Shape: Modified wedge without flat planes; approximately 1-1/2 times longer than wide.
Ears: The overall appearance of the American Curl ear should be one
that is aesthetically pleasing to view.
Minimum 90 degree arc of curl. Firm cartilage from ear base to at least onethird of height of ear. Wide at base and open; curving back in an arc when viewed from the front, side or rear.
The surface of the curved portion of the ear should be smooth. Tips rounded and flexible. Moderately large in proportion to head. Erect, set equally on top and side of head. Furnishings are desirable.

NOTE: When American Curls are alert with their ears swivelled toward the front, lines following through the curve of the ears should point to the center of the base of the skull.

COAT/
COLOR/
PATTERN

Length (AC): Short with tail coat same length as body coat.
Length (AL): Semi-long with tail coat full and plumed.
Texture (AC): Soft, silky, laying flat, resilient without a plush dense feel. Minimal undercoat.
Texture (AL): Fine, silky, laying flat. Minimal undercoat.

Tail faults of any kind. Straight or severely mismatched ears. Lack of
firm cartilage in base of ear. Extreme curl in an adult cat where the tip of the ear touches the back of the head or the ear itself. Ear tips that are not flexible. Ears in which the lower portion of the ear is abnormally flattened, has compressed ridges of cartilage and does not have a normal, visible ear cavity.
GLOSSARY:
Vertical Crimp: Beginning at the base of the ear and continuing along
some or all of its height, the outer edge of the ear bends or rolls vertically in toward the center of the ear giving the outer edge of the ear a pinched or crimped aspect.
Horizontal Crimp: Excessive width of both edges of the base of the ear distinguished by the ear continuing beyond a vertical curved ridge that one would have expected to be the natural outer edges of the ear, giving the ear a splayed appearance. A horizontal ridge of cartilage is also visible in the center of the ear above the canal.
NOTE: In short, vertical and horizontal crimp are two opposite and undesirable extremes affecting the base of the curled ear. The former causing the base to appear too narrow, the latter causing the base to appear too wide.
Splayed: Spreading outward, broad and flat.

Temperament must be unchallenging; any sign of definite challenge shall disqualify.
The cat may exhibit fear, seek to flee, or generally complain aloud but may not threaten to harm.
In accordance with Show Rules, ARTICLE SIXTEEN, the following shall be considered mandatory disqualifications: a cat that bites (216.9), a cat showing evidence of intent to deceive (216.10), adult whole male cats not having two descended testicles (216.11), cats with all or part of the tail missing , except as authorized by a board approved standard (216.12.1), cats with more than five toes on each front foot and four toes on each back foot, unless proved the result of an injury or as authorized by a board approved standard (216.12.2), visible or invisible tail faults if Board approved standard requires disqualification (216.12.4), crossed eyes if Board approved standard requires disqualification (216.12.5), total blindness (216.12.6), markedly smaller size, not in keeping with the breed (216.12.9), and depression of the sternum or unusually small diameter of the rib cage itself (216.12.11.1). See Show Rules,
ARTICLE SIXTEEN for more comprehensive rules governing penalties and disqualifications.