Big-eared cat breeds have a wild appearance that reflects their big cat ancestry, and this unique trait makes big-eared domestic cats more popular than ever. In the wild, these large ears perform an important function, allowing the cat to hear even the smallest sounds while searching for prey.
There are many aspects about cats that make them adorable pets: their soft fur, long tail, and of course, their all-knowing eyes. But arguably, at the top of the list is their ears, and the bigger they are, the cuter they are. We put together this list of 20 cat breeds with big ears so you can see them in all their adorable glory!
the 20 breeds of cats with big ears
1. siamese cat
The Siamese is one of the most recognizable Asian cat breeds and is one of several breeds that are native to Thailand. They are long, slender, elegant cats with a soft coat that is usually a mix of chocolate, cream, and black. the siamese is an intelligent cat and very affectionate with its owner. With such long, spindly legs, body, and tail, it’s no wonder the ears appear even bigger than they are!
2. sphinx cat
the sphynx breed is best known for its fur, or shall we say, the lack of it! hairless cats will, in general, have large ears, and the sphynx is no different. Hairlessness in cats is usually the result of a natural genetic mutation, but the Sphynx was developed through selective breeding to be hairless. These cats are in high demand and therefore rare and expensive, and with their large ears, they make a unique and striking breed of cat.
3. cornish rex
As a domestic breed often referred to as the “greyhound” of cats, the Cornish rex has a coat that is unique among felines. their coat is short, soft and silky, forming in waves along their body and consisting almost exclusively of undercoat. this soft, curly coat is prone to shedding, and these cats eventually lose most, if not all, of their hair.
4. devon-rex
The Devon rex is a cousin of the curly-coated Cornish rex and is similar in appearance, but their fur is caused by a different genetic mutation, making them an entirely different breed. They are often called “alien” cats because of their unique appearance, which is accentuated by their oversized, rounded ears that sit unusually low on the head. another unique feature is their whiskers, which are so short and curly that they often appear to be missing.
- see also: why are my cat’s ears warm? everything you need to know!
5. oriental cat
Both shorthaired and longhaired Orientals have characteristically long ears and are closely related to the Siamese. they are social, playful, and often vocal cats, characteristics they share with their Siamese cousins. the main differentiator is their fur, which can appear in a wide range of colors and patterns. Its genetic roots are in Thailand, and since then the breed has become one of the most popular among members of the cat fanciers’ association.
6. balinese cat
With their sapphire blue eyes and distinctive spot coloration, the Balinese have much in common with their close cousin, the Siamese. in fact, the Balinese is commonly known as the purebred longhaired Siamese as it originated as a natural mutation of the breed, with the only real differences being its longer coat and fluffy tail. they were initially known as long-haired Siamese cats, but the original breeders felt this was too broad and subsequently shortened the name to Balinese.
7. abyssinian
These short-haired, big-eared cats were believed to have first developed in Abyssinia, from which they got their name. Their unique coat is known as a “marked” tabby coat, where the individual hairs are ringed with different colors. its large ears also have unique tufts emerging from the pointy tips. they are active, playful and highly affectionate felines that are known to be vocal, with a unique bird-like trill.
8. ocicat
The ocicat is a domestic breed that you’d be forgiven for thinking had wild genetics hidden somewhere. however, it has no recent feral DNA, and while its spotted coat certainly gives it the appearance of a wild animal, its calm and docile temperament reveals its domesticity in a matter of minutes. It gets its name from its resemblance to the ocelot, a small wildcat native to North and South America.
9. savannah cat
The Savannah is a cross between a domestic cat and a medium-sized, big-eared African cat called a serval. This exceptionally beautiful breed was first registered with the International Cat Association in 2001 and has become increasingly popular. Despite their feral heritage, they are friendly and sociable animals that are known for their loyalty, often following their owners around the home. These highly intelligent cats have been known to open doors and cupboards on their own, so be careful where you hide their food!
