Cats with large ears possess a captivating wild charm, reminiscent of their majestic wildcat ancestors. This distinctive feature is not only visually appealing but also serves a crucial purpose in nature, enhancing their ability to detect even the faintest sounds while hunting.
Beyond their soft fur, long tails, and expressive eyes, a cat’s ears are undeniably a top contender for their most endearing feature. The larger the ears, the more pronounced their charm. We have compiled an expanded list of cat breeds celebrated for their prominent ears, allowing you to appreciate their captivating allure in full detail.
Explore Cat Breeds Renowned for Their Large Ears
1. Siamese Cat
Siamese cat with blue point markings relaxing at home
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The Siamese cat, a quintessential Asian breed originating from Thailand, is instantly recognizable. These felines are known for their elegant, slender bodies and smooth coats adorned with striking chocolate, cream, and black point patterns. Siamese cats are not only intelligent but also deeply affectionate companions. Their elongated legs, bodies, and tails naturally accentuate the size of their already substantial ears, creating a visually striking silhouette. Their large ears are not just for show; they are incredibly sensitive, aiding in their communication and environmental awareness.
2. Sphynx Cat
A hairless Sphynx cat gazing out a window
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The Sphynx breed is famous for its most defining characteristic: its lack of fur. Hairlessness in cats often correlates with larger ear size, and the Sphynx is a prime example. This breed’s hairlessness is a result of selective breeding based on a naturally occurring genetic mutation. Sphynx cats are highly sought after, making them a rarer and more expensive breed. Their large, prominent ears contribute significantly to their unique and attention-grabbing appearance. For those seeking a cat with both striking ears and an unusual look, the Sphynx is an exceptional choice. Their large ears are not just a visual feature but also help regulate their body temperature, especially in the absence of fur.
3. Cornish Rex
A playful Cornish Rex kitten with curly fur
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The Cornish Rex, often called the “Greyhound” of the cat world, boasts a uniquely textured coat. Its fur is short, incredibly soft, and silky, forming distinctive waves across its body. This breed’s coat is almost entirely undercoat, contributing to its soft, curly texture. Cornish Rex cats are prone to some hair loss and may eventually lose much or all of their coat. Adding to their distinctive look are their large, bat-like ears, which are not only prominent but also highly expressive, reflecting their alert and playful nature.
4. Devon Rex
Devon Rex cat relaxing comfortably on a couch
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The Devon Rex, a close relative to the Cornish Rex, shares a similar curly-haired appearance, but it’s a distinct breed resulting from a different genetic mutation. Often nicknamed “alien cats,” Devon Rex cats have a unique look further emphasized by their exceptionally large, rounded ears set low on their heads. Another distinctive feature is their unusually short, curled whiskers, which can sometimes appear almost non-existent. These large ears give them an almost pixie-like appearance, adding to their overall charm and unique appeal.
5. Oriental Cat
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Both Oriental Shorthair and Longhair cats are characterized by their remarkably long ears and close genetic ties to the Siamese. These breeds are known for being social, playful, and often quite vocal, traits they share with their Siamese relatives. A key differentiator is their coat, which comes in a vast array of colors and patterns. Originating from Thailand, like the Siamese, the Oriental breed has gained significant popularity among Cat Fancier Association members. Their large, expressive ears contribute to their communicative nature, allowing them to effectively express their moods and needs.
6. Balinese Cat
Balinese cat with blue eyes lounging on a sofa at home
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Balinese cats, with their captivating sapphire blue eyes and distinctive point coloration, share significant similarities with their Siamese cousins. In fact, the Balinese is often referred to as the “purebred long-haired Siamese” due to its origins as a natural long-haired mutation of the Siamese breed. The primary distinctions are the Balinese’s longer coat and fluffier tail. Initially termed “Long-Haired Siamese cats,” breeders later opted for the more concise and elegant name, Balinese. Like Siamese cats, their large ears are a defining feature, enhancing their elegant and refined appearance.
7. Abyssinian
A young Abyssinian cat perched on a cat tower
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Abyssinian cats, known for their large ears and short coats, are believed to have originated in Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia), which lends them their name. Their unique “ticked” tabby coat features individual hairs banded with different colors, creating a subtly striped effect. Their large ears are further adorned with distinctive tufts at the pointed tips. Abyssinian cats are active, playful, and deeply affectionate felines, also known for their vocal nature and a distinctive bird-like trill. Their large, upright ears are always alert, reflecting their curious and engaged personality.
8. Ocicat
A striking Ocicat male cat with a spotted coat
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The Ocicat is a domestic breed that strikingly resembles a wildcat, leading many to assume they have wild genetics. However, Ocicats have no recent wild DNA in their lineage. Their spotted coat gives them a wild appearance, but their calm and docile temperament quickly reveals their domestic nature. They are named for their resemblance to the Ocelot, a small wildcat native to the Americas. Their large, well-set ears complement their wildcat look, adding to their exotic and intriguing appearance.
9. Savannah Cat
Savannah F1 cat sitting regally on stairs
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The Savannah cat is a hybrid breed, a cross between a domestic cat and a Serval, a medium-sized African wildcat known for its large ears. First registered with The International Cat Association in 2001, the Savannah has rapidly gained popularity. Despite their wild heritage, Savannah cats are friendly and sociable, known for their loyalty and tendency to follow their owners closely. Highly intelligent, they are notorious for their ability to open doors and cupboards, requiring owners to be mindful of food storage! Their large, upright ears are inherited from their Serval ancestor, contributing to their striking and exotic look.
10. Singapura
Singapura cat exploring in lush green grass
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Singapura cats are the smallest domestic cat breed, renowned for both their oversized ears and large, expressive eyes. They possess a beautiful ticked coat, typically in various shades of brown, and rarely exceed 8 pounds in weight. Singapuras are active, playful, and endlessly curious, with a love for heights, often seeking out elevated vantage points in their home. While their exact origins are debated, most breeders agree they hail from Singapore, from which they derive their name. Their disproportionately large ears on their small frame are a key feature of their endearing and kitten-like appearance.
11. Chausie
Chausie cat with an Abyssinian-like ticked coat
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The Chausie cat undeniably has a wild appearance, further accentuated by its large ears. This breed was developed by crossbreeding domestic cats with various species of wild jungle cats. Chausie kittens bear a striking resemblance to lion cubs, with their deep chests and large, round ears set high on their heads. They are intelligent, active, and playful cats, maintaining a lifelong curiosity about their environment. Their prominent ears contribute to their wild and alert expression, reflecting their active and inquisitive nature.
12. Egyptian Mau
Elegant Egyptian Mau cat with green eyes
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The Egyptian Mau is one of the few naturally spotted domestic cat breeds. They are medium-sized with medium-length, beautifully patterned coats. Egyptian Maus are a relatively rare breed, with fewer than 200 kittens registered annually. They are characterized by a distinctive “scarab beetle” or “M” marking on their forehead, typically striking green eyes, and, of course, large, pointed ears. Notably, Egyptian Maus are particularly sensitive to anesthesia and certain medications. Their large, alert ears are always poised, contributing to their elegant and refined bearing.
13. Russian Blue Cat
Graceful Russian Blue cat with a silver-blue coat
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The Russian Blue cat’s name perfectly describes its most striking feature: its distinctive blue coat, which ranges from a light silver blue to a deeper blue-grey. This stunning coat is typically short and dense, standing out slightly from their body. Russian Blues are known for their friendly and highly intelligent nature, though they can also be reserved and tranquil, preferring to explore their surroundings with curiosity rather than engage in boisterous play. Their large, pointed ears are prominent against their refined features, adding to their overall elegant and poised appearance.
