Most cats have pretty average-sized ears, but some have relatively large ears, like the Siamese. Others have tiny ears. Some of these ears are generally small, though others aren’t formed “correctly,” which causes them to look smaller. For example, some cats have a defect in the cartilage in their ears, making them lay flat and look smaller.
No matter why the cats’ ears are smaller, there are a few breeds with smaller ears. We’ll take a look at them in this article.
Top 7 Cat Breeds With Short Ears
1. American Curl
| Size: | 5 to 10 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–16 years |
| Temperament: | Affectionate and friendly |
American Curls have a cartilage mutation that causes their ears to curl backward. The kittens are born with upright, normal-sized ears, but their ears curl backward a few days after birth. The mutation occurred spontaneously, and American Curls are selectively bred to create this unique breed.
Due to their abnormality, their ears can be easily damaged. Their cartilage is not formed correctly, so it cannot hold up like normal ears. For this reason, they must be gently handled.
The American Curl is known for their gentle and people-oriented personality. They like children, though they may need extra socialization with cats and other pets. They are moderately active and quite intelligent and enjoy playing fetch and similar games. American Curls are notorious for using door knobs, so child locks may be necessary.
They often meet their owners at the door and can be vocal when they want attention. However, they don’t mind being left alone, either. They are pretty healthy cats and aren’t prone to many health problems. Their ear canals may be narrower than some breeds, potentially putting them at risk for ear infections and wax build-up.
2. Scottish Fold
| Size: | 6–13 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 11–14 years |
| Temperament: | People-oriented and smart |
The Scottish Fold is probably the most famous cat with small ears. Their ears are folded due to a specific genetic mutation, which affects the cartilage throughout their body. They aren’t smaller than other cat ears, but their folded appearance makes them seem smaller.
Because the cartilage throughout their body is affected, Scottish Folds are prone to more health conditions. They are vulnerable to degenerative joint disorder, likely due to their low cartilage quality. Joints have a cushion of cartilage. When the cartilage isn’t very high-quality, it can cause joint issues. Scottish Folds are also prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, though the exact reason why is unknown.
They are moderately active and quite clever. They enjoy feline sports like agility courses and puzzle toys, which can keep them entertained. They are affectionate and attached to their people, so they don’t like being alone for long periods. They do best with someone home with them throughout the day.
3. Persian
| Size: | 7–12 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10–15 years |
| Temperament: | Gentle and docile |
Persians are most well-known for their “squashed” faces. However, they also have smaller-than-average ears and a long, fluffy coat that makes them seem even smaller. The Persian is incredibly popular and has a long history of companionship with humans.
They’re available in several colors and breed variants. No matter their color, they all have smaller ears.
They are known for being docile and laidback. They are not very active and would much rather sit in your lap than play. Persians are suitable for those who want a quiet feline, not one that will run around the house. They are affectionate, but they can be picky about who they show affection to. Many will choose only one or two people to attach themselves to and ignore everyone else.
Persians are unlikely to climb your curtains or get into cabinets. They’ll probably spend most of the day lying around, not running around.
4. Highlander
| Size: | 10–20 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10–15 years |
| Temperament: | Active and social |
Out of all the cats with smaller ears, Highlanders probably has the strangest ears. They have curled ears similar to other breeds, though they curl more inward than forward or backward. They also have other strange features, like an extra toe on each paw.
As a mix between a Desert Lynx and a Jungle Curl, Highlanders have wild features, such as exotic coat colorations. However, they are very domesticated, but they still love water like their wild counterpart.
Highlanders are incredibly athletic and energetic. They need plenty a bit of room to run and exercise and enjoy playing with interactive toys. If they are not kept entertained and stimulated, they will try to make their own fun, which usually involves doing something they shouldn’t.
They are loving and social and enjoy being around people, including family, friends, and strangers. They get along well with children, especially if they’ll play with them. Highlanders are pretty healthy and aren’t particularly prone to health problems. They usually live long and healthy lives.
5. Birman
| Size: | 6–12 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–16 years |
| Temperament: | Laidback and calm |
The Birman is named after Burma, which is their native country. Although they are vocal, they have quiet meows. They are docile and enjoy lying around, but as people-oriented cats, they follow their humans from room to room. They enjoy puzzle toys, but they aren’t nearly as active as other felines.
They are pretty laidback cats, which makes them suitable for children.
However, Birmans are prone to a few genetic problems. For instance, they are genetically disposed to congenital hypotrichosis, which causes kittens to be born without hair. They also have an immune deficiency, leading to more severe infections. Birmans with this condition often don’t live an entire lifespan due to the likelihood of them catching a life-threatening infection.
They are also prone to corneal dermoid, which involves the skin and hair covering the eye and needs to be surgically removed. Spongiform degeneration is also more likely in this breed. This progressive, generative disease, which affects the central nervous system, is characterized by hind leg weakness and uncoordinated movements.
6. Exotic Shorthair
| Size: | 10–12 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 8–15 years |
| Temperament: | Affectionate and people-oriented |
This breed was developed as the short-haired version of the Persian. They have a similar head shape, including shorter ears and a smooshed face. They also have a similar temperament as Persians, which usually means they are very calm and docile. The Exotic Shorthair was developed by crossing Persians with shorthair breeds, mainly the American Shorthair. They have been a bit controversial in the cat world as to whether they count as their own breed or not.
While the Exotic is similar to a Persian, they are a bit livelier. They are known for being curious and playful, though they still spend much of their time lounging around. They are lap cats that prefer to lay around and be petted for much of the day. They are calm cats suitable for smaller homes and spaces, as they don’t require much room to run and explore. They are capable mouse hunters, primarily due to their American Shorthair blood.
As hybrids, Exotics are incredibly healthy. Due to their tiny faces, they can develop Brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome. This occurs when the cat’s squished face obstructs their upper airway system. It can cause inflammation and low oxygen absorption, which can lead to other problems.
7. British Shorthair
| Size: | 7–17 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 15–20 years |
| Temperament: | People-oriented and social |
The British Shorthair is one of the more popular breeds of cats in the UK. They are an old breed that came about naturally through generations. British Shorthairs are known for their stocky bodies and broad faces. A quarter of all kittens registered annually in the UK are British Shorthairs.
They are known for being easy-going and aren’t as active or playful as many other breeds. However, they are pretty sweet-natured and attach themselves to their owner. They are affectionate, though they don’t mind being left alone for long periods.
They are good around other pets and can get along with children. British Shorthairs tolerate being touched and played with, though they typically don’t like being carried around. They have minimal grooming requirements overall, so they don’t require much time to maintain.
This British feline can be prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is significantly more common in males for an unknown reason. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occurs when the heart thickens, making it less efficient.
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Featured image credit: Linn Currie, Shutterstock
