Your guide to finding and caring for an American Curl in Eagle Mountain
Say hello to your American Curl
While we don't have enough cats near Eagle Mountain, keep in mind that many rescues may offer transport.
M, 6 mo.-2 y., 537 miles
American Curl
M, 6 mo.-2 y., 557 miles
American Curl
F, 1 y., 561 miles
American Curl, Domestic Medium Hair
M, 8 y. +, 562 miles
American Curl, Domestic Short Hair
F, 1 y., 562 miles
American Curl
M, 2 y., 562 miles
American Curl
F, 3-7 y., 572 miles
American Curl
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 598 miles
American Curl
F, 3-7 y., 979 miles
American Curl
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 979 miles
American Curl
Every American Curl descends from Shulamith, a longhaired black stray with oddly backward-curling ears who turned up at a home in Lakewood, California, in 1981. Her kittens inherited the curl, which turned out to be caused by a dominant gene, and the breed went on to championship status with TICA and the CFA in the 1990s. Curls are medium-sized, moderately built cats of about 5 to 10 pounds, with longhaired and shorthaired coats in every color and pattern.
Many American Curls are people-oriented, playful and curious, keeping a kittenish spirit well into adulthood. Their silky coats need only light grooming, and no breed-linked diseases have been documented so far. The defining ears do need gentle handling, since their firm cartilage can be damaged if bent or forced. Curls remain fairly uncommon, so adopters may also meet curl-eared mixes.
Having an American Curl in Eagle Mountain
An American Curl's backward-swept ears are what people notice first, but its friendly, playful personality usually shapes life together more. Understanding ear care, coat needs and the breed's sociable nature helps adopters choose a Curl that fits their home.
Many American Curls are affectionate and sociable, following their people around and joining in household activity without being demanding. They often stay playful into old age and may get along with respectful children and other pets after gradual introductions. Each cat's history and comfort level still matter more than breed reputation.
American Curls tend to be active, curious cats who enjoy daily interactive play with wand toys, balls and puzzle feeders. Many like learning tricks or fetching. Climbing shelves and cat trees give them exercise and a view. A few short play sessions a day usually keep a Curl fit and mentally engaged.
No health problems specific to the American Curl have been documented, and unlike the Scottish Fold's gene, the curl gene is not linked to cartilage or bone disease. Curls still face common feline issues such as dental disease, obesity and ear wax buildup. Handle the ears gently and keep up regular veterinary care.
American Curls usually adapt well to apartments or houses as long as they have vertical space, scratching posts, hiding spots and regular play. Their adaptable nature helps them settle into new homes. Secure windows and balconies, and keep outdoor access supervised or in an enclosure to protect them from traffic and injury.
| Expense | Typical cost | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption fee | $100, one time | $100 in year one |
| Food | $25 to $50 per month | $300 to $600 |
| Pet insurance | $25 to $50 per month | $300 to $600 |
| Routine vet care | $150 to $350 per year | $150 to $350 |
| Other* | $450 to $1,250 per year | $450 to $1,250 |
| Estimated yearly total (after year one) | $1,200 to $2,800 | |
| First-year total (with adoption fee) | $1,300 to $2,900 | |
Adoption fee is the fee on American Curl listings in Eagle Mountain on GetBuddy today. Other costs are national averages for American Curls; we don't have costs specific to Eagle Mountain yet.
* Litter, flea and parasite prevention, dental cleanings, toys and scratching supplies, and occasional grooming help for longhaired Curls.
Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below currently have American Curls available.
Here are the rescues & shelters in the Eagle Mountain area where you can find American Curls and other cats available for adoption.
No, American Curl cats are not hypoallergenic. Cat allergens come mainly from proteins in saliva and skin, which all cats produce regardless of coat. Curls have little undercoat and shed lightly to moderately, but that does not make them allergy-free. Spend time with a specific cat and talk with an allergist before adopting if allergies are a concern.
Yes, American Curls are fairly rare. The breed only began in 1981 and remains uncommon compared with long-established breeds, though it now has a following in the US, Europe, Russia and Japan. Purebred Curls seldom appear in shelters, but curl-eared mixed cats sometimes do. Check rescues and GetBuddy listings regularly if you hope to adopt one.
American Curls have no known breed-specific health problems so far, partly because the breed was built from a broad base of domestic cats. They can still develop common feline conditions such as dental disease, obesity, kidney disease with age and ear wax buildup. Regular checkups and a healthy weight help keep a Curl in good shape.
American Curl cats commonly live about 12 to 18 years, and many reach their mid to late teens. As a relatively young breed, there is little formal lifespan research. Keeping a Curl indoors or safely enclosed, at a healthy weight and up to date on veterinary and dental care supports a long life.
An American Curl is a cat breed known for ears that curl backward toward the back of the head. The trait came from a spontaneous mutation in a California stray in 1981. Curls are medium-sized, come in longhaired and shorthaired coats and all colors, and are typically friendly, playful and people-oriented.
Yes, adopting an American Curl is generally considered ethical. Unlike the Scottish Fold's folded-ear gene, the curl gene has not been linked to cartilage or bone disease, and studies of cats carrying two copies found no skeletal problems. Adopting a Curl or curl-eared mix that already needs a home also gives a waiting cat a family.
No, American Curls are not typically chunky. They have a medium, moderately muscular build, neither stocky nor slender, with females usually around 5 to 8 pounds and males around 7 to 10. A Curl that looks heavy may be overweight, which is common in indoor cats, so ask a veterinarian to assess body condition.
Yes, American Curls shed, but usually lightly to moderately. Both longhaired and shorthaired Curls have a silky coat with little undercoat, so they tend to shed less than dense-coated breeds. Weekly brushing or combing removes loose hair. Longhaired Curls may shed more seasonally and benefit from a little extra grooming.
No, an American Curl's curled ears do not hurt. The curl is simply the shape of the ear cartilage and does not cause pain. However, the cartilage is firm and can be damaged if the ear is bent, forced flat or unrolled. Signs like head shaking, scratching or odor point to an infection, not the curl itself.
We have 1 rescue with American Curls available: Celestial Zoo Pet Rescue. You can see every rescue with American Curls available in the list above these questions, or scroll to the top to see the American Curls near Eagle Mountain.
Looking for a different breed? Browse other cats available for adoption in Eagle Mountain.
