Longhair cat Small size 3-5 kg

American Curl Longhair

A gentle, people-loving cat known for its curled ears - affectionate and adaptable to apartment life.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Small
Size
3-5 kg, 23-28 cm tall
Moderate
Exercise needs
Moderate; playful into adulthood
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
People-oriented; copes with normal days
Moderate
Training
Friendly and responsive
Moderate
Coat care
Semi-long coat needs regular brushing
Good
Fit with kids
Good-natured with children
Good
Other pets
Sociable with other pets
Moderate
Health burden
Ear care, Obesity

The American Curl Longhair typically weighs 3-5 kg, stands 23-28 cm, and lives 13-16 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a gentle, people-following cat that stays playful for years,
you can brush a semi-long coat once or twice a week,
you will keep up gentle, regular ear checks and cleaning,
you are patient - Curls are uncommon and litters are small.

Do not consider this breed if…

you want a cat that ignores you all day; Curls follow their people room to room,
kids in the home grab and play with cat ears - the curled cartilage is fragile,
the home is empty ten hours daily with no second pet,
you expect a bargain; rarity keeps prices and waitlists up.

A typical day with a American Curl Longhair

  1. 7:00 · Morning
    Gentle wake-up visit, head bumps
  2. 9:30 · Midmorning
    Follows you to the desk, settles nearby
  3. 13:00 · Noon
    Nap in a sunny spot
  4. 16:30 · Afternoon
    Wand-toy play; kitten energy on demand
  5. 19:30 · Evening
    Lap or shoulder time with the family
  6. 22:30 · Night
    Sleeps on the bed, usually touching someone

Temperament and training

Sociability High
Playfulness High
Tolerance of handling High
Vocality Low
Independence Moderate
Hunting drive Moderate
Common owner mistakes
Rough handling of the curled ears - the cartilage is stiff and can be damaged · Skipping ear checks; unusual ear shape deserves routine attention · Leaving a people-oriented cat alone all day without a companion

Family and environment

Kids Good
Gentle and tolerant; teach kids the ears are off-limits.
Other cats Good
Sociable; a feline companion suits its people-loving nature.
Dogs Good
Adapts well to calm, cat-savvy dogs.
Apartment Ideal
Moderate energy and indoor-friendly habits fit small homes.
Seniors Great fit
Affectionate, quiet, and undemanding beyond brushing.
First cat Great fit
Easy temperament; just learn the ear-care basics.
Busy household Conditional
Handles activity fine; long empty days call for a buddy.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Ear canal problems Narrow canals and wax buildup; gentle routine cleaning
Obesity Portion control and regular exercise
Kidney Disease Common in aging cats; monitor bloodwork
Dental Disease Plaque buildup; routine cleanings help

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Same cat, easier coat
American Curl Shorthair
A friendly, curious cat with signature curled ears - low-maintenance and well suited to family homes.
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Gentle, people-oriented semi-longhair
Birman
A gentle, docile lap cat that bonds closely and suits families - the semi-long coat and heart-disease risk are the main trade-offs.
View profile →
Sweet-natured family longhair, a size bigger
Ragamuffin
A large, docile lap cat that loves being held - very family-friendly, with heart and joint issues to watch.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does an American Curl cost in the US?
Pet-quality kittens from reputable breeders typically run $800-$2,000, and because the breed is uncommon, expect waitlists or travel to reach a breeder. Over a 13-16 year life, food, litter, and routine vet care usually add $12,000-$18,000 or more, with chronic conditions in old age adding thousands on top.
Do the curled ears cause health problems?
The curl itself is a cartilage mutation that is generally considered benign - the breed came from healthy domestic stock and has no widespread linked syndrome. The practical points: the stiff cartilage can be damaged by rough handling, and the ear canals deserve regular checks and gentle cleaning. Never fold or force the ears.
Are American Curl kittens born with curled ears?
No - kittens are born with straight ears that begin curling within days, then set into their final shape by about four months. The degree of curl varies from cat to cat, and straight-eared kittens occur in Curl litters too; they make equally good pets at lower prices.
What is the difference between the longhair and shorthair Curl?
Coat only - both are the same breed with the same temperament and standard apart from fur length. The longhair carries a silky, semi-long coat with a plumed tail and needs brushing once or twice a week; it lacks a heavy undercoat, so matting is less of a battle than in many longhaired breeds.