Can an American Curl's curled ears make owners underestimate how playful the cat is?

Yes, it’s possible. The American Curl’s distinctive ears often give the cat a soft, contemplative expression, which can lead owners to assume a more sedate personality. In reality, these cats are typically energetic, curious, and playful well into adulthood. The ear shape is purely cosmetic and unrelated to temperament-kittens and adults alike often retain a kitten-like love for interactive toys, climbing, and chasing. Owners who focus too much on the cat’s unique appearance may miss the need for regular play sessions and enrichment. It’s wise to evaluate the individual cat’s behavior rather than relying on the ear set as a personality cue.

I’ve seen this happen more often than people might expect. That gentle, almost owl-like expression from the curled ears can create a misleading first impression-new owners sometimes treat them like delicate porcelain dolls. In truth, American Curls are agile little acrobats. I remember one client who was startled when her Curl launched itself from a bookshelf to catch a wand toy mid-air; she’d been cradling it like a lap cat for weeks. The ears don’t affect hearing or energy levels, so it’s worth letting the cat show you its true, spirited nature through play.

Start with a feather wand and a laser pointer from day one, because that curly-eared face fools almost everyone. I’ve had clients tell me they bought a “calm, decorative cat” only to find a whirlwind of energy that scales curtains and retrieves crumpled paper. The ear curl is just cartilage-it has zero connection to personality, and these cats often stay kitten-like well into their senior years. One of my own American Curls once performed a full backflip chasing a moth, and I still catch people saying, “But she looks so serene.”