8 Cat Breeds With Pointy Ears: Pictures & Facts
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Most cats have pointy ears. However, some are pointier than others! There are several cat breeds that have very tall, narrow ears, which makes them appear particularly pointy.
Below, we’ve discussed eight different cat breeds that have pointy ears. Many of these are related to the Siamese, though there are a few unrelated breeds as well.
The 8 Cat Breeds With Pointy Ears
1. Siamese
The Siamese cat is known for its elegant, slim body. Its ears are similarly shaped, which makes them pretty pointy. In fact, they have one of the pointiest ears out there. They’re also well-known for their blue almond-shaped eyes and sleek, slender bodies.
Siamese cats are highly social and vocal, often forming strong bonds with their human companions. They are affectionate, demanding of attention, and love being at the center of activities.
This breed is also well-known for its loud, striking vocalizations. They talk a lot. Therefore, they aren’t best for owners looking for a quieter feline. We recommend them mostly for owners with plenty of time on their hands, as they tend to be more needy than other cat breeds.
2. Oriental Shorthair
The Oriental Shorthair is a close relative of the Siamese breed, sharing its sleek body and striking eyes. They are often considered the “diverse” version of the Siamese, coming in a wide range of coat colors and patterns. Just like the Siamese, the Oriental Shorthair has pointy ears that add to their exotic and alluring appearance. Their ears are very skinny and tend to be quite tall.
These felines have similar temperaments to Siamese, as well. They’re very outgoing and affectionate. Plus, they tend to be noisy, too. They’re basically Siamese cats that come in tons of different colors.
However, just like the Siamese, these cats need tons of mental and physical stimulation. These intelligent cats need mental and physical stimulation to keep them entertained, and they thrive in households that provide plenty of interactive playtime.
3. Balinese
Balinese are another breed that resembles a Siamese, especially in their ears. However, they have a silky coat instead of the very short fur of a Siamese. They have blue, almond-shaped eyes, like a Siamese.
They form strong bonds with their human companions and often follow them around the house to be part of every activity. Despite their long fur, Balinese cats have minimal shedding, making them a popular choice for those with mild allergies to cats. However, you do have to brush their coats regularly.
All of this adds up to quite a bit of work. Therefore, we only recommend these cats for those with plenty of extra time on their hands.
4. Javanese
The Javanese is another breed closely related to the Siamese and Balinese cats. They have pointy ears, striking blue eyes, and a semi-longhaired coat. They are extremely similar to the breeds we’ve already discussed. They are very vocal and affectionate, and you can expect them to be just as needy as a Siamese, which means they’re only suitable for those with plenty of time. They aren’t your average, keep-to-themselves cat.
They are often described as being “talkative,” engaging in conversations with their human companions. Javanese cats are energetic and playful, enjoying interactive toys and puzzles that challenge their intelligent minds.
5. Abyssinian
Abyssinians are extremely old and have a similar lanky stature to the other cat breeds on this list. They’re known for their unique ticked coat, which makes them look quite “wild.” Abyssinians have large, almond-shaped eyes and, of course, pointy ears that contribute to their alert and expressive look.
These felines are extremely active and agile. They need tons of exercise and do best with owners that will encourage exercise. Plan on investing in plenty of toys and climbing structures. They will need them!
They like to explore and live an active lifestyle. They’re great felines to harness-train, which allows you to take them outside and explore. They do form strong bonds with their owners, but they’re a bit aloof with strangers. These felines can be a lot of work, but they’re more than worth it for the right family.
6. Oriental Longhair
The Oriental Longhair is essentially a longhaired version of the Oriental Shorthair. They share the same sleek body, striking eyes, and, most importantly, pointy ears.
Oriental Longhairs are great for those that want an affectionate cat that bonds closely with humans but with long hair—unlike most of the cats on this list. These felines thrive on interaction, which is great for those that want to interact with their cats a lot. However, this also means that they must get attention, or they can become bored and destructive.
They enjoy playing with interactive toys and participating in family activities. Their luxurious coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and keep it in top condition. It’s important to start grooming them from an early age to get them used to it.
7. Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex is not just another version of the Siamese, like many of the cats on this list. Instead, it is a distinct breed with curly, soft fur. This breed also has very large, pointy ears, and also has fairly slender bodies and very distinctive cheekbones. They’re quite angular and agile-looking.
These felines tend to be very playful and active. They aren’t lazy lap cats like some of the other breeds out there. They’re exceptionally playful and affectionate and enjoy cuddling with their humans. These cats are extremely smart. While this does make them easier to train, it also means that they require more attention. They can easily become bored, which can make them destructive.
Due to their short, curly fur, they may need occasional bathing to keep their coat clean and healthy. However, besides that, they are low-maintenance.
8. Devon Rex
The Devon Rex is another curly-coated breed, resembling the Cornish Rex but with a slightly longer and wavier coat. Like their Cornish counterparts, they have large, pointy ears that frame their unique faces.
These cats are extremely social. In fact, they are often described as more “dog-like” than “cat-like.” Therefore, they’re perfect for those that are looking for a very attentive cat. However, if you’re looking for a more cat-like feline, the Devon Rex probably isn’t your best option.
The Devon Rex is also extremely playful—they’re often amusing cats to be around. However, they need a lot of toys and room to run to remain happy and well taken care of.
Conclusion
Practically all cats out there have pointy ears. There are some exceptions, like the American Curl or the Scottish Fold. However, these cat breeds are few and far between. For the most part, felines only have straight, pointy ears. However, some cats have far straighter and pointer ears than others.
Siamese and other Asian breeds are most likely to have pointy ears.
Featured Image Credit: Sari ONeal, Shutterstock
