Cats With Ear Tufts: 6 Types Of Cats With Long Ear Fur

The inner and outer ear hairs on cats are known as furnishings. Each breed has its standard for heaviness of furnishings and whether ear tufts, or Lynx tips, are allowed or encouraged. Those with long tufts resemble certain species of wild cats like Lynxes and bobcats. If you'd like your own little "wild" cat with Lynx tips, look towards pointy-eared cat breeds and cats with long earl furnishings.

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The Norwegian forest cat originated in Norway, and has appeared in folktales in his native land for centuries. The large feline has an insulated, waterproof double coat to protect him from the elements — a longer, more coarse outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat. His triangular head has large, wide, rounded ears that are heavily furnished. Lynx tips are not required, but desirable, according to the breed standard.

Among the cats with pointy hair on tips of ears is the medium to large Siberian is Russia's forest cat. He has been featured in Russian fairy tales for hundreds of years. This natural breed has a dense triple coat that's water repellant and sports a ruff around his neck. His ears are large, wide, and rounded with full, heavy furnishings in the middle. Ear tipping is allowed, but not required.

Maine coon's tapered ears

The Maine coon is a large, muscular native American cat who reigns as the official cat of Maine. Similar to the Norwegian forest cat, the Maine coon is dubbed the "gentle giant." These are cats with pointy hair on the tips of their ears.

Their rugged, shaggy coat has three lengths, finished by a fluffy tail. He has large, wide, well-tufted ears, which often taper to a point at the tip.

In addition to having a wild look about them, the relaxed and gentle disposition of the Maine coon cat breed makes them a great fit for kids.

Among the pointy eared cat breeds is the medium to large American bobtail, who looks like a wild cat and has developed to survive feral environments, thanks to natural selection.

This hearty-looking feline has a short tail — hence the name — that can be straight or curled. Ear tipping on his medium, wide-set ears is highly desirable to complete his natural look.

The American curl is slightly different from most cats with ear tufts. This unique feline has long Lynx tips, but her wide ears curl backward at 90 to 180 degrees.

The American curl was discovered as a stray in California, and selectively bred since the early 1980s. Their body is medium-sized with a flat, silky coat with very little undercoat.

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The Persian also has long ear fur, although not necessarily Lynx tufts. The most popular type of feline in the world, this pointy eared cat breed was thought to originate in Persia. He has been seen in ancient hieroglyphs dating back to 1684 B.C. His coat is long, thick, and glossy, and he has a prominent neck ruff. His ears are widely spaced, low set, and well-furnished.