Top 15 Cat Breeds With Ear Tufts And Cat Breeds With Ear Furnishings
Many people are prompted to baser (but nonetheless important) physical traits when choosing a cat. And while those are all lovely, let’s talk about one feature that supercharges a cat’s desirability in my mind: ear tufts. The presence of ear tufts or ear furnishings—both of which add a slightly wild tinge of elegance to these otherwise pampered domestic companions—make me go all googly-eyed for a cat. And while there are “only” 15 breeds that officially reckon ear tufts and furnishings as a hallmark of their kind, let’s look at some specific variants so we can really appreciate the diversity of our tufty cat friends.
Understanding Ear Tufts and Ear Furnishings
A deeper understanding of ear tufts and ear furnishings isn’t essential for the list that follows, but it does shed some light on the appearance of certain breeds. The tufts are longer, stiffer hairs that grow from the tips of the ears, giving some breeds that wild look. The furnishings are the soft, feather-like hairs that mostly fill the ear. They serve the practical purpose of keeping out annoyances and may lend some insulation too.
In many breeds, ear tufts and ear furnishings appear in a way that enhances the overall aesthetic—they make the cat look like a cat. And a gorgeous one at that.
7 Cat Breeds With Ear Tufts
1. Norwegian Forest Cat
The rugged beauty of the Norwegian Forest Cat makes it a stunning breed. A product of Norges cold climate, these cats are built to last. Their thick, tufted ears give them a majestic look, reminiscent of the wild lynx.
| Temperament | Friendly, independent |
| Weight | 8-18 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12-16 years |
| Shedding | Moderate to high |
2. American Curl
The American Curl is easily recognizable by its unique ears, which curl backward rather than standing upright. While not all American Curls have ear tufts, those that do are even more distinctive. These tufts add to the breed’s playful and whimsical appearance.
| Temperament | Affectionate, playful, and curious, American Curls are known for their friendly nature. They enjoy being around people and other pets. |
| Weight | These cats are generally smaller, weighing between 5-10 pounds. |
| Lifespan | They have a lifespan of 12-16 years. |
| Shedding | American Curls are low to moderate shedders, making them easier to groom. |
3. Maine Coons: Majestic and Gentle
Maine Coons are among the largest domestic cats. Their wild and rugged good looks—thanks to prominent ear tufts—have made them some of the most popular cats on the planet. Two real-life characters from cat history—the Maine Coon and the Siberian forest cat—are thought to be the prototypes for our fictional cartoon character, the much-northern-inhabiting Puss in Boots. But do these gentle giants have what it takes to keep your budget plump and your home free of high-voltage cat scratching?
| Temperament | Affectionate, playful |
| Weight | 5-10 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12-16 years |
| Shedding | Low to moderate |
4. Highlander
The Highlander is a fairly young breed, recognized for its one-of-a-kind good looks and temperament that are a combination of the American and British Shorthairs and the classic tabby. One of its most distinguishing features, however, is its ear tufts, which are almost always accompanied by a short, curled tail. Together, these give the Highlander a truly wild appearance.
| Temperament | Energetic, playful |
| Weight | 10-20 pounds |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years |
| Shedding | Moderate |
5. Turkish Van
The Turkish Van breed is distinctive not only for its appearance, but also for its striking affinity for water. This characteristic has earned the breed its moniker, “the swimming cat.” As mentioned, the Turkish Van has a unique physical appearance. Many of them also have ear tufts, which really makes them stand out and adds to their “exotic” look.The breed is known for being very active and also very curious. They enjoy “getting into things” and are good climbers. Playful, albeit sometimes a little mischievous, they make great companions and are their slaves’ reliably good entertainment.
| Temperament | Active, curious |
| Weight | 7-20 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12-17 years |
| Shedding | Low to moderate |
6. Pixie-Bob
The Pixie-Bob is a breed that resembles a small bobcat and often has ear tufts, giving it a wild appearance. They have a loving and loyal nature, making them excellent companions.
| Temperament | Loyal, affectionate |
| Weight | 8-17 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Shedding | Moderate |
7. Bobcat
The Bobcat isn’t a domestic breed, but it’s worth mentioning because its prominent ear tufts make it look somewhat like a cat that’s been styled for the fashion runway (a la “hairdo”). Found across much of North America, the Bobcat’s range is wider than almost any other wild cat. It’s also one of the most successful in terms of population numbers. Though these “cute” cats are seen as a gateway into pet ownership for wild animals, Blue Moon’s founders do not advocate keeping Bobcats as pets.
| Temperament | Wild, solitary (Note: Not domesticated) |
| Weight | 15-35 pounds |
| Lifespan | 7-10 years (in the wild) |
| Shedding | Seasonal |
4 Cat Breeds With Ear Furnishings
8. Siberian
The Siberian breed is steeped in the history of its native Russia, where it was selected for a thick triple coat that allowed it to endure harsh winters. The Siberian’s ear furnishings add to its regal look and help it to endure the cold; however, they are also quite overbuilt for an otherwise lean, muscular dog. With a lifespan of 11 to 18 years, the Siberian is a hardy and healthy breed.
| Temperament | Affectionate, playful |
| Weight | 8-17 pounds |
| Lifespan | 11-18 years |
| Shedding | Moderate to high |
9. Ragdoll
The striking blue eyes and intensely relaxed nature of the Ragdoll make it one of the most favored breeds in the cat fancy. The docile temperament of this sizable cat offsets its impressive appearance, rendering it a true gentle giant. Ragdolls are known for their easygoing (and sometimes silly) way of life, which doesn’t include much more than following their humans around, lounging, and relishing in the good life.
