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General DescriptionCFA General Description: The distinctive feature of the American curl is their attractive, uniquely curled-back ears. The original American Curl, a longhaired female named Shulamith, was first noted in Lakewood in 1981. Selective breeding began in 1983.
Curls are elegant, well balanced, moderately muscled, slender rather than massive in build. Females are to weigh from 5-8 pounds, males weigh 7-10 pounds. They are alert, active with gentle, even dispositions. |
Note that all reference to allowances for larger size was removed from the CFA Standard in 2016 and weight limits were added to the scoring of Body Size. This revision was made due to the increased size of the AC in some countries due to outcross breeding to larger cats. The American Curl is specifically considered an "elegant" and "slender" cat. These descriptions are defeated by the introduction of cats exceeding the defined weight limits in the General Description.
TICA General Description: The American Curl is a medium-built, well balanced shorthair or longhair cat, semi-foreign in type.
ACFA General Description: Same as CFA with the exception that it also states: "Proper proportion and balance are more important than size. Allowance to be made for normal male characteristics."
FIFE General Description: "The distinct feature of the American Curl is their attractive, uniquely curled ears. Curls are well balanced, moderately muscled, svelte rather than massive in built. They are alert, active, with gentle, even dispositions. Size: Medium
ACFA General Description: Same as CFA with the exception that it also states: "Proper proportion and balance are more important than size. Allowance to be made for normal male characteristics."
FIFE General Description: "The distinct feature of the American Curl is their attractive, uniquely curled ears. Curls are well balanced, moderately muscled, svelte rather than massive in built. They are alert, active, with gentle, even dispositions. Size: Medium
Additional Note: The TICA Standard also states regarding "PERMISSIBLE OUTCROSSES" that domestic longhair/shorthair, not a member of a recognized breed are accepted.
It is important to note that, unlike most other breeds, the Standard for the American Curl was written for the FEMALE. Because the unique position of the breed being evaluated on the female (NOT THE MALE) any phrases relating to "normal male characteristics" should not be taken out of context and used as an excuse to not consider the required size boundaries for the breed.
When a judge lets an owner know that according to the Standard, their cat needs to conform better in any particular area... it is a good thing. Breeders should appreciate the judge's assistance to help the breeder recognize features that need improvement in the breeder's cats.
When a judge lets an owner know that according to the Standard, their cat needs to conform better in any particular area... it is a good thing. Breeders should appreciate the judge's assistance to help the breeder recognize features that need improvement in the breeder's cats.