Even though most cats have straight, pointed ears, you may not have given them any notice until you look closer. But not every cat has these features—some have ears that curve.
Though some of the cats on this list might be unfamiliar to you, you’re probably familiar with at least a handful of them. To find out more about these cats with curly ears, keep reading this article.
Different types of Cats with Curly Ears
Munchkin
The Munchkin cat is a little cat that typically weighs 5 to 9 pounds and lives 12 to 15 years. Its short legs give it a cute, squat appearance. Interestingly, a lot of Munchkin specimens also have a tiny kink in their ears. Despite having a distinctive gait due to their unusual leg structure, which may somewhat limit their quickness, Munchkins are renowned for their amiable and loving disposition. These cats flourish in homes where they can build close relationships with every member of the family and bring joy to the home.
Scottish Fold
One of the most well-known cats with folded ears is the Scottish Fold, which weighs between 5 and 13 pounds and lives for 11 to 15 years. Beyond its name, its appeal stems from the fact that it is frequently utilized in the breeding of hybrids and other fold-featured breeds. The ears of the Scottish Fold are folded forward, giving it a distinctive appearance and a medium-sized, rounded frame. When combined with an opulent, velvety coat, they become fantastic family companions. They can be left alone for a few hours due to their reasonably independent personality, but they still value attention and cherish spending time with people.
Ukrainian Levkoy
The Ukrainian Levkoy is a unique and easily identifiable cat breed, however it is quite uncommon, especially outside of Ukraine. It weighs between 8 and 12 pounds and has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Even though the Levkoy doesn’t appear to have any hair, its body is covered with downy fur. Its ears curve forward noticeably, and its eyes are remarkably huge for the breed. The Levkoy is a loving dog by nature that enjoys giving its owners long hugs in return. These cats are known to greet people with warmth and compassion, even if they may suffer from separation anxiety as a result of their need for human involvement.
American Curl
Those looking for a cat with unusually curled ears can go no further than the American Curl. With a weight of 8 to 12 pounds and a life expectancy of 9 to 13 years, this robust breed has a somewhat lengthy physique. Their coats come in a range of colors and patterns, but what makes them unique are their backward-curling ears. In addition to their distinctive physical characteristics, American Curls are renowned for their amiable and lively disposition, as well as their preference for being near their human friends. While they may not always be interested in cuddling up on laps, they do prefer being outside, so indoor cat trees and mental stimulation are necessary.
Dwelf Cat
With a lifetime of 12 to 15 years and a weight of 4 to 9 pounds, the Dwelf Cat has several unique characteristics. It is a one-of-a-kind mix between the dwarf and elf breeds, painstakingly created by fusing the best features of the American Curl, Sphynx, and Munchkin. Due to its tiny legs compared to other cats, the Munchkin’s genetic makeup limits its height. Like the Sphynx, this breed has no hair, and its gracefully curled back ears are an homage to the American Curl. Although Dwelf Cat groups do not officially recognize them, Dwelf Cats are renowned for being loving, gregarious, and smart. They are gregarious, energetic, and thrive on mental and physical stimulus.
Elf Cat
The Elf Cat is a mix of the Sphynx and American Curl breeds, weighing between 10 and 15 pounds and having an 8 to 14-year lifetime. It is similar to the Dwelf cat but does not have the shorter legs that the Munchkin breed has. It has characteristics with the Sphynx, such as being hairless and having unusual ears that elegantly curl backward due to the American Curl gene. Though it has only been in existence for a short while—less than 20 years—owners and breeders attest to its affectionate and amiable disposition, emphasizing that it especially enjoys playing. But prospective owners should be aware that the Elf Cat is an attention-seeking, demanding companion, so it may not be the best choice for someone looking for an independent cat.
Foldex
The Scottish Fold and Exotic Shorthair crossed in Canada in the 1990s gave rise to the Foldex, which weighs 6 to 14 pounds and lives 12 to 15 years. The Foldex is older than the Elf and Dwelf breeds. Although recognized by the Canadian Cat Association, recognition from other countries may be restricted. These are medium-sized, muscular cats that are curious, gregarious, and happy. The Foldex has a range of coat colors and patterns, and because of its variable coat lengths, each Foldex may have different maintenance requirements.
Highlander
The Highlander is a relatively new breed to the cat world, measuring between 10 and 20 pounds and having a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. It was first presented as the Highlander Lynx in the 1990s, a term that was eventually abbreviated to just “Highlander.” It is descended from a crossbreeding of the Desert Lynx and Jungle Curl cats. This breed, albeit not recognized by fanciers’ clubs, is distinguished for its friendly, lovable, and lively disposition. The Highlander was created to mimic the appearance of wild cat breeds. Although it can come in a range of colors, its characteristic markings are typically seen. They do have a small curl at the top of their ears, but not as much as some other breeds.
Kinkalow
The Kinkalow, which has small legs and curled ears, is a cross between the Munchkin and American Curl breeds. It weighs 3 to 7 pounds and lives for 12 to 15 years. Kinkalows are affectionate people who have little trouble forming peaceful relationships with everyone. Though they are fairly active and vibrant, their short legs could limit what kinds of activities they can perform. They are particularly attractive to touch and snuggle because of their extremely soft coat and tastefully curled ears as opposed to totally folded ones.
Conclusion
Certain cat breeds are distinguished by their distinctive appearances, even though the majority of felines share characteristics such as ears. These ten cats, who all have curled ears, are very cute and would make wonderful companions. Certain breeds with curled ears are more common and easier to discover than others, which can make them harder to find. However, any of these would be an amazing addition to your life!
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