Cats, with their enigmatic charm, have captivated humans for centuries. From their mesmerizing eyes to their graceful movements, every feature contributes to their allure. Among these captivating traits, their ears often stand out, and for some breeds, the bigger, the better! Big ears on a cat aren’t just visually striking; they are a testament to their wild ancestry, harking back to their big cat relatives. In the wild, these oversized ears are crucial for survival, acting as sophisticated sound detectors, pinpointing the faintest rustle of prey in their hunting grounds. This remarkable feature, combined with their already endearing qualities, makes Big Ear Cats incredibly popular among feline enthusiasts.
Beyond their practical function, large ears undeniably amplify a cat’s cuteness. While soft fur, long tails, and expressive eyes all contribute to feline charm, there’s something uniquely captivating about prominent ears. This article delves into 20 remarkable cat breeds celebrated for their magnificent ears, showcasing the diversity and charm of these big ear cats. Prepare to be amazed by the adorable glory of these feline wonders!
20 Cat Breeds Celebrated for Their Big Ears
1. Siamese Cat
Elegant Siamese cat with blue eyes in a living room
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The Siamese cat, a quintessential breed hailing from Thailand, immediately stands out with its elegant and slender physique. Recognizable for their striking point coloration, typically a beautiful contrast of cream, chocolate, and dark accents, Siamese cats are not just visually stunning but also intelligent and deeply affectionate companions. Their long, lean bodies, extending from their legs and tail to their neck, make their already substantial ears appear even more prominent. These big ears are perfectly proportioned to their wedge-shaped head, enhancing their alert and inquisitive expression. A true icon among big ear cat breeds, the Siamese combines striking looks with a loving personality.
2. Sphynx Cat
Intrigued Sphynx cat gazing out a sunlit window
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The Sphynx cat is perhaps most famous for its distinctive lack of fur, a feature that immediately draws attention to their other striking features, including their remarkably large ears. Hairlessness in cats is a genetic anomaly, and the Sphynx breed was intentionally developed through selective breeding to accentuate this trait. As a result, their ears, unhidden by a thick coat, become a focal point. These big ears are not just large in size but also broad at the base and pointed at the tips, contributing to their unique and somewhat otherworldly appearance. If you’re seeking a truly unique big ear cat breed that is both attention-grabbing and affectionate, the Sphynx is an exceptional choice.
3. Cornish Rex
Playful Cornish Rex kitten with curly fur looking up
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Often described as the “Greyhound” of the cat world, the Cornish Rex is a domestic breed known for its slender build and exceptionally unique coat. Unlike most cats, their fur is remarkably short, incredibly soft, and arranged in distinct waves that ripple across their body. This unusual coat is primarily composed of the undercoat, giving it a silky texture. While their coat is a defining feature, their big ears are equally noteworthy. These large, bat-like ears are set high on their head, further accentuating their elegant and refined appearance. The combination of their curly coat and prominent ears makes the Cornish Rex a truly distinctive big ear cat breed.
4. Devon Rex
Curious Devon Rex cat with large ears relaxing on a couch
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The Devon Rex, a close relative of the Cornish Rex, shares the characteristic of curly fur but is a distinct breed resulting from a different genetic mutation. Often nicknamed “alien cats” due to their unconventional looks, Devon Rex cats possess an undeniable charm. Their oversized, rounded ears, positioned low on their wide heads, are a key element of their unique aesthetic. Adding to their quirky charm are their remarkably short and curled whiskers, often appearing almost nonexistent. These big ear cats are not just visually interesting but also known for their playful and affectionate personalities, making them delightful companions.
5. Oriental Cat
Majestic grey Oriental cat with large ears looking intently
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Both the Oriental Shorthair and Longhair varieties are celebrated for their characteristically long ears, a trait they share with their close relative, the Siamese. Originating from Thailand, these breeds are known for their social, playful, and often vocal nature. While their personalities mirror those of Siamese cats, Oriental cats boast a wider array of coat colors and patterns, adding to their visual appeal. Their slender bodies and wedge-shaped heads, much like the Siamese, further emphasize the size of their ears. These big ear cats are not only striking in appearance but also intelligent and engaging companions, making them a popular choice for cat lovers.
6. Balinese Cat
Graceful Balinese cat with blue eyes lounging on a sofa
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The Balinese cat, with its captivating sapphire blue eyes and distinctive point coloration, is essentially a long-haired version of its close cousin, the Siamese. Indeed, the Balinese is often referred to as the “purebred long-haired Siamese,” originating as a natural mutation within the Siamese breed. The most significant difference lies in their luxurious longer coat and a beautifully plumed tail. However, they retain the Siamese’s signature big ears, which stand prominently on their wedge-shaped heads. These big ear cats combine the elegance of the Siamese with a softer, more flowing appearance due to their longer coat, creating a breed that is both striking and graceful.
