One feature defines the American Curl: ears that curl backwards. The standard calls for an arc of between 90 and 180 degrees, and a straight ear means disqualification in the show ring. The trait is dominant, so a single parent carrying the curl gene is enough for kittens to inherit the curled ear.

Curls are born with straight ears, and the final shape settles at around four months, when the cartilage becomes firm at the base while the tips remain flexible and rounded. The breed comes in longhair and shorthair varieties; in both the coat is silky, lies flat and has very little undercoat, which keeps grooming simple.

Lettered Fluffy Cat – American Curl, this 2013 Fiji 2 dollars places the Curl in the Fluffy Cat series. The mintage is 5,000 pieces, each containing one ounce of .999 silver and struck in proof. The obverse reads FIJI 2013, with the motto of Fiji and the 2 DOLLARS denomination.