14. Peterbald
Peterbald cat, a hairless breed with large ears
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The Peterbald, commonly recognized as a hairless cat breed, is also distinguished by its large ears. While hairlessness is a defining characteristic, Peterbalds can exhibit coat variations such as “brush,” “flocked,” and “velour,” although complete hairlessness is favored in breeding standards. They are playful cats that thrive on attention and are generally affectionate with their owners. Peterbalds have a high metabolism and may require more food than coated breeds. Their prominent ears are a key feature, enhancing their slender and elegant physique.
15. Donskoy
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The Donskoy, another hairless breed of Russian origin, is also known as the Russian Hairless or Don Sphynx. While similar in appearance to the Sphynx, they are not genetically related. Donskoy’s hairlessness is caused by a dominant gene mutation, unlike the recessive mutation in Sphynx cats. They are medium-sized, muscular cats with wrinkled skin and long, webbed toes. Donskoys are often described as “dog-like” in their behavior, known for being fiercely loyal and deeply attached to their owners. Their large ears are a defining trait, contributing to their unique and somewhat otherworldly appearance.
16. Bambino
Bambino cat, a crossbreed with short legs and large ears
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The Bambino cat is a crossbreed between the Sphynx and Munchkin breeds, resulting in a new and somewhat controversial breed due to potential health concerns associated with crossbreeding. The first Bambino litter was registered in 1995, and the breed is still relatively rare. Bambinos are typically hairless, though not always, and inherit the oversized ears from their Sphynx lineage. Their combination of short legs and large ears creates a distinctive and somewhat unusual appearance.
17. Ukrainian Levkoy
Ukrainian Levkoy cat with folded ears and hairless skin
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Ukrainian Levkoy cats are unique in multiple ways. In addition to their large and prominent ears, their ears are characteristically folded inwards, similar to some dog breeds. The Ukrainian Levkoy is also typically hairless, with a long body and muscular build. They possess soft, elastic skin that wrinkles, large round eyes, and an angular head. These features give the breed a somewhat dog-like appearance, further emphasized by their sociable and playful nature. Their folded, large ears are a defining and highly unusual trait in the feline world.
18. Snowshoe Cat
Snowshoe cat with blue eyes and white paws resting on a bed
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Snowshoe cats are recognized by their bright blue eyes and distinctive “snow boot” paws, resembling a Siamese cat wearing white boots. This breed is considered rare due to the difficulty in consistently achieving the desired markings, which are determined by recessive genes that make kitten outcomes unpredictable. Snowshoes share the affectionate temperament, docile nature, and large, rounded ears of the Siamese. Their large ears, combined with their striking blue eyes and unique markings, contribute to their overall beauty and charm.
19. Javanese Cat
Javanese cat with a long, slender body and large ears
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Also known as the Colorpoint Longhair, the Javanese is an offshoot of the Balinese breed. Unlike the Balinese, Javanese cats do not adhere to the strictly defined point coloration (darker extremities and face, lighter body). They typically have a long, silky coat in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including tabby and tortoiseshell. Javanese cats share the vocalization trait of their Siamese ancestors and are known for being playful, intelligent, and affectionate companions. Their large ears, combined with their elegant build and diverse coat colors, make them a visually captivating breed.
20. Korat
Korat cat with a heart-shaped face and large ears
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The Korat is one of the oldest stable cat breeds, typically short-haired with a stunning blue-grey coat. Often mistaken for Russian Blues due to their similar coat color and green or amber eyes, the Korat is distinguished by its unique heart-shaped head. In their native Thailand, Korats are believed to be good luck charms and are commonly known as “Si-Sawat,” meaning “good fortune.” They are highly intelligent cats that form strong bonds with their owners. Their large, alert ears and heart-shaped face contribute to their distinctive and charming appearance.
Final Reflections on Big-Eared Cats
As demonstrated, cat breeds with large ears exhibit a remarkable diversity in shapes and sizes. While these 20 breeds are notable for their larger-than-average ears, they are not the only cats with this striking feature. Ear size and shape can vary significantly among individual cats, meaning even a kitten from a breed not listed here could develop impressively large ears as they mature. Ultimately, the unique ear shape and size contribute significantly to the individual charm and appeal of each cat.
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