Ever seen a curly-tailed cat with a playful question mark or spirals gracefully like a corkscrew? Cat breeds with curled tails are nature’s delightful quirks—charming, curious, and captivating.
These unique felines boast tails that are more than just expressive—they’re showstopping features that set them apart.
From the elegant American Ringtail to the charming Japanese Bobtail, these breeds are not only visually striking but also rich in personality. Their curled tails are a reflection of their lively and playful nature, adding to their endearing appeal.
If you’re looking for a cat that stands out in both looks and personality, a breed with a curled tail may be the purr-fect choice for you.
Cat Breeds With Curled Tails
1. American Ringtail
Tail Twirl Style: The “Corkscrew Charmer” – It curves upward like it’s always posing for a photoshoot!
Discovered in California in the 1990s, this breed is relatively new. A stray cat named Solomon with a naturally curled tail became the foundation for what we now call the American Ringtail.
Medium to large, with a muscular yet graceful build. They have expressive almond-shaped eyes that come in various colors, adding to their lively, curious expression.
Personality Traits
✔ Adventurous and curious – Treats every cardboard box like a treasure chest waiting to be explored.
✔ Loyal and affectionate – Will follow you around, making you feel like a celebrity with a furry, devoted fan.
✔ Vocal and expressive – Not afraid to let you know when dinner is late or when they’ve just seen a bird trespassing outside.
Fun Fact: Despite the unique curled tail, the American Ringtail has no known health issues related to it—just a healthy dose of quirky charm!
2. Devon Rex
Tail Twirl Style: The “Whip-Curl Wonder” – A thin, curly tail with a personality all its own!
Discovered in the 1960s in Devon, England, this breed’s distinct, curly coat is a result of a natural mutation. Their impish, mischievous nature makes them one of the most charming cat breeds.
The Devon Rex has an elfin face, with large, low-set ears, big eyes, and a coat that ranges from wavy to crinkly. Their thin, curly whiskers match their wavy fur, giving them a quirky yet endearing appearance.
Personality Traits
✔ Tiny but full of energy – A feline gymnast that considers curtains a playground.
✔ Mischievous and playful – Will swipe your snacks and act innocent while nibbling away.
✔ Affectionate lap cat – Curls up on your chest like it’s their rightful throne.
Fun Fact: The Devon Rex is often called a “monkey in a cat suit” because of its playful antics. If there’s a spot they’re not supposed to reach, they’ll find a way!
3. Russian Blue
Tail Twirl Style: The “Regal Curl” – A subtle, poised curl that matches their elegant, aristocratic demeanor.
Believed to have originated in the port of Arkhangelsk, Russia, these cats made their way to Europe aboard merchant ships. They became popular for their grace and gentle, reserved nature.
Russian Blues have a dense, double-layered coat of plush, silvery blue fur. Their emerald-green eyes stand out beautifully against the blue-gray coat, adding to their air of elegance.
Personality Traits
✔ Graceful and reserved – The kind of cat that wouldn’t knock over a vase—unless it’s on purpose.
✔ Observant and intelligent – Watches you with a gaze that suggests it could solve mysteries with Sherlock Holmes.
✔ Loyal yet independent – A quiet companion that bonds deeply with its family while maintaining a mysterious allure.
Fun Fact: Russian Blues are considered hypoallergenic because they produce lower levels of the protein Fel d 1, which is responsible for most cat allergies. So, they’re a great option for cat lovers with sensitivities!
4. Siamese
Style: The Drama Queen – Always has something to say, and it’s usually LOUD!
One of the oldest and most recognizable cat breeds, the Siamese hails from Thailand (formerly Siam). They were considered sacred and even had their royal palace gig!
Slender, graceful, and elegant, with striking blue almond-shaped eyes and a sleek, short coat that highlights their angular features. The classic Siamese has a color-point pattern—darker ears, paws, face, and tail.
PetMD says Siamese are often referred to as “Velcro cats,” meaning they prefer being with their people rather than exercising their independence.
Personality Traits
✔ Talkative and opinionated – Will chat with you all day, whether you understand or not.
✔ Devoted and affectionate – The ultimate “velcro cat” that follows you like a shadow.
✔ Intelligent and curious – Loves puzzle toys and opening cabinets they’re not supposed to explore.
Fun Fact: Siamese cats are famously vocal. If you want a silent companion, this is not the cat for you! They’ll have a conversation with you at 3 a.m. about the existential state of kibble.
5. Sphynx
Style: The Quirky Comedian – Looks like a wise, bald sage but acts like a playful prankster!
Despite its ancient Egyptian vibe, the Sphynx breed originated in Canada in the 1960s when a hairless kitten named Prune was born due to a genetic mutation.
The Sphynx’s hairless, wrinkled skin and large, bat-like ears give it a striking and unforgettable appearance. Their skin feels like warm suede, and they come in various colors and patterns visible on their skin.
Personality Traits
✔ Affectionate and needy – Will plaster itself to you like a heated blanket.
