Cat health

American Curl health problems and costs

The health issues a real source ties to the American Curl, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.

Last updated: October 2026 · 12 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe vet-reviewed breed guide points to 3 health issues to plan for: ear infections, dental disease and weight gain and obesity.

Health problems linked to the American Curl

Conditions and what they can cost
ConditionWhat it isRelated costs
Ear infectionsNamed by: PetMD vet-reviewed guide [1]Floppy or hairy ears trap moisture, which makes infections more likely. Regular cleaning helps, and repeat infections often point to allergies. [2]Cat ear infection treatment (owner bills): $190–$800 [3]
Dental diseaseNamed by: PetMD vet-reviewed guide [1]Plaque and tartar build up below the gumline and lead to infection and tooth loss. Small breeds and some cats are especially prone. [4]Cat dental cleaning (owner bills): $350–$1,450 [5]
Weight gain and obesityNamed by: PetMD vet-reviewed guide [1]Extra weight strains joints and raises the risk of diabetes and other problems. Measured meals and exercise are the cheapest fix. [6]Cat vet visit (owner bills): $190–$525 [7]

Costs are national figures from our sourced cost guides, not breed-specific prices. Being on this list doesn't mean a pet will get the condition.

PetMD's vet-reviewed guide to the American Curl lists these conditions to know about: Ear Infections, Dental Disease, Obesity. [1]

Health screening

The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory lists 3 DNA health tests for the American Curl, including Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA rdAc) (Abyssinian); Dilute; AB Blood Group in Domestic Cat Breeds. [8] One health test costs $47 there. [9]

What to budget

Breed-specific cat bills aren't published, but a routine vet visit for any cat typically runs $190–$525. [7]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult American Curl at US-average prices, before insurance, is $800–$1,300. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 12–16 years and you get roughly $9,600–$21,200 over a lifetime, before inflation and before any major illness. The low end is the ASPCA's yearly cost of care; the high end adds one typical vet bill a year. [7][10] It's simple math on sourced figures, not a quote.

Insurance and savings

The average accident and illness policy cost $435 a year for a cat in the US in 2025. [11] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [12]

Prefer saving instead? Putting money aside each month works too; see insurance vs a savings fund.

Common questions

What health problems are common in the American Curl?

Based on PetMD's vet-reviewed breed guide, the conditions to know about are ear infections, dental disease and weight gain and obesity. That doesn't mean every American Curl will get them.

How much are vet bills for a American Curl?

Breed-specific cat bills aren't published. A routine vet visit for any cat typically runs $190–$525 (VetReceipt owner bills).

Should I get pet insurance for a American Curl?

It's a personal call. The average accident and illness policy was $435 a year in 2025 (NAPHIA). If you want it, enroll while your pet is young and healthy, because conditions found before enrollment are usually excluded.

How long does a American Curl live?

PetMD gives a life expectancy of 12–16 years.

American Curl breed guideEar infection treatment cost for catsCat dental cleaning costCephalexinEar infection treatment costPet insurance basics

This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.

Sources (12) — tap to show
  1. PetMD – American Curl cat breed health and care (vet-reviewed)
  2. VCA – Ear infections in cats
  3. VetReceipt – Cat Ear Infection Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  4. VCA – Dental disease in cats
  5. VetReceipt – Cat Dental Cleaning Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  6. VCA – Obesity in cats
  7. VetReceipt – Cat Routine Vet Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  8. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – American Curl DNA tests
  9. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Cat DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
  10. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  11. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  12. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost