How long does a American Curl live?

The life expectancy of the American Curl is 12-16 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.

How much does a American Curl weigh?

An adult American Curl weighs between 3-5 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is mediano.

How much exercise does a American Curl need?

The American Curl has media energy. **Brushing:** according to coat (short = weekly · semi-long = 2-3 times · long = daily).

Who is the American Curl NOT recommended for?

It isn't the right breed for: Homes where it would be left alone for long hours. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.

Do the curled ears cause it problems?

Not in themselves, but the rigid cartilage ventilates the ear less well: it is advisable to check and clean them gently to prevent otitis. Never force or bend the ear.

Are they born with curled ears already?

No. They are born with straight ears that begin to curl in the first few days and settle at around 4 months.

Is it good with children?

Excellent. It is sweet, patient and playful, very compatible with respectful children and other pets.

Is it a healthy breed?

Yes, it is robust and without frequent serious hereditary problems; ear care and routine check-ups are enough.

Does it need a lot of brushing?

No. Its coat is low-maintenance and brushing a couple of times a week is enough.

Breed profile

American Curl

Ears that curl backwards (a mutation). Sweet, curious nature. Gets on with everyone.

Origin: Estados Unidos Size: Mediano Lifespan: 12-16 años Energy

Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA

Ideal for

✓Families with time for cuddles
✓Flats
✓Anyone looking for a sociable cat

Reconsider if

×Homes where it would be left alone for long hours

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Is the American Curl a good match for you?

Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Suitable for flats

Suitable for first-timers

Good with children

With other dogs

With cats

Tolerates being alone

Energy level

Shedding level

Grooming needs

Tolerates heat

Tolerates cold

💶 Estimated cost of ownership

40-70 €/month

Mid-to-high range food (22-38 €), litter (8-12 €), pro-rated preventive vet care (10-16 €) and accessories (5-8 €). Separately: annual check-up (40-60 €).

History and origin

An American breed that arose in 1981 from a mutation curling the ear pinna backwards. It is genetically healthy; its specific care point is the hygiene of the ear canal, which is narrower and prone to otitis due to the conformation of the ear.

Temperament and character

Typical character for the breed. Sociable or reserved depending on the individual. Early neutering (4-6 months) is the best preventive measure.

Living together

Children: good with respectful ones. **Other cats:** sociable if raised together from a young age. **Dogs:** possible if calm.

Life stages of the American Curl

Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 12-16 años.

Kitten

0-6 months

Socialisation, vaccination and careful cleaning of the ear canal because of the curled ear.

Junior

6 months-2 years

Neutering, dental health and ear hygiene routine.

Adult

2-10 years

Otitis control, dental health, weight and annual check-ups.

Senior

11+ years

Renal and cardiac screening, ear hygiene and geriatric diet.

Care

Brushing: according to coat (short = weekly · semi-long = 2-3 times · long = daily).

Litter tray: N+1 trays (rule 70).

Feeding: quality wet + dry food.

Vet: annual check-up + blood work from age 7.

Care in detail

🍽️ Nutrition

Quality dry and wet food in measured portions; no special needs beyond the usual weight control.

✂️ Grooming

Low-maintenance coat (short or semi-long depending on the variety): brushing 1-2 times a week. Handle the ears gently: the cartilage is firm and can be damaged if forced.

🎓 Training

Sweet, curious and very sociable; learns routines and games easily. Keeps a playful, 'Peter Pan' air throughout life.

🏃 Exercise

Medium energy: daily play, scratching posts and company. Enjoys interacting with the whole family.

Breed-specific health

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is common in many breeds — genetic testing recommended. PKD in Persian and derived breeds. Life expectancy 12-16 years.

🩺 Health predispositions of this breed

Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.

👂Otitis (infección de oído)

Common diseases in cats

Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.

🐾Dermatitis atópica 🍄Tiña (dermatofitosis)🦟Alergia a la picadura de pulga (DAPP)🤢Gastroenteritis 🦟Pulgas 🕷️Garrapatas

See all 158 diseases in the health guide

Screening and prevention for the American Curl

Recommended tests and screenings

✓Echocardiographic screening for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
✓Ear canal examination (curled ears → greater need for ear care)
✓Assessment of the ear cartilage in breeding stock
✓Regular dental check

Prevention

Early neutering, gentle and careful ear cleaning (the rigid cartilage makes ventilation harder), weight control and routine check-ups. It is a generally healthy and robust breed.

Check-up schedule

Annual check-up with special attention to the ears; preventive blood work from age 7-8.

Warning signs

!Excess wax, bad smell or ear scratching (otitis)
!Laboured breathing or lethargy (heart disease)
!Bad breath and inflamed gums
!Changes in appetite or weight

Frequently asked questions about the American Curl

How long does a American Curl live?: The life expectancy of the American Curl is 12-16 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.
How much does a American Curl weigh?: An adult American Curl weighs between 3-5 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is mediano.
Where does the American Curl breed come from?: The American Curl originates from Estados Unidos. An American breed that arose in 1981 from a mutation curling the ear pinna backwards. It is genetically healthy; its specific care point is the hygiene of the ear canal, which is narrower and prone to otitis due to the conformation of the ear.
How much exercise does a American Curl need?: The American Curl has media energy. **Brushing:** according to coat (short = weekly · semi-long = 2-3 times · long = daily).
Is the American Curl good with children?: **Children:** good with respectful ones. **Other cats:** sociable if raised together from a young age. **Dogs:** possible if calm.
Who is the American Curl NOT recommended for?: It isn't the right breed for: Homes where it would be left alone for long hours. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.
What health problems does the American Curl have?: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is common in many breeds — genetic testing recommended. PKD in Persian and derived breeds. Life expectancy 12-16 years.
Do the curled ears cause it problems?: Not in themselves, but the rigid cartilage ventilates the ear less well: it is advisable to check and clean them gently to prevent otitis. Never force or bend the ear.
Are they born with curled ears already?: No. They are born with straight ears that begin to curl in the first few days and settle at around 4 months.
Is it good with children?: Excellent. It is sweet, patient and playful, very compatible with respectful children and other pets.
Is it a healthy breed?: Yes, it is robust and without frequent serious hereditary problems; ear care and routine check-ups are enough.
Does it need a lot of brushing?: No. Its coat is low-maintenance and brushing a couple of times a week is enough.