Unusual Cat Breeds with Folded or Curled Ears

Famous Owners: Scottish Folds have been popular with many celebrities over the years. Some of the most famous owners include:

• Taylor Swift: The singer has two Scottish Folds, named Olivia Benson and Meredith Grey.
• Ed Sheeran: The musician has a Scottish Fold named Calippo.
• Martha Stewart: The lifestyle guru is a well-known cat lover and has several Scottish Folds among her pets.
• Karl Lagerfeld: The late fashion designer was a well-known cat lover and had a beloved Scottish Fold named Choupette.
• Taylor Hill: The model has a Scottish Fold named Tate.

The Scottish Fold cat is a breed of domestic cat known for its distinctive folded ears, which give it a unique and adorable appearance.

Appearance: Scottish Folds have round heads and large, expressive eyes. They have short, dense fur that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Their most distinctive feature, however, is their ears, which fold forward and downward, giving them a wide-eyed, owl-like appearance.

History: The Scottish Fold breed originated in Scotland in the 1960s when a local shepherd named William Ross discovered a cat with unusual ears. Ross named the cat Susie, and it was the first Scottish Fold. The breed quickly became popular, and by the 1970s, they were recognized by cat fanciers around the world.

Personality: Scottish Folds are known for their affectionate, laid-back personalities. They are generally good-natured and enjoy spending time with their human family. Sweet lap cats but they are also playful and enjoy interactive toys or games.

Health: Scottish Folds can be prone to certain health issues related to their ear structure, such as ear infections and hearing problems. They may also be more susceptible to joint issues due to their folded ears. It is important to choose a reputable breeder and take your cat for regular check-ups to maintain their health.

American Curl

It’s all about the curl. The American Curl is a breed of cat that is known for its unique curled ears. The breed originated in California in the 1980s, when a stray cat with curled ears was adopted by a couple named Joe and Grace Ruga.

Appearance: The American Curl has a medium-sized body with a muscular build. They have a semi-long coat that can be found in a variety of colors and patterns, including solid colors, tabby, and bicolor. The fur is soft and silky to the touch.

The defining characteristic of the American Curl is its ears. Unlike most cats, whose ears are pointed and upright, the American Curl’s ears are rounded and curled back. The degree of curl can vary from slight to extreme, and the ears are often described as looking like a seashell or a rolled-up scroll. The ears are mobile and expressive, and the breed is known for being very vocal.

Temperament: The American Curl is a friendly and intelligent breed that is known for being affectionate and playful. They enjoy playing with toys and interacting with their owners. They are also known for being good with children and other pets.

Health: The breed is generally healthy, with few genetic health problems. They have a life expectancy of around 12-16 years. The American Curl is recognized by most major cat registries, including the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA).

Devon Rex

The Devon Rex is a popular and unique breed of cat known for its curly, wavy coat, large ears, and active, playful and affectionate personality. Here are some key details about the breed:

• Appearance: The Devon Rex has a distinctive, curly coat that feels soft and silky to the touch. They have large, slightly pointed ears, a slender build, and a playful expression. The breed comes in a variety of colors and patterns, including solid, tabby, and bi-color.
• History: The Devon Rex breed originated in Devon, England, in 1959 when a cat named Kirlee gave birth to a litter of kittens with unique curly hair. One of these kittens, a male named Kirlee’s Miss DePesto, became the foundation cat for the breed.
• Temperament: Devon Rex cats are known for their high energy levels and affectionate nature. They are often described as “dog-like” in their loyalty to their owners and their desire to be near them at all times. They are also known to be intelligent and easy to train, making them excellent pets for those who enjoy teaching their cats new tricks.
• Health: Devon Rex cats are generally healthy, but like all breeds they may be prone to certain health issues. These can include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and heart problems. It’s important to purchase a Devon Rex from a reputable breeder who tests their cats for these conditions.

According to Dr. Rachel Barrack, a veterinarian and founder of Animal Acupuncture, “Devon Rex cats make wonderful pets for those seeking an active and affectionate feline companion. They are intelligent and playful, and their curly coat is a unique and attractive feature. However, it’s important to remember that their high energy levels and need for attention may not be suitable for all households.”

Munchkin

LaPerm is a unique cat breed known for its curly and soft fur.

• History: The LaPerm breed originated in Oregon in the 1980s, when a stray cat with curly fur was taken in by a woman named Linda Koehl. The cat, named Curly, had kittens with normal straight fur, but one of the kittens had curly fur like its mother. Koehl named the kitten LaPerm, and the breed was born. The breed was recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 2003.
• Appearance: LaPerm cats have a medium-sized, muscular body with a distinct curly coat. Their fur can be long or short and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Their coat is soft and silky to the touch, and the curls are loose and bouncy.
• Temperament: LaPerm cats are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities. They enjoy being around their human family and love to play and cuddle. They are intelligent and curious cats that are always exploring and investigating their surroundings. LaPerms are also very vocal and will happily chat with their owners.
• Health: LaPerm cats are generally healthy and do not have any major health issues specific to their breed. However, they may be prone to dental problems if their teeth are not regularly cleaned. Like all cats, they should receive regular veterinary checkups to ensure they are healthy.
• Grooming: The grooming needs of LaPerm cats depend on the length of their fur. Long-haired LaPerms require more grooming, with daily brushing recommended to prevent matting. Short-haired LaPerms only need occasional brushing to keep their coats in good condition.

Overall, LaPerm cats are a unique and charming breed that make excellent companions for those looking for an affectionate and playful cat.

Elf Cat:

The Elf Cat is a relatively new and rare breed of cat that was created by crossing the Sphynx with the American Curl.

Origin: The breed was first developed in the United States in 2004, and it was officially recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 2012.

Appearance: The Elf Cat has a unique appearance, with curled ears like the American Curl and hairlessness like the Sphynx. Their bodies are muscular and athletic, with a wedge-shaped head and large, expressive eyes. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, including solid colors, tabby, and tortoiseshell.

Temperament: The Elf Cat is known for its friendly and affectionate nature. They are highly social and enjoy spending time with their owners. They are also intelligent and playful, and they have been known to learn tricks like fetching toys or responding to their names.

Ukrainian Levkoy Cat:

Given the unfortunate war in Ukraine, countless cats have been killed, displaced or homeless. While the breed continues via breeders worldwide, it’s unclear how the war has impacted breeders in Ukraine. Last year, I found links to several Levkoy catteries and as of this writing found none online. I found only one active cat breeder of other breeds in Ukraine. If you know of any, please let me know.

Origin: The Ukrainian Levkoy is a relatively new breed of cat that was first developed in Ukraine in 2004 by Elena Biriukova, a breed was created by crossing the Scottish Fold with the Donskoy (also known as the Don Sphynx).

Appearance: The Ukrainian Levkoy is a medium-sized cat with a muscular and athletic body. They have a unique appearance, with folded ears like the Scottish Fold and hairlessness like the Donskoy. Their skin has a loose and wrinkled appearance, which gives them a distinct and exotic look. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, including solid colors, tabby, and tortoiseshell.

Temperament: The Ukrainian Levkoy is a friendly and affectionate breed of cat. They are highly social and enjoy spending time with their owners. They are also intelligent and playful, and they have been known to learn tricks like fetching toys or responding to their names. They are known for their calm and easy-going temperament, making them good family pet.

Highlander