The defining feature of the American Curl is its uniquely shaped ears. The kittens are born with straight ears, which then tightly curl back within three to five days later. At around sixteen weeks
the ears finally relax to their permanent position. The final positions ranges from almost straight, which would considered a pet-quality cat, to 90-180 degrees, which would be considered a show-quality cat. To the touch the ears are rigid, and show tufts of hair from the center of the ears, almost a lynx-like appearance.
The American Curl is a medium-sized cat with a rectangular, moderately muscled body. Their
head is also medium-sized and moderately longer than it is wide. The nose is straight and the eyes are large, walnut-shaped, and wide-set. They have medium length legs with the forelegs being just slightly shorter than the hind legs. The tail is the same length as the body, tapered, and rounded at the tip. This breed weighs between 7 and 11 pounds and has a long lifespan of 15 or more years.
The American Curl comes in both short and long-haired varieties. In both varieties, the undercoat is minimal. This breed is also accepted in all color patterns. The color groups include the following: Solid, Smoke, Tabby, Parti-Color, Bi-Color, Tabby and White, and Shaded, Silver, and Golden.
This American Curl breed is moderately active and would benefit from space to run and play, whether indoors or outdoors.
