Curled ears have been introduced into the breed since feral Jaguarundis have small ears. The gene that curls the cartilage in the ears of the Highland Lynx or Jaguarundi Curls also dwarfs the size of the ear.
In addition to the curled ears the semi-longhaired cats of this breed have great long haired, full, plumed, tails (see above). The coat is not a double coat ("little undercoat"1) so it is silky and easier to maintain. It lies flat to the body.
The distinctive feature of the breed is their uniquely curled ears, set on the corners of the head. These ears are quite firm to the touch, erect and open, curving back in a smooth arc towards the center of the back of the skull.
A spontaneous mutation is responsible for this breed's full crescent ear curl In 1981 in Lakewood, California, the Ruga's welcomed a black, semi-longhaired stray with curled ears into their home and named her Shalamith.
The American Curl Cat is a medium-sized, perky, sweet and very elegant breed, with a dynamic and remarkable appearance having as its distinctive feature outward-curled ears that are unique in the cat world and give the animal a “ ...
The Rugas never suspected that from that simple encounter, and the birth of some kittens 6 month later, would grow a worldwide debate about the genetics behind those unusual curled ears.
Two of the kittens had curled ears and were given to Grace Ruga's sister, Esther Brimlow of Orange, CA. One was a brown tabby female named Mercedes who had curly ears. The other was a Lynx Point female named Smog, with straight ears.
To ensure the health and genetic diversity of the breed, breeders do outcross breedings to cats without curled ears. At least 50% of the kittens from these breedings will have curled ears.
They named the long-haired black female, who had backwardly-curled ears, 'Shulamith.' She gave birth to a litter that contained two curly-eared kittens roughly 6 months later, and thus Shulamith became the foundation of all purebred American Curls.
General: The distinctive feature of the American Curl is their uniquely attractive curled ears. Shulamith, the first American Curl, was first noted in Southern California in 1981. Selective breeding began in 1983.
In 1981 two cats with curled ears arrived on the doorstep of cat lover Grace Ruga in Lakewood, California. One disappeared soon after arriving.
The most distinctive feature of the breed is their uniquely curled ears. The ears are quite firm to the touch, erect and open, curling up into a smooth arc.
The Curl, named Shulamith, gave birth to six kittens, most with the unique curled ears
In 1983, breeders selectively bred to keep the ear-curling trait ...
This cat breed's name makes its origins clear: American because it was first discovered in Lakewood, California, and Curl because of its attractive curled ears.
It got its name from its curled ears giving it the appearance of intent interested or surprised. These unique ears start out straight, but after just a few days begin to curl back in a lynx-like fashion with feathery tufts sticking out.
The American Curl is a medium size cat with no health handicaps associated with the curled ears. They are strong, healthy cats remarkably free of genetic defects that affect many purebred cats.
The most unique attribute of the American Curl cat is its distinctly curled ears.
With their curled ears, short tails, and sometimes polydactyl feet, these cats have captivated the hearts of people nation wide.
The distinctive feature of the American Curl, first noted in southern California in 1981, is their uniquely attractive curled ears. Curls are well balanced, moderately muscled, slender rather than massive in build.
While this breed is a good match it was not used in the States because of concerns that it could lead to cats being bred with rexed coats and curled ears.
Although the distinctive feature of the American Curl is their uniquely curled ears, the medium-sized rectangular body, silky flat-lying coat, and expressive walnut-shaped eyes are equally indicative of the breed.
Kittens are born with "normal" ears (that is, folded down, not standing up until the end of the first week or so), but by three weeks it's evident which kittens are destined to have curled ears. By four months the curl is permanent.
 See also: American Curl, TICA, Champion, Selective breeding, Walnut
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