✔ Playful and energetic – Loves to perform acrobatics and expects applause.
✔ Social butterfly – Greets every guest like a long-lost friend, possibly plotting to borrow their warmth.
Fun Fact: Sphynx cats are not hypoallergenic—they still produce allergenic proteins. Also, they require regular baths to keep their skin oils in check. Imagine a cat that hates water but needs to bathe—now that’s comedy!
6. Bengal
Style: The Wild Child – Looks like it belongs in a jungle but lounges on your couch.
The Bengal was created by crossing domestic cats with the Asian leopard cat in the 1970s. The goal? To get a wild, exotic look with a domestic temperament.
Bengals have a sleek, muscular body with a short, luxurious coat covered in striking spots or marbled patterns. Their eyes are large, expressive, and usually a vivid green or gold.
Personality Traits
✔ Active and athletic – Climbs, leaps, and occasionally tackles imaginary prey.
✔ Confident and curious – Will investigate every corner of your home like a detective on a case.
✔ Playful and intelligent – Learns tricks easily and might even play fetch!
Fun Fact: Bengals are known for their love of water! You might find them splashing in sinks, pawing at fountains, or trying to join you in the shower—like a mini leopard with a sense of humor.
7. Ragdoll
Style: The Laid-Back Lap Lounger – Think of them as the feline equivalent of a chilled-out, beach-loving hippie.
Developed in the 1960s by a breeder named Ann Baker in California, the Ragdoll got its name because it tends to go completely limp when picked up, like a floppy doll!
Ragdoll cats, one of the largest domestic breeds, are known as gentle giants. As per PetPlan, they are peaceful, sociable, and curious, making them a true delight to be around. Large cats with striking blue eyes, silky semi-long fur, and a luxurious color-point pattern. Their coats can come in various colors and patterns, but the texture is always irresistibly soft.
Personality Traits
✔ Affectionate and cuddly – Will happily collapse into your arms like it’s auditioning for a cat-themed rom-com.
✔ Easygoing and gentle – Almost too polite to knock over your coffee mug. Almost.
✔ Sociable and friendly – Greets strangers like they’ve been friends since kittenhood.
Fun Fact: Ragdolls are often described as “puppy-like” because they’ll follow you from room to room. They’re the perfect pet if you need an adoring fan club that never leaves!
8. Scottish Fold
Style: The Whimsical Owl-Cat – With those folded ears and wide, curious eyes, this cat always looks like it’s plotting a whimsical adventure.
The first Scottish Fold, a barn cat named Susie with unique folded ears, was discovered on a farm in Scotland in the 1960s. The breed quickly gained popularity for its charming, unusual look.
Medium-sized with a round face, large expressive eyes, and those signature folded ears. Some Folds may have straight ears, but they still carry the same sweet, gentle expression. Their coats can be short or long in various colors.
Personality Traits
✔ Sweet and curious – Always tilting their head, as if they’re genuinely interested in your latest Netflix binge.
✔ Playful yet gentle – Will bat a toy around but rarely goes full “zoomies.”
✔ Affectionate but independent – Loves to be near you but not necessarily on top of you. Respect the personal space, please!
Fun Fact: Those folded ears are due to a genetic mutation affecting cartilage. Because of this, responsible breeding is crucial to prevent health issues. Still, the result is a cat that looks like it just heard a plot twist!
9. Persian
Style: The Regal Recliner – If there’s a throne in the house, the Persian claims it (and then sheds on it).
One of the oldest and most recognizable cat breeds, the Persian has been a symbol of luxury and royalty for centuries. Their origins trace back to ancient Persia (modern-day Iran).
Known for their long, flowing coats, large round eyes, and flat, pansy-like faces. They come in a vast range of colors, and their coat requires daily grooming to keep it looking royal.
Personality Traits
✔ Calm and dignified – Prefers napping in sunlight to chasing a laser pointer.
✔ Loyal yet selective – Loves their people but isn’t keen on chaotic environments. If there’s a toddler nearby, they’re out!
✔ Quiet and gentle – Communicates with soft, melodic meows—like a diva practicing scales.
Fun Fact: Persians are high-maintenance in the grooming department, and they know it. They’re basically the celebrities of the cat world—beautiful, slightly dramatic, and expecting their demands to be met.
Conclusion
Cat breeds with curly tails are rare and intriguing, captivating cat lovers with their distinctive appearance. The American Ringtail Cat, also known as the Ringtail Sing-a-Ling, is one of the most recognized breeds showcasing the unique curly tail trait. While most domestic shorthair cats and feral cats typically have straight tails, the curled tails of these special felines stand out. Some hybrid breeds, like those with Asian Leopard Cat ancestry, may also display this charming feature. Although Russian Blues and other cats may not have curled tails, their elegance and appeal remain undeniable. Ultimately, cat breeds with their tail curled , including curly-tailed kittens, are admired for their individuality and the distinctive charm they bring to the feline world.
