We adore cats for a variety of reasons, but the extraordinary sweetness of their ear fluff is particularly difficult to ignore! We’ve recently discovered the term “ear furnishings,” which refers to the hairs on the inside of the ears of some breeds that we think are absolutely charming.
We compiled a list of the top 8 breeds that have ear tufts or ear furnishings. We even threw in a couple of wild cats just for good measure!
1. Norwegian forest cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat is one of the most well-known breeds of cat, because to its distinctive ear tufts. These huge cats, affectionately referred to as “Wegies” by their admirers, are gentle and sociable with their owners. They’re more reticent around strangers, so expect them to disappear or to keep a close eye on things from a distance. As a breed that originated in the Norwegian woodlands, it should come as no surprise that these cats enjoy spending their time on ledges and other high locations. A soft and dense undercoat helps to keep them warm, and a waterproof topcoat helps to keep them safe from adverse weather conditions.
2. American curl
The American Curl is a relatively new breed that was created as a consequence of a genetic abnormality in a dog’s genes. Their ears, in addition to possessing tufts, have a characteristic curled aspect that distinguishes them. American Curls, on the other hand, can be born with conventional straight ears, and these cats are nevertheless used in breeding programs in order to maintain a wide gene pool of cat breeds. American Curls are outgoing and enjoy interacting with others. They are at their happiest when they are surrounded by their loved ones. They are also excellent pets for families with children, as they are eager to learn new skills. The lively character of the American Curl does not stop when they become kittens, and some people refer to them as the “Peter Pan” of cats.
3. Maine Coon
Because of their huge ear tufts, the Maine Coon is easily distinguished from other canines. This breed is indigenous to the United States, and it has been preserved as a farm cat since the nineteenth century. Despite their size, this huge breed takes a long time to mature, and they are not completely grown until they are between 3 and 5 years old. Coons from Maine have an easygoing, outgoing demeanor that many cat lovers find difficult to ignore. They are devoted to their families, but they are not overbearing. They’ll be content to sit and wait until you’re ready to lavish them with love and devotion on them. They enjoy playing with other animals, including dogs, and get along well with them. Even though Maine Coons aren’t particularly noisy, they do have other ways of attracting your attention!
4. Highlander
The Highlander breed is a cross of the Jungle Curl and the Desert Lynx breeds, resulting in a contemporary hybrid cat. They are also referred to as the Highlander Shorthair or the Highland Lynx in some circles. Both the Desert Lynx and the Jungle Curl have distinctive features, such as a bobbed tail and tufts of curls on their ears. The paws of some Highlander cats are distinctively polydactyl, yet these are not suitable for cats that will be presented in competition. Highlanders may have a wild appearance, yet they are pleasant, intelligent, and people-oriented. They’re also self-assured and outgoing, which makes them a good fit for busy households. They are eager to learn new skills and will even like going for walks with you on a leash and harness after they have been properly trained.
5. Pixie-Bob
Don’t be deceived by the Pixie-wild Bob’s appearance; these cats are as friendly as they come, regardless of their size. Despite claims by some breeders that the Pixie-Bob is a mix between a domesticated bar cat and a bobcat, there is no conclusive evidence to support this claim. Pixie-Bobs are huge cats with a laid-back demeanor, regardless of their breed’s origins. They are affectionate with their families and will prefer a house where they can spend most of the day with other people around them. Their playful nature makes them a wonderful choice for households with children and several other pets as well as for single people.
6. Siberian
It is believed that the gorgeous Siberian breed originated in Russia’s subarctic region and that they appear in ancient folktales from their native land. It’s no wonder that they have a thick coat to keep them warm in the winter and that they have large ear decorations to accommodate their large ears. The breed was first introduced to the United States in 1990 and has steadily gained in popularity since then. Siberian cats are incredibly affectionate, and they enjoy following their owners around the house while they go about their business. They’re also outgoing enough to enjoy engaging with people they don’t know. You should avoid keeping a fish tank in the same house as your cat because they are one of the only cat breeds who enjoy water.
7. Ragdoll
The Ragdoll is a very new breed, having only been in existence since the 1960s. It is because of their tendency of flopping lightly when they are picked up that they have earned the appellation “Peaceful and Calm Cats.” A characteristic long-haired Himalayan pointed coat and brilliant blue eyes distinguish them from other dogs of the same breed. Ragdolls are extremely attached to their owners and will always seek to be close to them, especially in their laps. Ragdolls are known for their peaceful demeanor, yet they also like playing. They have a strong desire to learn new things and are good choices for families with children who wish to teach their cats a few new tricks. Ragdolls are not particularly vocal, yet they will always let you know if they require your assistance!
8. LaPerm
In 1982, the LaPerm breed was identified in the state of Oregon. Among a litter of kittens, one was born with no hair and went on to acquire a curly coat. It is possible to trace the lineage of all LaPerm cats back to this initial curly-coated kitten. The curly coat is the result of a genetic mutation that distinguishes it from other curly-coated breeds such as the Devon or Cornish Rex, among others. LaPerm are little cats with a good sense of humor and a playful attitude. They adore spending time with their owners and will be content to wait until you are ready to offer them your full attention before you do so. Once they’ve been trained to wear a harness, LaPerm is eager to learn new skills and will enjoy going for walks with you.
