Felis catus × Felis chaus
Jungle Curl
The Jungle Curl is a rare experimental hybrid breed developed in the USA through crossing American Curl cats with Jungle Cats (Felis chaus, an Asian wildcat species). The breed was registered with TICA as an experimental breed. Like the Chausie and other jungle cat hybrids, early-generation Jungle Curl cats carry verified Jungle Cat genetics; later generations breed back toward domestic type while retaining the characteristic American Curl ear-curl combined with a somewhat larger, wilder appearance than a standard American Curl. The breed is extremely rare and confined to specialist breeders.
Quick facts
- Origin country
- United States
- Origin period
- 1990s experimental programme; TICA experimental registration
- Coat type
- Short
- Coat colors
- Ticked tabby, spotted; all naturally occurring wild-type colours and domestic patterns
- Size category
- Large
- Average lifespan
- 12-14 years
- Recognition
- —
Origin
The Jungle Curl was produced by mating American Curl domestic cats with Jungle Cats (Felis chaus). The American Curl contributes the autosomal-dominant CuRLY gene for backward-curled ears. Jungle Cat ancestry contributes larger body size, longer legs, and a ticked coat pattern. Multi-generation backcrossing to domestic cats produces animals that are increasingly domestic in behaviour while retaining some wild-cat physical traits and the ear-curl.
Standard
The Jungle Curl type standard describes a large, athletic cat with a characteristically backward-curled ear (American Curl type), a moderately long body, long legs, a ticked or spotted tabby coat, and a relatively long tail. Size varies substantially by generation; F1 hybrids can weigh over 10 kg while F4+ cats approach domestic cat size ranges.
Multiple Mutation Combination
The Jungle Curl combines the American Curl's backward-curling ear gene (Cu) with the Hemingway/Polydactyl gene (Pd) and a large, muscular, wild-looking conformation. The name references a resemblance to jungle cats while the breed is fully domestic. The Cu gene produces backward ear tips; the Pd gene produces extra toes. The combination is distinctive among TICA experimental breeds in requiring both mutations simultaneously.
Sources & further reading (1)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-05-27
Frequently asked questions
Is the Jungle Curl the same as a Chausie?
No. The Chausie is a Jungle Cat × domestic cat cross that does not involve the American Curl and does not carry the ear-curl gene. The Jungle Curl specifically combines Jungle Cat ancestry with the American Curl's ear-curl gene. Both are Jungle Cat hybrids, but they are separate breed programmes with different foundation stock and different appearance goals.
How does the Jungle Curl differ from the Highlander?
The Highlander also combines curled ears with polydactyly but adds a bobtail requirement and uses the Desert Lynx as one foundation breed. The Jungle Curl focuses on the curled-ear + polydactyl combination in a non-bobtailed cat. Both are TICA experimental breeds; some breeders participate in both programmes and the two overlap significantly in appearance.
Is the Jungle Curl related to the Jungle Cat (Felis chaus)?
No. The Jungle Curl is a fully domestic breed with no wild Jungle Cat (Felis chaus) ancestry. The name references the breed's wild jungle-cat appearance — produced by combining curled ears, polydactyly, and a muscular conformation — not wild cat hybridization. The Chausie is the domestic breed with verified Jungle Cat ancestry.
