faible

Indicative profile — every animal is an individual.

⚡ Key facts in 30 seconds

L'essentiel

  • 1Very small format (2.55–3.45 kg) — ideal for apartments and easy to transport.
  • 2Life expectancy: 12 to 18 years on average, depending on maintenance and feeding.
  • 3Moderate energy — 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day is sufficient.
  • 4Minimal grooming — little shedding, occasional brushing.

Chapter 1

Getting to know the American curl

Character

Daily temperament

Character traits are not described in the standards; they remain perfectly individual and are a function of each cat's history. The promoters of the breed consider that the American Curl 'acts like a kitten all its life.' Dr. Bruce Fogle describes the American Curl as a playful, curious, and sociable cat, which he attributes to the Oriental origin of the breed. Christiane Sacase describes the American Curl as discreet, quiet, sociable with other animals, playful, and balanced. Desmond Morris notes the following terms to describe the breed's character: clever, curious, placid, playful, lively, mischievous, friendly, affectionate, intelligent, and thieving.

Chapter 2

Daily life

What if you adopted your future companion?

The American curl of your dreams may already be waiting in a shelter. Hundreds of american curl (and equally wonderful crossbreeds) are looking for a family in France — every adoption starts a new story.

Editorial recommendation — no affiliate links.

Âge

What human age for a american curl ?

The calculator is already set to the breed's adult size (espérance de vie 12–18 ans). Drag the slider to see the equivalence and corresponding life stage.

3 years
Birth27 years

Equivalent human age

28years

Adulte

Most stable period. Monthly weigh-in, annual vet visit, dental care — this determines quality of life in later years.

Method: AAFP/AAHA table: 15 human years in year one, +9 in year two, then +4 per year.

These equivalences are statistical benchmarks drawn from published veterinary tables. Every animal ages at its own pace, depending on genetics, diet and care. This calculator is neither a diagnosis nor veterinary advice.

Health

Health watch

The American Curl is considered a robust and easily reproducing breed. The great genetic diversity of the breed allows it to be free of genetic disease. Maturity is reached between two and three years. The maintenance of its coat is considered easy due to the low abundance of undercoat; weekly brushing is sufficient.

Read more (83 mots)

For the semi-long variety, it is advisable to comb the coat every day with an iron comb and brush, especially during shedding periods. According to Christiane Sacase, it would be quite demanding and would require a frequently renewed litter box. The ears should be monitored and cleaned with a solution-soaked wipe; using cotton swabs is not recommended. The life expectancy of the American Curl is 12 to 16 years.

Alert

To avoid for cat

Our database lists toxic ingredients and problematic additives by species.

  • cocoa pasteModerate
  • onion piecesModerate
  • low-fat cocoa powderModerate
  • chilliModerate

Calculator · daily ration

How much to give a american curl ?

Estimate based on the veterinary formula RER × DER, adjusted for cat. Adjust according to package recommendations.

3.0 kg
2.55 kg3.8 kg
Moderate

Result

42 g

per day · 160 kcal

21 g / repas (2 par jour)

Calculation for food of 380 kcal/100g.

For an exact calculation for your American curl (breed, age, allergies, health conditions): create a free account

Maintenance

Daily care

The American Curl is considered a robust and easily reproducing breed. The great genetic diversity of the breed allows it to be free of genetic disease. Maturity is reached between two and three years. The maintenance of its coat is considered easy due to the low abundance of undercoat; weekly brushing is sufficient. For the semi-long variety, it is advisable to comb the coat every day with an iron comb and brush, especially during shedding periods. According to Christiane Sacase, it would be quite demanding and would require a frequently renewed litter box. The ears should be monitored and cleaned with a solution-soaked wipe; using cotton swabs is not recommended. The life expectancy of the American Curl is 12 to 16 years.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about American curl

Does the American Curl adapt well to an apartment?+
The American Curl generally adapts well to an apartment, like most cats. Enrich its space to prevent boredom.
How long does an American Curl live?+
Between 12 and 18 years on average, longer with premium feeding and annual veterinary follow-up.
Does the American Curl lose a lot of hair?+
Very little — weekly brushing is sufficient outside of molting periods.
Does the American Curl tolerate solitude?+
Fairly well, like most independent cats. Favor reasonable absences (8 hours max) and enrich its environment.

If you like this cat

Breeds with similar profiles

For more information

Sources & official links

Supplementary documentation on reference sites — breed clubs, encyclopedias, veterinarians.

The right score for your American curl.

SokoScan calculates a personalized PawScore based on breed, age, weight and your pet's sensitivities. Free, instant.