7. Abyssinian
Alert Abyssinian cat with large ears perched on a cat tower
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The Abyssinian cat, a short-haired breed with a regal bearing, is believed to have originated in Abyssinia (now Ethiopia), hence their name. Their unique coat is known as “ticked tabby,” where individual hairs are banded with different colors, creating a subtly striped effect. Adding to their distinctive appearance are their large, pointed ears, often adorned with charming tufts of fur at the tips. These big ears contribute to their alert and intelligent expression. Abyssinians are known for their active, playful, and highly affectionate nature, often communicating with a distinctive bird-like trill, making them engaging and entertaining big ear cats.
8. Ocicat
Spotted Ocicat male cat with large ears standing alert
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The Ocicat is a domestic breed that strikingly resembles a wild cat, leading many to assume they have wild ancestry. However, despite their exotic spotted coat, Ocicats have no recent wild DNA in their lineage. Their name is derived from their resemblance to the Ocelot, a small wildcat native to the Americas. While their spotted coat gives them a wild appearance, their temperament is decidedly domestic – calm, docile, and affectionate. Their large, alert ears further enhance their wildcat look, contributing to their overall striking and captivating presence. The Ocicat is a testament to the beauty and diversity achievable within domestic big ear cat breeds.
9. Savannah Cat
Tall Savannah F1 cat with large ears sitting on stairs
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The Savannah cat is a captivating hybrid breed, resulting from a cross between a domestic cat and a Serval, a medium-sized African wild cat known for its large ears. First registered in 2001, the Savannah has rapidly gained popularity due to its exotic beauty and engaging personality. Despite their wild heritage, Savannah cats are known for being friendly, sociable, and remarkably loyal, often forming strong bonds with their owners. Their Serval ancestry is evident in their tall, slender build and, of course, their exceptionally large, pointed ears. These big ear cats are intelligent and curious, sometimes to the point of mischief, known for their ability to open doors and cabinets, adding to their unique and engaging character.
10. Singapura
Small Singapura cat with big eyes and ears in green grass
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As the smallest breed of domestic cat, the Singapura is known for its petite size, typically weighing under 8 pounds. Despite their small stature, they are distinguished by their remarkably oversized ears and large, expressive eyes, giving them an almost kitten-like appearance throughout their lives. Their coat is a beautiful ticked tabby, usually in shades of brown. These active, playful, and curious cats are often found in high places, enjoying a bird’s-eye view of their surroundings. The Singapura’s big ears, combined with their small size, make them an exceptionally charming and endearing big ear cat breed.
11. Chausie
Wild-looking Chausie cat with large ears resembling a jungle cat
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The Chausie cat undeniably possesses a wild and exotic appearance, further accentuated by their prominent, large ears. This breed was developed by selectively breeding domestic cats with various species of wild jungle cats. Kittens often bear a striking resemblance to lion cubs, with deep chests and high-set, large, rounded ears. These big ears contribute significantly to their wild aesthetic. Chausies are known for their intelligence, activity, and playful nature, maintaining a lifelong curiosity about their environment, making them an adventurous and engaging big ear cat breed.
12. Egyptian Mau
Elegant Egyptian Mau cat with spotted coat and large ears
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The Egyptian Mau stands out as one of the few naturally spotted breeds of domestic cats. They are medium-sized, with beautifully patterned, medium-length coats. This breed is relatively rare, with a limited number of kittens registered each year. Distinctive features include a “scarab beetle” or “M” marking on their forehead, typically striking green eyes, and, of course, large, pointed ears. These big ears enhance their refined and regal appearance. Egyptian Maus are known for their sensitivity to anesthesia and certain medications, a characteristic unique to the breed, adding to their special and somewhat delicate nature.
13. Russian Blue Cat
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The Russian Blue cat is instantly recognizable by its stunning blue coat, ranging from a silvery sheen to a deeper blue-grey hue. Their plush, dense coat is typically short and stands away from the body. While their coat is their most famous feature, their large, pointed ears are also noteworthy. These big ears are set wide apart on their wedge-shaped head, contributing to their alert and intelligent expression. Russian Blues are known for being friendly and intelligent but also somewhat reserved and tranquil, preferring to observe and explore their surroundings with quiet curiosity rather than boisterous play.
