Cats with Big Ears That Look Like Elves

Last Updated: 1 month ago

Cats with big ears are a sight to behold. With big, flapping ears and small heads, some look like little elephants, bats, or even elves.

Besides, larger ears can pick up on even the smallest sounds, which is vital for their survival in the wild.

And they make it easier for them to hear you as you come home, so they can greet you in their favorite way.

If you’re looking for cat breeds with large ears to grace your home, here are some of my favorites.

20 Cat breeds With Big Ears

There’s something about cat breeds with big ears and long faces that makes them so irresistible.

You can look at their pictures all day or pet those magnificent ears for hours.

Besides being adorable, your cat’s ears are like a mini satellite dish that can pick the faintest sound.

In fact, their hearing is more sensitive than that of humans or dogs.

That’s why they come running even when you silently open the fridge.

Let’s see some of the most adorable cats with large pointy ears and “dobby cats” to brighten your day and make you smile.

1. Sphynx

Sphynx cats are some of the most recognizable cat breeds. They are known for their hairless coat, which occurred due to a genetic mutation.

But besides the “bald” coat, Sphynx cats also have big ears, a slender body, and relatively long legs.

Sphynx cats are pretty intelligent and love entertaining their owners. However, be careful not to take them outside since their coat is sensitive.

2. Siamese

Siamese cats are some of the most popular cat breeds in the world.

Originating from Siam (modern-day Thailand), they have a unique temperature-sensitive albinism gene that causes darker colors on their nose, paws, and tail (the colder parts) and a creamish color on the other parts of their bodies.

Besides having big ears, Siamese cats are also some of the few cats that exclusively have blue eyes and have been involved in developing other cats with blue eyes, including some short-ear cat breeds like the Himalayan.

All types of Siamese cats are also quite friendly, talkative, and demanding of attention. So, make sure you don’t leave them alone for a long time.

3. Balinese

Balinese cats are a hairy version of the Siamese cat breed. They have the same pointed color pattern, an almost similar build, blue eyes, and big ears.

But unlike the Siamese, Balinese cats didn’t develop in Bali. They are believed to be a genetic mutation that occurred in the Siamese cats imported to the United States and the UK in the 19^th century.

Balinese cats are playful and talkative and could use activities that will engage their hyperactive nature.

4. Savannah

The Savannah cat is an exotic cat breed and one of the most expensive cat breeds globally. It resulted from crossing a Siamese domestic cat with a Serval, an African wild cat.

The result was a medium-to-large cat with a golden-brown spotted coat, large ears, and short hair.

Despite having wild blood in them, Savannah cats are friendly, loyal, playful, excellent jumpers, and can be trained to walk on a leash.

However, not all regions allow the ownership of Savannah cats, so make sure you check with the local authorities before getting one.

5. Abyssinian

This is another quite popular and old cat breed that dates back to the first domesticated animals, though the modern breed was developed through crossbreeding.

Also known as Abys, Abyssinian cats are known for their ticked tabby coat pattern, a reddish-brown coat color, a medium-sized build, large pointed ears, and almond-shaped eyes.

Abyssinian cats are brilliant, playful, and fun to have around your home. Just make sure you can keep up with their energy levels.

6. Ocicat

The Ocicat is a domestic cat bred to look like a leopard (spotted coat), but no wild cats were involved in the breeding process.

On the contrary, it’s a mixture of a Siamese, an Abyssinian, and an American Shorthair, though the latter was added due to an error.

They were named Ocicats since they resemble the Ocelot, a wild cat native to Argentina and Texas.

Considering it is a crossbred between some of the most active cats, Ocicats are playful, intense, and enjoy being in the company of their owners.

To match their energy levels, get them enough mental and physical stimulation toys, and even teach them some tricks like you would with a dog. You’ll be surprised at how fast they can learn.

7. Chausie

This is another cat that resulted from crossing wild cats with domestic cat breeds.

This time, breeders crossed a jungle cat and an Abyssinian cat to produce a medium-sized cat with big ears and a long body that’s best suited for running and jumping.

These aren’t the cats that will sit around all day or cuddle with their owners. They are intelligent, outgoing, and prefer engaging activities both indoors and outdoors.

8. Egyptian Mau

Like many cat owners, I love spotted cats since they have that wild appearance but still maintain the traits of a domestic cat.

But unlike the Savannah cat, Ocicats, and other spotted cats, the spots on the Egyptian Mau occurred naturally.

The Egyptian Mau is an old breed believed to be native to Egypt that even contributed to some of the modern cat breeds we have today.

Another fascinating fact about them is, they are the fastest cat breed thanks to their muscular body, long legs, and extra flap of skin.

To complement their wild look, their ears are large and broad, which makes them appear alert. And when you seem bored or stressed, the Maus can entertain you with their different musical vocalizations.

9. Peterbald

The Peterbald is a hairless cat breed, like the Sphynx, originating from St. Petersburg, Russia. That explains why they are named Peterbald.

Unlike the Sphynx, which occurred naturally, Peterbalds resulted from crossing an Oriental Shorthair and a Donskoy cat, another almost hairless long-eared cat breed.

As you can see, they inherited the slender body, small head, and large ears from the Oriental Shorthair and the hairless gene from the Donskoy.

Peterbalds are moderately active, sweet-natured, cuddly, and intelligent. They make good pets for those looking for lap cats that aren’t too demanding of attention.

10. Devon Rex

Even though they have small to medium-sized bodies, Devon Rex cats have surprisingly large ears that make them look like little elves.