10. singapore
As the smallest breed of domestic cat, Singaporean cats are known for both their oversized ears and large eyes. They have a beautiful checked coat that usually has a few variations of brown, and they rarely weigh more than 8 pounds. They are active, playful and curious, and they love to be in high places to have a panoramic view of their home. there is controversy about its true heritage, but most breeders agree the cat hails from singapore, where it got its name.
11. bye
certainly, the chausie has a wild appearance that is enhanced by its large ears, and they were actually derived from breeding some species of wild jungle cat with domestic varieties. the kittens closely resemble lion cubs, with their deep chests and large, round ears set high on them. they are intelligent, active, and playful cats who retain a lifelong curiosity about their surroundings.
12. Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is one of the few breeds of domestic cats with natural spots. They are medium in size, with medium length, beautifully patterned coats. these cats are a rare breed, with fewer than 200 kittens registered each year. they have a characteristic “beetle” or “m” marking on their foreheads, and usually have distinctive green eyes and, of course, large, pointy ears. these cats are especially sensitive to anesthesia and medications.
13. russian blue cat
One look at the Russian Blue and you can tell precisely where they get their name from. they have distinctive blue fur that can range from silvery blue to deep blue to gray. its impressive fur is usually short and wiry and sticks out stiffly from its body. They are known to be friendly and highly intelligent, but they are also somewhat reserved and quiet, preferring to explore their surroundings with their curious nature than to play.
14. peter bald
Commonly known as one of the hairless cat breeds, the Peterbald is also found with unique variations in its coat. these variations include “brush”, “flocked”, and “velvet”, but breeders prefer the complete absence of hair. They are playful cats who love attention and are generally affectionate with their owners. these cats have a high metabolism and may require more food than fur-bearing breeds.
15. donskoy
The Donskoy is a hairless breed of Russian origin, also known as the Russian Hairless or Don Sphynx. They are similar in appearance to the sphynx cat but are not actually related, and their hairlessness is caused by a dominant genetic mutation as opposed to the sphynx’s recessive mutation. They are muscular, medium-sized cats with wrinkled skin and long, webbed toes. They are often considered a cat acting like a dog, as they are fiercely loyal and attached to their owners.
16. child
As a cross between the sphynx and munchkin cat breeds, the bambino is a controversial new breed due to the increased likelihood of health problems from the cross. the first litter was registered in 1995 and little is known about the breed. they are usually hairless, but not always, and they inherit the large ears of their Egyptian parents.
17. ukrainian levkoy
These cats are unique in more ways than one. In addition to having large, oversized ears, the ears often fold inward, similar to some dogs. the Ukrainian levkoy is also usually hairless, has a long body and a muscular build. they also have smooth, elastic skin that wrinkles excessively, large round eyes, and an angular head. All of these characteristics make the breed more dog-like than cat-like, and their sociable and playful nature further emphasizes these traits.
18. snowshoe cat
Characterized by its bright blue eyes and “snowboot” feet, the snowshoe cat closely resembles a Siamese cat in white boots. the breed is rare due to the difficulty in producing the desired markings, which are created due to recessive genes that make it difficult to predict the outcome of the kittens. they share the affectionate temperament, docile nature, and large, rounded ears of the Siamese.
19. javanese cat
Also known as the long-haired colorpoint, the Javanese is a branch of the Balinese that does not follow the strictly defined, required point coloration (darker limbs and face and light body) of the Balinese. They typically have long, silky fur in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including brindle and tortoiseshell. they share the same vocalization trait as their Siamese ancestors and are known to be playful, intelligent, and affectionate.
20. heart
The Korat is one of the oldest stable cat breeds and is typically short-haired with a stunning blue-grey coat. They are often confused with the Russian Blue, as they have a similar coat and green or amber eyes, but the Korat has a distinct heart-shaped head. The korat is believed to be a good luck charm in their native Thailand, where they are commonly known as “si-sawat”, meaning “good fortune”. they are highly intelligent cats that form strong bonds with their owners.
featured image: needpix