14. Peterbald
Hairless Peterbald cat with very large ears and wrinkled skin
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The Peterbald, commonly known as a hairless cat breed, is another big ear cat that shares the Sphynx’s lack of fur, highlighting their prominent ears. Peterbalds can exhibit variations in coat, including “brush,” “flocked,” and “velour” textures, but complete hairlessness is favored in the breed standard. Their ears are exceptionally large, pointed, and set wide apart, adding to their striking appearance. Peterbalds are playful and attention-loving cats, generally affectionate with their owners. Due to their high metabolism, these hairless big ear cats may require more food than their coated counterparts.
15. Donskoy
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The Donskoy, also known as the Russian Hairless or Don Sphynx, is a hairless breed originating from Russia. While similar in appearance to the Sphynx, they are genetically distinct, with their hairlessness caused by a dominant gene mutation, unlike the Sphynx’s recessive gene. Donskoys are medium-sized, muscular cats with wrinkled skin and long, webbed toes. Their large, prominent ears are a defining feature, contributing to their unique and somewhat wrinkled appearance. Often described as “dog-like,” Donskoys are known for their fierce loyalty and strong attachment to their owners, making them devoted and engaging big ear companions.
16. Bambino
Small Bambino cat with short legs and large ears standing
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The Bambino cat is a relatively new and somewhat controversial breed, resulting from a cross between the Sphynx and Munchkin breeds. This combination leads to a hairless or near-hairless body with distinctly short legs, along with the signature big ears inherited from their Sphynx lineage. The Bambino’s large ears appear even more prominent in contrast to their small bodies and short legs. As a newer breed, less is known about long-term health, but they are gaining attention for their unique appearance, combining the big ears of a Sphynx with the diminutive stature of a Munchkin.
17. Ukrainian Levkoy
Unique Ukrainian Levkoy cat with folded ears and hairless body
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The Ukrainian Levkoy is a breed that stands out for multiple unique traits. Not only do they possess large, oversized ears, but these ears are also typically folded inwards, a rare feature in cats, reminiscent of some dog breeds. Adding to their distinctiveness, Ukrainian Levkoys are usually hairless, with long bodies and muscular frames. Their soft, elastic skin wrinkles in folds, and they have large, round eyes and angular heads, creating an overall appearance that is quite dog-like. These sociable and playful big ear cats further emphasize this comparison with their engaging personalities.
18. Snowshoe Cat
Rare Snowshoe cat with blue eyes and white paws resting on a bed
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The Snowshoe cat is characterized by its striking bright blue eyes and distinctive “snow boot” paws, resembling a Siamese cat wearing white boots. This breed is considered rare due to the challenges in consistently producing their desired markings, which are governed by recessive genes, making kitten outcomes less predictable. Snowshoes share the Siamese’s affectionate temperament, docile nature, and, notably, their large, rounded ears. These big ear cats combine the charm of the Siamese with a unique and appealing color pattern, making them a sought-after breed for those who appreciate distinctive felines.
19. Javanese Cat
Elegant Javanese cat with long coat and large ears looking sideways
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The Javanese cat, also known as the Colorpoint Longhair, is an offshoot of the Balinese breed. The primary distinction is that Javanese cats do not adhere to the strict point coloration requirements of the Balinese, exhibiting a wider variety of coat colors and patterns, including tabby and tortoiseshell. They typically have a long and silky coat and retain the Balinese’s slender physique and, of course, their large ears. These big ear cats are known for their vocal nature, a trait inherited from their Siamese ancestors, and are also playful, intelligent, and affectionate companions, making them engaging and communicative pets.
20. Korat
Silver Korat cat with green eyes and heart-shaped head sitting
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The Korat is one of the oldest stable cat breeds, typically short-haired with a stunning blue-grey coat that often shimmers with silver tips. They are frequently mistaken for Russian Blues due to their similar coat color and green or amber eyes, but the Korat possesses a distinct heart-shaped head. These big ear cats are considered good luck charms in their native Thailand, where they are known as “Si-Sawat,” meaning “good fortune.” Korats are highly intelligent and form strong bonds with their owners, often described as devoted and affectionate companions, further enhancing their appeal as a unique and cherished breed.
Final Thoughts
As this list demonstrates, the world of big ear cats is wonderfully diverse, encompassing a range of breeds with unique personalities and appearances. While these 20 breeds are particularly known for their larger-than-average ears, the beauty of cats lies in their individuality. Every cat, regardless of breed, possesses its own unique charm, and even if your feline companion isn’t on this list, they may still surprise you with impressively large and adorable ears as they grow older. The joy of cat ownership is in celebrating these unique traits and cherishing the special bond we share with these fascinating animals.
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