Devon Rex cats are also known for their wavy coat caused by a genetic mutation, pixie look, and playful appearance that makes them look like they’re always up to something, which they often are.

Devon Rex cats can be mischievous, active, and they sometimes like to perch in high areas. So, cat trees should be on the list of toys you should get these cats.

11. Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex is similar to the Devon Rex cats in that they only have down hair, which may appear curly, and they sometimes have little to no hair on some sections of their coats.

However, the mutation that causes this characteristic is different from the one in Devon Rex cats.

Also known as the Greyhound of cats, these cats have a slender body built for galloping, like in the Greyhound dogs.

They are quite active, trainable, and kittenish, making them the perfect playmates for active kids.

Due to their thin coat, both Cornish Rex and Devon Rex cats should be kept indoors.

12. Oriental

If the crossbreed between an elf and a cat existed, they would produce features like the ones portrayed in an Oriental cat.

Developed from the Siamese cat, this breed features large, broad ears, a long, muscular build, a wedge-shaped head, almond-shaped eyes, and a coat that comes in a variety of colors.

There are also both long-haired and short-haired versions.

These are cats that will welcome you home and tell you how their day has been. But there’s also the time when they’ll want to be alone.

13. Singapura

The Singapura is a tiny cat breed believed to have originated from Singapore, though there claims that they could be the results of crossing a Burmese and an Abyssinian cats.

Despite having a small body size, their ears are quite large, and they appear like they are always opening their eyes to the maximum.

These little cuties are intelligent, playful, and love spending time with their owners. They are also known to perch at elevated areas so that they are fully aware of their surroundings.

14. Javanese

When you crossbreed a Balinese cat with a Siamese and a Color Shorthair, the result is the gorgeous Javanese cat, a longhaired cat with a triangular head and elf-like ears.

Javanese come in the same color pattern as the Siamese and Balinese, but they may also develop other unique colors.

They also have a more muscular build which allows them to jump and run around.

Like the Siamese, the Javanese are talkative, intelligent, playful, and want to be with you at all times.

Leaving them alone for too long could lead to depression.

15. Korat

Another native to Thailand, the Korat is an ancient cat breed known for its silver-tipped blue coat color, medium-sized build, large sticking-out ears, and unique vocalizations.

These are some of the cat breeds that have retained some form of civilization where there’s a hierarchy of leadership.

And the mothers teach survival skills to the young ones before allowing them to be on their own.

Korat cats are loyal to their owners, moderately active, and quite intelligent.

They are smart enough to remember their way home if they are lost or transferred to a new home.

16. Snowshoe Cat Breed

Known for their paws that look like they’re wearing white snowshoes, Snowshoe cats are big-eared cats developed from a Siamese cat born with rare markings.

Other cats used to create this breed include the American Shorthairs.

Since they have Siamese blood, they inherited the pointed color pattern but with varying patterns.

Snowshoe cats are also sweet, affectionate, loyal, and love getting lots of attention from their owners.

Check out the video below to learn the difference between Showshoes and Siamese cats.

17. Russian Blue

Also known as the Archangel Blues, the Russian Blues are an ancient cat breed of cat native to Russia. They are known for the shorthaired, slate-grey, or silver silky coat and long tail.

Unlike a red Siberian cat or the Rexes, these cats have two layers of thick coats, which is an adaptation to the cold climates in Russia.

Their medium-sized eyes, large ears, and lean body complete the curious look.

Russian Blues are curious, friendly, and easily bond with their owners. Even though they are active, they aren’t as talkative as the Siamese.

These cats are also excellent hunters, so don’t be surprised if they killed a bird, rodent, or other wild animals around your home.

To keep them busy, teach them to play fetch and engage them in moderately strenuous activities.

18. Serengeti

The Serengeti cat is a beautiful breed with big round ears—a feature that gives it its exotic look. It has bold spots, a muscular body, long legs, and slanted eyes.

Even though it appears exotic and wild, this cat is completely domesticated and relatively new; the breed was created in the 90s. The Serengeti cat is a product of the Bengal and the Shorthair coming together to produce its unique features.

The Serengeti has exceptionally long legs that it uses to jump to reach high places to surveil its area. This cat breed also has a penchant for cuddling up in its owner’s lap.

They are spinal and love attention, but they are also independent to some degree, able to go off and play alone.

19. Ukrainian Levkoy

The Ukrainian Levkoy is a unique cat in multiple ways. Aside from having large ears, they also tend to fold inward, similarly to how a dog’s ears look.

They also don’t have any hair on their long, muscular body frames.

Additionally, this breed has elastic skin that’s soft to the touch and wrinkles excessively. They have round, large eyes, and their head has a triangular shape.

Altogether, these characteristics make the Ukrainian Levkoy look like a dog more than a cat, enhanced by their playful and social personalities that go against the common perception of a cat’s disposition.

20. Bambino

A cross between a Munchkin and a Sphynx, the Bambino breed is pretty new.

Therefore, there’s not much information out yet, but what’s clearly seen is their large eyes, huge ears, and short legs.

They’re known for loving the company of their owners, being very playful and chatty, and despising long periods of being alone.

Many people who own this breed say that they do exceptionally well with children.

Wrap-Up

And there you have it. There are several big ear cat breeds to choose from.

Which of the cats with big ears is your favorite?

If you already own a cat with large ears, what breed is it, and how is it living with one?

Do you have cats with big ears? Let us know in the comments below!