7 Fluffy Cat Breeds With Short Ears
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There are several cat breeds that are famous for their controversial short and small ears. However, their short ears are what made them well known and loved. These small eared cats exist thanks to genetic mutations that have been passed down through generations.
In this article, we will discuss the breeds that exhibit the short ear trait. So keep reading to learn about the characteristics of short eared cats and why and how they came to be.
#1 American Curl
The unique American Curl has tufted ears and charming personality. Just like Scottish Folds (Also mentioned in this article), the American Curl kittens are born with pointed ears. As the kittens get older, their ears go through several transformations before they curl into their permanent shape.
Besides their identifiable ears, the American Curl has a sweet disposition, soft fur, and beautiful face.
These little cats like to cuddle in their owners laps and love children. This breed does tend to be very adventurous and can be seen flying all over the house. They are often called the Peter Pan of cats for this reason.
#2 Highlander
The recognizable feature of the Highlander cat is its adorable curled ears. The ears may curl back a lot or just a little, but varies by the cat. Like other breeds in this article, kittens are not born with the curled ears but are born with straight ears that curl over the course of about two weeks as they grow.
The Highlander is also known for having Polydactyl Paws. This means that they have extra toes, which means they may be able to navigate themselves into mischief better than other cats.
These cats may look wild, but they are actually nice pets with affectionate, gentle personalities. The Highlander is a really great breed for those who are in search of a social, and playful cat who is affectionate and loving.
#3 Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold originated in Scotland in the 1960s. This breed has the smallest ears of any domestic cat breed in the world today. The ears are already small in size but in addition, Scottish Folds also lack cartilage in their ears which causes them to flop and fold forward towards the front of the head, making them look even smaller than they actually are.
These small folded ears are unique to this breed, and with its rounded face gives Scottish Folds a distinct owl-like appearance. This adorable trait meant these cats became quickly popular on social media and among celebrities such as Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, bolstering their popularity even further.
However, keeping these cats as pets has become a controversial topic. The mutation which leads to the lack of cartilage in their ears has made them more prone to health conditions. Generally, Scottish Folds live shorter and more painful lives. Many people argue that owners are prioritizing their cats’ aesthetic over their quality of life.
#4 Persian
The breed was ranked as the second most popular breed in the U.S. They come in a wide variety of colors and breed variants, all of which have comparatively short ears. The long-haired and fluffy Persian’s coat serves to make their already small ears appear even smaller.
The Persian is an extreme-looking breed. The body is short, but thick with thick legs and a short, thick neck. The tail is short and the ears are small. The head is round with large, round eyes. When viewed in profile her face is flat and the nose changes direction so that what is seen is mostly the colored flesh on her nose.
The Persian needs to have her nutrition controlled to stay in good condition. Since the breed is not known for a high degree of energetic exercise, attention must be paid to both her nutrition and regular exercise. That means the Persian must get exercise to keep in top condition. While Persians like to play with their parents and will play with interactive toys, chase balls, and attack catnip mice, you might have to keep after them to exercise daily.
#5 Exotic Shorthair
Exotic Shorthairs are very similar to Persians and have the same small ears that are also wide-set, slope slightly forward, and have rounded tips. This add to the illusion that this breed has tiny ears and made to look even smaller!
Exotic Shorthairs are like Persians in some other ways. Both breeds have a similar gentle temperament, short muzzle, and rounded doll-like eyes. However, there is one thing that makes these two breeds different and that is revealed in the name, Exotic Shorthair because they are lacking the long, plush coat of Persian cats.
In America and Britain in the 1960s, Persians were exclusively bred with American Shorthairs and British Shorthairs, in order to have shorter coats that are easier to manage. This lower-maintenance breed is less likely to have matted cat fur and has become another favorite among cat owners.
#6 British Shorthair
British Shorthairs have ears that are wide at the bottom, but narrow and rounded at the top. There are 32 muscles in the ear that control a cats ears, and each ear can move independently of the other.
British Shorthairs are round all over, with a broad chest and strong legs. Their coats are short, thick and plush and eye color depends on the coat color, but you can expect British Blues to have gold eyes. Those with point coloring should have blue eyes. Other eye colors range from golden to copper.
British Shorthairs are one of the oldest cat breeds in the world. The Romans are known to have imported these cats from Egypt, probably brought the first of them over with them when they invaded Britain and they soon settled in.
#7 Birman
The Birman, also known as the sacred cat of Burma, is a large and stocky breed that usually has a long coat and pointed coloration. Their large, long body and short legs make the appearance of their already short ears look even smaller.
A Birman cat is semi-longhaired with darker coloring at the points being the face, legs, ears and tail, and a pale toning body color. This breed is a larger cat with a thick body and short legs. The Birman cat has blue eyes and four pure white feet.
Originally called the Sacred Cat of Burma, the Birman is an ancient breed that’s been prized for generations for its beautiful markings and its lovely, mild temperament. Once beloved by temple monks, these walking beauties have become a popular breed around the world.