You might be surprised by what I’ve left out of the paragraph above (e.g., ear furnishings and the silky coat) because what I expected to be the tenets of the Ragdoll’s standard (or the most common version of the standard in use today) is actually not even mentioned in it.
| Temperament | Gentle, relaxed |
| Weight | 10-20 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12-17 years |
| Shedding | Moderate to high |
10. LaPerm
With its curly coat and ear furnishings, the LaPerm is a breed that turns heads. While the LaPerm is not a large breed, it has a solid build and a loving, playful disposition. The playful antics of the LaPerm may lead a person to consider this breed a “clown.” But beneath that facade is a Laperm that is a calm observer of its environment and capable of deep affections. They are usually found in a playful mood, though, so if you’re looking for a kitten to adopt, you can expect to get a LaPerm that packs lots of fun and lots of cuddles. The coat of the LaPerm must be combed occasionally, but being a low-shedding breed, they are fewer in hairs around the house.
| Temperament | Affectionate, playful |
| Weight | 5-10 pounds |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years |
| Shedding | Low |
11. Birman
The Birman breed is the picture of elegance, with an appearance that blends beauty and refinement. They have color-point coats, with the ears, face, legs, and tail being a darker color than the rest of the body. The eyes are deep blue, a color that is not only striking but also rare in the cat world. The Birmans’ light to medium silky coats are relatively easy to take care of, and grooming them can be a real treat for both human and feline. The Birmans’ color-point patterns, along with their ear and tail tufts, give them an appearance that is almost magical when they are moving about.
Birmans have a wizard’s beauty, which is only matched by their gentle and affectionate temperament. When in the presence of these cats, it is impossible not to feel a sense of peace.
| Temperament | Gentle, sociable |
| Weight | 6-12 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12-16 years |
| Shedding | Moderate |
Exotic Breeds with Ear Furnishings
12. The Caracal
The Caracal is a striking wild feline, instantly recognizable for its long, uneven tufts of black hair at the tips of its ears. The Caracal is also one of our more muscular wild cats—its intermediate build between the small cat and the big cat giving it a number of visual advantages over both types. The Caracal is not a particularly gregarious cat, and it is not one from which we see many good nature documentaries. On the rare occasions when we do see Caracals, we see them in solitary pursuit of quiet life in the sun and the high life of cool, nighttime hunting.
| Temperament | Wild, solitary (Note: Not domesticated) |
| Weight | 25-40 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12 years (in the wild) |
| Shedding | Seasonal |
13. Lynx
The Lynx is yet another wildcat species that is instantly recognized for its ear tufts and short tail. Found in varying habitats around the world, the Lynx is a solitary and elusive animal. Like the Caracal, the Lynx is not an animal one would keep as a pet but is admired for its wild beauty.
| Temperament | Wild, territorial (Note: Not domesticated) |
| Weight | 18-66 pounds |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years (in the wild) |
| Shedding | Seasonal |
14. Nebelung
The Nebelung is a rare and elegant breed known for its silvery-blue coat and soft ear furnishings. These furnishings, along with its long, graceful body, give the Nebelung a regal and mysterious appearance. The breed is known for its reserved and affectionate nature.
Reserved, affectionate, and loyal, Nebelungs are known for their strong bonds with their owners. They may be shy around strangers but are loving and devoted to their families.
| Temperament | Reserved, affectionate |
| Weight | 7-15 pounds |
| Lifespan | 15-18 years |
| Shedding | Low to moderate |
15. Persian
The Persian is one of the most popular and recognizable cat breeds that live one of the longest in the world, known for its luxurious coat and sweet expression. While not always known for prominent ear tufts, many Persians do have subtle ear furnishings that add to their soft, rounded appearance. This breed is the epitome of feline elegance.
| Temperament | Calm, affectionate, and somewhat reserved, Persians are known for their gentle demeanor. They enjoy a quiet environment and are usually content lounging around the house. |
| Weight | Persians typically weigh between 7-12 pounds. |
| Lifespan | With proper care, Persians can live between 12-17 years. |
| Shedding | Persians are heavy shedders, requiring regular grooming to maintain their long coa |
Final Thoughts
Cats with ear tufts and ear furnishings possess a unique and captivating charm that sets them apart from other breeds. Whether you’re drawn to the wild elegance of ear tufts or the soft, protective nature of ear furnishings, these breeds offer a wide range of personalities and characteristics to suit any cat lover’s preference.
When choosing a cat breed especially for first-time owners, it’s essential to consider not just their physical appearance but also their temperament, grooming needs, and how well they will fit into your lifestyle. Many of these breeds, especially those with longer coats and furnishings, require regular grooming to keep their fur in top condition. Additionally, some of the breeds mentioned, like the Bobcat and Caracal, are not suitable as pets and should be appreciated from afar.
If you’re considering adding a cat with ear tufts or furnishings to your family, take the time to research the breed thoroughly and consult with a reputable breeder or veterinarian. This will ensure that you find a cat that is not only beautiful but also a perfect fit for your home.
