Shorthair cat Small size 3-5 kg

American Curl Shorthair

A friendly, curious cat with signature curled ears - low-maintenance and well suited to family homes.

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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 and curious
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
People-oriented; copes with normal days
Moderate
Training
Friendly and responsive
Low
Coat care
Short coat, easy upkeep
Good
Fit with kids
Good-natured with children
Good
Other pets
Sociable with other pets
Moderate
Health burden
Ear care, Obesity

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

Consider this breed if…

you want an affectionate, kitten-hearted cat with minimal coat work,
there are kids or other pets - Curls integrate easily,
you will do gentle, regular ear checks as part of the routine,
you are fine with a waitlist; the breed is uncommon.

Do not consider this breed if…

you want an aloof, self-sufficient cat; this one wants company,
children in the home cannot be taught to leave the ears alone,
everyone is gone ten hours a day and a second pet is off the table,
you expect shelter-cat pricing for a rare pedigree.

A typical day with a American Curl Shorthair

  1. 7:00 · Morning
    Perched by the bed, waiting politely
  2. 9:30 · Midmorning
    Investigates whatever you are doing
  3. 13:00 · Noon
    Nap on the back of the sofa
  4. 16:30 · Afternoon
    Chase and pounce games, opens a drawer or two
  5. 19:30 · Evening
    Settles on a lap or against a leg
  6. 22:30 · Night
    Sleeps close, often on the pillow

Temperament and training

Sociability High
Playfulness High
Curiosity High
Vocality Low
Tolerance of handling High
Hunting drive Moderate
Common owner mistakes
Rough handling of the curled ears - the stiff cartilage can be damaged · Ignoring ear hygiene because the coat is otherwise low-maintenance · Underestimating its need for company and daily play

Family and environment

Kids Good
Playful and tolerant; ears are a no-touch zone for kids.
Other cats Good
Gets along easily; enjoys a feline playmate.
Dogs Good
Confident enough to befriend cat-friendly dogs.
Apartment Ideal
Compact, adaptable, and content indoors.
Seniors Great fit
Affectionate with an easy-care coat.
First cat Great fit
Forgiving temperament, minimal grooming learning curve.
Busy household Conditional
Fine with bustle; long empty days need a companion.
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 with a semi-long coat
American Curl Longhair
A gentle, people-loving cat known for its curled ears - affectionate and adaptable to apartment life.
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Easygoing, low-maintenance family shorthair
American Shorthair
A robust, even-tempered all-rounder - one of the easiest cats to live with, though it tends to gain weight.
View profile →
Another people-glued cat with novelty looks
Devon Rex
A mischievous, people-obsessed pixie of a cat with a soft wavy coat - endlessly playful but really dislikes being left alone.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does an American Curl Shorthair cost in the US?
Expect $800-$2,000 for a pet-quality kitten from a reputable breeder, plus possible travel or waitlist time - American Curls are an uncommon breed with small litters. Over a 13-16 year life, food, litter, and routine vet care typically add $12,000-$18,000 or more, before any chronic old-age condition.
Are the curled ears painful or unhealthy?
No pain is associated with the curl itself, and the breed has no widespread syndrome tied to the gene - it arose in ordinary domestic cats and the gene pool has stayed broad. The two practical cautions: the firm cartilage can be injured by forcing or folding the ears, and the canals benefit from routine checks and cleaning.
How is the American Curl different from the Scottish Fold?
Opposite ears, very different health story. The Fold's ears bend forward due to a cartilage defect that affects joints body-wide (osteochondrodysplasia); the Curl's ears arc backward from a different gene with no known skeletal disease attached. If ear-shape novelty appeals but health matters to you, the Curl is the safer pick.
Are American Curls playful?
Yes - the breed is often called a 'Peter Pan' cat because adults keep kitten habits: opening cabinets, perching on shoulders, poking at whatever you are doing. It is playful without being frantic, which is exactly why it suits apartments and families that want engagement without a whirlwind.