12 Cat Breeds With Ear Tufts (With Pictures)

The 12 Cat Breeds With Ear Tufts

1. Norwegian Forest Cat

• Temperament: Friendly and gentle
• Weight: 13-22 pounds
• Lifespan: 12-16 years
• Shedding: Medium to high

The Norwegian Forest Cat is one of the best-known breeds with outstanding ear tufts. These big cats, often referred to by their admirers as “Wegies,” get along well with their owners. They’re more guarded with strangers, so anticipate them to disappear or watch carefully from a distance.

It’s hardly surprising that these cats enjoy hanging out in high areas given that they are a breed that originated in the forests of Norway. Its thick coat is waterproof on top and has a silky, deep undercoat to keep them comfortable in cold weather.

2. American Curl

• Temperament: Affectionate and outgoing
• Weight: 5-10 pounds
• Lifespan: 12-16 years
• Shedding: Medium to high

A genetic mutation gave rise to the relatively new breed known as the American Curl. Their ears have a characteristic curled appearance in addition to having tufts. To maintain a broad gene pool, American Curls are still employed in breeding operations even though they might be born with conventional straight ears.

American Curls are friendly and outgoing. As they like learning new tricks, they also make wonderful pets for families with young children. Some people refer to the American Curl as the “Peter Pan” of cats because of how playful they are even as kittens.

3. Maine Coon

• Temperament: Friendly and outgoing
• Weight: 9-18 pounds
• Lifespan: 9-15 years
• Shedding: Medium to high

The distinctively big ear tufts of the Maine Coon make them easy to identify. This breed is indigenous to America, and since the 19th century, farm cats have been kept as pets.

This huge breed matures slowly and doesn’t reach full size until it is between 3 and 5 years old. Many cat enthusiasts can’t help but be drawn in by the easygoing personality of Maine Coons.

They care deeply about their families but are not overbearing. When you’re prepared to show them affection, they’ll be content to wait patiently.

They get along nicely with other animals, particularly dogs, and like playing. Although Maine Coons aren’t very loud, they may still get your attention in other ways!

4. Highlander

• Temperament: Intelligent and sociable
• Weight: 10-20 pounds
• Lifespan: 10-15 years
• Shedding: Medium

To create a contemporary mixed cat, the Highlander breed combines the Jungle Curl and Desert Lynx types. They may also go by the names Highland Lynx or Highlander Shorthair. They have the bobbing tail of the Desert Lynx and the tufted, curled ears of the Jungle Curl. Some Highlander cats have characteristic polydactyl paws, however cats that will be displayed cannot have these.

Despite having a wild appearance, Highlanders are intelligent, sociable, and people-focused. They thrive in hectic households since they are outgoing and self-assured. Once trained, they like doing tricks and will even enjoy taking walks while wearing a harness and leash.

5. Turkish Van

• Temperament: Playful and affectionate
• Weight: 10-18 pounds
• Lifespan: 12-17 years
• Shedding: Low to medium

One of those uncommon cat species that genuinely enjoys the water is the Turkish Van! They frequently have white bodies with colorful splashes that are easily distinguished on the heads, ears, and tails. On their coat, there may occasionally be colored markings as well.

Since the 1970s, when the breed was introduced to the United States, it has become widely known. This breed adores playing and is incredibly athletic.

If you put a paddling pool in the backyard, they will be content for a long time! They also enjoy to spend time up high, so make sure you offer many possibilities for your Turkish Van to climb.

Despite the fact that they may adore attention, they dislike being lifted up or placed on your lap. Nonetheless, they frequently prefer to lounge on the couch next to you!

6. Pixie-Bob

• Temperament: Loving and playful
• Weight: 8-17 pounds
• Lifespan: 13-15 years
• Shedding: Medium to high

Don’t let the Pixie-wild Bob’s exterior deceive you; these cats are as friendly as they come. There isn’t any concrete proof to support the claim made by some breeders that the Pixie-Bob is the result of a domestic bar cat and bobcat hybrid. No matter where they came from,

Pixie-Bobs are big, laid-back cats. They are affectionate with their families and favor a place where they may spend the most of the day with family. They are also quite playful, which makes them a fantastic choice for households with children and other pets.

7. Siberian

• Temperament: Laidback and affectionate
• Weight: 8-17 pounds
• Lifespan: 11-18 years
• Shedding: Medium to high

The stunning Siberian breed originated in Russia’s subarctic region and is depicted in old folktales from their own country. It is not surprising that they have large ears and a thick coat to keep them warm in the winter.

The breed was brought to America in 1990, and since then, it has grown in popularity. Siberian cats prefer to follow their owners around the house and are incredibly affectionate.

They’re outgoing enough to enjoy interacting with strangers too. Don’t let yourself be persuaded to keep a fish tank in the same house because they are one of the rare cat breeds that enjoys water.

8. Ragdoll

• Temperament: Calm and people-oriented
• Weight: 10-20 pounds
• Lifespan: 12-17 years
• Shedding: Medium to high

Given that it was just developed in the 1960s, the Ragdoll breed is relatively new. They are peaceful, tranquil cats, and their name comes from the way they like to flop gently when picked up. They have sparkling blue eyes and a characteristic long Himalayan pointed coat.

Ragdolls like their owners and are always drawn to you, ideally in your lap. Ragdolls are quiet, yet they also enjoy playing. They are great choices for families with children who wish to teach their cat some new tricks because they enjoy learning new things.

Although they don’t talk much, ragdolls will always let you know when they need anything.

9. LaPerm

• Temperament: Playful and outgoing
• Weight:  5-8 pounds
• Lifespan: 10-15 years
• Shedding: Low

In 1982, the LaPerm breed was found in Oregon. One cat in a litter had a curly coat after being born hairless. This first kitten with a curly coat is the ancestor of all LaPerm cats. Unlike other curly-coated breeds like the Devon or Cornish Rex, the curly coat is the result of a genetic mutation.

LaPerms are little cats with delightful, playful personalities. They enjoy spending time with their owners and will patiently wait for you to pick them up. Once trained to wear a harness, LaPerm enjoy learning new feats and taking walks.

10. Birman

• Temperament: Friendly and intelligent
• Weight: 6-12 pounds
• Lifespan: 12-16 years
• Shedding: Medium

The gorgeous Birman is a native of Burma, where they are referred to as the Holy Cat. Their white paws and Himalayan pointed coats are thought to be representations of their pristine natures. If you adore the coat of the Siamese breed but would rather have a quieter cat, this breed is a fantastic option. In general, Birmans are silent.

Nonetheless, because they are intelligent and curious, they have a tendency to explore inappropriate areas and cause mischief. They appreciate spending time with their people whenever they can and are affectionate but not overly needy.

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Wild Cat Breeds

11. Caracal

These wild cats are found only in Africa and Asia. Their huge, curving ears are thickly tufted. The tufts reach 5 cm above the ears, making them the world’s longest ear tufts! Being solitary cats, their ear tufts are supposed to be employed as a kind of visual communication between cats when they meet.

12. Lynx

The second name for ear tufts, Lynx tips, is derived from the majestic Lynx. Wild cats of medium size known as lynx can be found in Europe, Asia, and North America. The Eurasian Lynx and the Canadian Lynx are two of the many varieties. These isolated, silent cats stand out thanks to the small, black tufts that protrude from their ears.

Conclusion

The cat breeds in “12 Cat Breeds With Ear Tufts (With Pictures)” compiled by BestForPets (bestforpets.org) all have a unique appearance. Hopefully, this article has helped you find your favorite species.