"What did you do to their ears?  Are their ears always like that?  Did you 
use a curling iron?"

Yes, their ears ARE always like that and no, a curling iron was NOT used 
to achieve those extraordinary ears!  The curled ear is a natural genetic 
mutation and first time admirers are always surprised by the American 
Curl's unique ears and impressed by their overall striking beauty.  Curls 
quickly become a favorite with all who come to know them.

The American Curl's ears, which are firm to the touch and curl back in a 
graceful arc away from their face toward the center back of their head, 
are a genetic mutation given to us by none other than Mother Nature.  
Discovered in California as a stray cat in 1981, the American Curl is now 
recognized as one of the United States' native American cat breeds.

On a sunny day in June 1981 in Lakewood, California, a longhair silky 
black female kitten with unusual ears wandered up to the doorstep of 
Joe and Grace Ruga.  Joe scrutinized the situation and determined that 
the most effective solution to this stray kitten problem was to ask Grace 
not to feed the kitten.  Grace, not abiding by her husband's wishes but 
listening to her heart instead, left a bowl of food on the porch.  The 
affectionate black kitten quickly worked her way into the Ruga's hearts 
(especially Joe's) and they named her Shulamith, which means "black 
but comely".  Such are the beginnings of the American Curl as it is 
known today.  True American Curls must trace their pedigree back to 
Shulamith, the foundation female.

In December 1981, Shulamith delivered her first litter of kittens.  Out of 
four kittens, two had the same curly ears as Shulamith.  A geneticist was 
contacted to study this phenomenon and he confirmed that this unusual 
ear was a genetic trait and was inherited in every case, causing it to be 
labeled a dominant gene, with no deformities attached to it.  Referred to 
as a spontaneous mutation, the gene that causes the ear to curl 
appeared to be following a single dominant pattern.

Selective breeding and presentation of the Curls began in 1983 allowing 
cat fanciers their first opportunity to get a glimpse of a rare, new addition 
to the world of cats.  Curls were first accepted for CFA registration in 
1986 and achieved Provisional status in 1991 followed by their 
advancement to the Championship Class in February 1993, setting a 
precedent in CFA by being the first breed to be admitted to the 
Championship Class as one breed with two coat lengths.  Due to their 
domestic ancestry, American Curls are available in both longhair and 
shorthair varieties and come in any color or coat pattern.  Both coat 
lengths are presented in the Longhair Division at CFA cat shows.

Breeding partners for American Curls are limited to other Curls or 
non-pedigreed domestic cats which closely match the Curl breed 
standard with the exception of the curled ear.  By outcrossing to 
domestic cats, the American Curl gene pool grows large and optimum 
health is maintained due to genetic diversity.  When breeding Curl to Curl, 
the resulting kittens will usually all have curled ears.  However, a Curl 
bred to a straight ear cat, regardless of whether or not it is a domestic cat 
or an American Curl Straight Ear, will produce at least 50% Curls and 
sometimes more due to the dominant nature of the curl gene.  American 
Curl Straight Ears from such litters are very valuable in a planned 
breeding program and also make outstanding pets.

When Curls are born, their ears are straight, but within two to ten days 
after birth, their ears begin to curl back.  During the first 4 months, the 
kitten's ears will gradually curl and uncurl in varying degrees until they are 
set permanently at 4 months of age.  At this age, breeders can determine 
the kitten's quality (pet, breeder, show).  Along with the kitten's overall 
conformation to the breed standard, degree of curl to the ear is a key 
factor in determining quality as follows:  first degree (pet), second degree 
(breeder), and third degree (show) being the most desirable curl to the 
ear, emulating the graceful curve of a full crescent.  Ear furnishings (hair 
tufts) fanning outward from the ear accentuate and further enhance the 
curled ear.

The ideal American Curl is a medium sized, alert animal with an elegant 
appearance and a sweet, open expression complimented by their 
remarkable ears.  Both longhair and shorthair Curls have soft, silky coats, 
but the longhair Curl has the distinction of sporting a beautiful plumed tail. 
 Because both coat lengths have minimal undercoat resulting in 
non-matting hair, grooming an American Curl is easy -- an occasional bath 
and combing is all that is needed.  Care should be taken when handling 
the ears to avoid breaking the cartilage -- do not force the ear into 
unnatural positions.

The Curl's temperament is one of curiosity and companionship.  Being 
very people-oriented, they like to assist in all household projects and 
delight in "bumping heads" with their owners or new human 
acquaintances.  Curls are even tempered and intelligent, yet they retain 
their kitten-type behavior throughout their adult life.  Not overly talkative, 
the Curls will tell you when they need something or desire attention.  
American Curls easily adapt to almost any home situation and adjust to 
other animals remarkably well.  Simply stated, they are extremely 
affectionate and absolutely ear-resistible!

Pricing of American Curls usually depends on each individual kitten's 
degree of curl, bloodlines, type and markings.  Many breeders allow 
pickup of new kittens between 3 and 4 months of age.  Along with 
reaching their permanent degree of curl by 4 months, kittens have had 
basic inoculations and developed the physical and social stability to 
adjust to a new environment.  Four months is also the minimum age 
requirement for cat show participation and transportation of kittens by air.

• Click here to see sketches of ear type, head shape and eyes. [Page under construction]

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