The Ears Have It

February 26, 2026

Breeds With Unusual Ears

Liz Watson, CFA Judge Emeritus

 

We all know cats have ears—“the better to ignore you with”, my dear—but some really have EARS!! There are those breeds with uniquely formed ears and some in which the ears are of a size and set that are so important as to enhance the whole look of the breed. Let’s explore!!

The first breed that comes to mind is the ever-popular Scottish Fold. Their very name suggests a unique shape—folded ears. Who can resist this charming breed which now comes in longhair, shorthair, and straight-eared divisions? The shorthair was accepted in 1978 and the longhair in 1992. These ears first occurred through a spontaneous mutation affecting the cartilage in the ears  and was discovered on farm cats in Scotland, hence the name. The mutation is the result of an autosomal dominant gene. Kittens are born with straight ears and it takes about 3-4 weeks for the folded ear to develop – IF it is going to fold at all. The CFA standard for the folded ear reads as such:  the ears “fold forward and downward. Ears are small with smaller tighter folded ears preferred over loose, floppy ears. The ears should be set in a cap like fashion to expose the rounded cranium. Ear tips are rounded.”

The ideal folded ears should be set tight and wide apart so they do not detract from the rounded look of the head. Unfortunately, the gene that folds the ears can also affect bone and cartilage development. In one litter there can be kittens whose ears do not fold. These straight-eared cats are important to breeding as fold-to-fold breeding is not recommended. The straight-eared folds were accepted for championship showing in CFA in 2022 giving the breed two more divisions, straight ear longhair and straight ears shorthair. The standard for the straight ear states that ears are medium to small with rounded tips. They are set wide apart to show a rounded cranium. The ears carry 25 points. While the ears are most important in the breed, another aspect is the large, rounded eyes that gives the cat its open sweet expression which is often said to be an owl-like look.  Before the straight ears were accepted for championship, they were often shown in the household pet class. Even with their straight ears it was easy to pick them out as Scottish Folds. Their type set them apart. However, cute as the Scottish Fold is, it is responsible breeding that has preserved and strengthened the breed. The allowable outcrosses are the British Shorthair and the American Shorthair.

The next breed that comes with unique ear structure is the American Curl. Truly an American cat, as all descendants are from a longhaired cat named Shulamith, who was found in Southern California in 1981. The ears curl due to a spontaneous mutation. It was accepted for championship showing in 1993. While the Scottish Fold ears fold forward, this breed’s ears curl backward. Kittens are born with straight ears and begin to curl in about 2-3 days. Once the kitten reaches 4 months of age the degree of curl is set. To the feel, the base of the ear is hard and inflexible while the tips are flexible. Thus, a wide base is important for the ability to clean the ears and avoid infection.

The standard description of the ears is lengthy with emphasis put on the following 5 features:

• The degree of curl is 90 degrees not to exceed 180 degrees
• Shape is wide at the base curving back in a smooth arc
• Size should be moderately large
• Placement is erect, set equally on top and side of head
• Furnishings, which is hair in the ears, are desirable

There are 30 points on ears. Degree of curl, shape and size each receive 10 points, placement is 8 points and furnishings 2 points. The ears curl in a smooth curve but are not so severe as to touch the back of the ear or the head. All but one disqualifying trait has to do with the ears. The American Curl is a very healthy breed with no genetic effects stemming from the curled ears. As of now, there are no outcrosses used in breeding. For breeding purposes, the curl is bred to another curl.

Next comes the Devon Rex. While this ear is neither curled nor folded it does have a unique shape. The very low set ears help create the “elfin” look when combined with large eyes, prominent cheekbones and short muzzle. Much like a feline E.T. (meaning Extra Terrestrial movie released in 1982). The width of the ears is wide and has a bell shape as it comes around the back. The standard states that ears are “strikingly large and set very low, very wide at the base so that the outside base of the ear extends beyond the line of the wedge”. The extension is unique and is often referred to as “jug handles.” The largest number of points is placed on the head (40) with the ears commanding a whopping 12 points. Clearly, the size and shape is an important feature of the head and breed.

Three other breeds come to mind where the standard allots only a few points for ears, but a poor set and/or size will throw off the entire look of the cat. First in my mind is the Cornish Rex. The standard states ears are “large and full from the base, erect and alert; set high on the head”. To this they give 5 points. Yet one of the first things you notice beside the marcel wave to the coat are the very large ears.

 

Another are the Siamese type breeds of which there are several. Again, ears seem to be able to “make or break” the cat. Standard calls for ears that are, “strikingly large, pointed, wide at the base; continuing the line of the wedge.”  To this is added just 4 points. Yet a high or low ear set can throw off the whole look of the cat. The head is a smooth wedge with ears extending the look of the wedge up to the very tips.

 

Lastly, a breed dear to me, the Russian Blue. The standard calls for ears that are, “rather large and wide at the base…set far apart, as much on the side as on the top of the head”. There are 5 points given to the ears, but many breeders think 90 points as size and set is so important to the overall style of the breed. These last 3 breeds represent my assessment of the importance of size and shape of the ears based on my personal opinion and time spent behind the judging table.

While each breed discussed here has many qualities that make it unique, all have ears that are special ¾ whether folded, curled, or straight. However, there are 40 different breeds pictured on the CFA website, and therefore many variations in ears, including the amazingly long (sometimes an inch or more) ear tufts of the big Maine Coon Cats’ ear tips, or the Persians’ very round little ears, almost invisible under their massive coats. Treat yourself to attending a CFA cat show, where you can actually see for yourself outstanding examples of the defining ears possessed by many of these delightful breeds!