10 adorable cat breeds with big ears, plus photos

Big-eared cats might be downright adorable, but those ears aren’t just for looking cute – they also serve an important purpose. In the wild, those dumbo-sized ears would help detect even the tiniest of sounds while hunting, so they truly are “all the better to hear you with”!

Nowadays, domesticated cats are more likely to use their super-sized ears to listen for their pet parents coming home, sticky-fingered children lurking nearby, or a dog barking in the neighbor’s garden. Here are ten cat breeds with big ears you’ll absolutely fall in love with…

Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex is a big-eared cat breed that first appeared in Cornwall, England, back in the 1950s. It all started with a young kitten who was born with a wavy coat, a genetic mutation that became the Cornish Rex’s signature look. Often dubbed the Greyhounds of the cat world, Cornish Rex cats have sleek, elegant bodies, big, expressive eyes, and an energy that knows no bounds. These social butterflies love being the center of attention, but usually only on their terms. The breed can also be prone to hair loss, with some even ending up completely hairless.

Devon Rex

Like the Cornish Rex, the Devon Rex is known for having curly locks throughout its coat, eyebrows, and even its whiskers. These playful cats are often described as dog-like because they can learn to walk on a leash and play fetch, but it could also be said that they’re just furry felines that never grow up, as they’re full of energy and curiosity. These fun-loving fluffs are affectionate and sociable and enjoy spending time goofing around with their loved ones.

Savannah

The Savannah cat is a cross between a domestic cat and an African Serval, and definitely retains a touch of its wild side. These active kitties have a strong prey drive and a knack for causing mischief, often figuring out how to open doors and cupboards on their own. Spots and stripes adorn their coats to give them a cheetah-like appearance, and these large fluffies have particularly long legs, and, naturally, big ears!

Egyptian Mau

Believed to be descendants of Egyptian wild cats, Egyptian Maus sport spotted tabby markings, green eyes, and, of course, those big bat ears. This energetic breed loves to climb, run, and explore, so they need a fun-filled environment to keep them entertained.

Abyssinian

Despite the exotic name, the Abyssinian was actually developed in the UK by Lord Robert Napier, who brought one home from a military expedition to Abyssinia. These furry felines are intelligent, playful, and always ready for action. They love being the center of attention and are known for their “ticked” tabby coats and tall, pointy ears with cute tufts at the tips.

Siamese

These beloved, talkative kitties usually have light-colored fur with darker patches around their large ears, a feature known as “pointing”. Big blue eyes highlight the Siamese cat’s striking face. This ancient breed is fun-loving, energetic, and intelligent, and is also known to be incredibly friendly and affectionate.

Sphynx

Though often called a hairless cat, the Sphynx usually has a soft fuzz covering most or all of its body. Oversized ears and big eyes stand out from their small heads. Sphynx cats are super friendly and love to snuggle up with their favorite humans – even if it’s just to stay warm.

Oriental

Perhaps the cat with the biggest ears of all, the Oriental has huge ears and a smooth, silky coat. These furry felines come in up to 300 different coat colors, but other than that, they’re very similar to Siamese cats in terms of looks and personality. They tend to form strong bonds with their loved ones, making it essential to get a trusty cat sitter when you’re away. 

Peterbald

True to its name, the Peterbald is often (almost) bald, and with a playful, loyal, and affectionate personality, it’s often described as “dog-like”. This long-eared cat originated in St Petersberg in the early 1990s and can be quite expensive to buy nowadays because it’s relatively rare. 

Donskoy

The Donskoy, also known as the Don Sphynx or the Russian Hairless, is another cat with big ears and very little fur. They can either have a bit of peachy fuzz or be completely bald, and some might not even have whiskers. They’re loyal and loving, and they usually thrive in families with young children (which cannot be said for all furry friends!). 

Looking for a pet pal for your big-eared cat? Most of these adorably dumbo-eared kitties are as loving as their ears are large, so we understand how tough it can be to leave them behind when you have to go away. Our loving, in-home cat sitters are the next best thing to your purr pal’s favorite humans – they’ll come and take care of your furry felines in the comfort of their own home and make sure they get all the love and attention they deserve while you’re away. Find out more about how it all works, and when you’re ready to join, choose from a variety of plans for pet sitters, pet parents, and those who want to do both.