Cat breeds with tufted ears (photos and descriptions)

Varieties

There are more than 350 species of shrews. Only 25 of them are found in Russia. The most common types of long-nosed mice are:

Common shrew. It can reach 8 cm in length, while its weight does not exceed 160 g. The body is covered with soft brown fur. A nose with a blunt tip is clearly visible on the head. The length of the animal's tail is equal to the length of its body.
Tiny shrew. It got its name due to its very small size. Its weight is only 3 g, and its body length is 5 cm. The animal is recognized as the smallest representative of the mammal family. His nose is like a proboscis, and his short fur is gray-brown.
House shrew or long-tailed shrew. This mouse can often be found in the vegetable garden or garden. For the winter, she moves to cellars or basements of private houses. The body length of this long-nosed mouse is about 8 cm, and the tail is up to 5 cm.

Tiny shrew

Origin of breed characteristics

The most interesting legend about the origin of the breed concerns one ancient cat whose tail was pressed under the door due to constant lateness. This action occurred regularly, so that each new litter of kittens was born with shorter tails, until the resulting appendage was reduced to a few vertebrae.

Since then, short-tailed cats have had creases and knots on their short stumps, which they inherited from their ancestors.

The following myth classifies representatives of short-tailed breeds as descendants of the lynx family. There are indeed common features in their appearance that can convince anyone of the validity of such conclusions. Even the chromosome map of two species contains 38 elements - the most important fact from supporters of such a theory.

The next hypothesis, unlike previous stories, looks more plausible. The kittens were born with normal tails, but the mother cats chewed them off because the cubs did not fit in the cramped den.

It was by the tail that the predator could pull the kitten out of the hole. Later, a natural mutation occurred, as a result of which short-tailed breeds appeared.

And the last version, which is related to genetics. By a strange coincidence, all tailless breeds originate either on island territories or in states with a closed way of life.

Representatives of the most ancient breed of cats with a short tail - Japanese Bobtails - came to the islands from Ancient China. For several centuries they lived in isolation. Under such conditions, it is possible to launch the natural process of inbreeding (inbreeding), which can cause genetic abnormalities.

At the other end of Europe, off the coast of Ireland, on the Isle of Man, a similar story happened. Here, local cats with short tails have been known for several centuries, but they only got outside their territory at the end of the 19th century, when they represented an already established and stable group.

Canadian Sphynx

One of the oldest breeds, which has won the hearts of people with its more than extraordinary appearance - an elongated, “faceted” muzzle, bare “velor” skin, the intelligent look of lemon-shaped eyes and huge ears, like those of a bat. The first “officially described” Sphinx lived in Ancient Egypt. A white blue-eyed cat guarded the Sanctuary of Ancient Egypt.

The Don and Petersburg (Peterbald) sphinxes are also “noble eared animals” with a naked body, although they are not relatives of the “Canadians”. Both breeds were developed in Russia, and the Peterbald was created by crossing the Don Sphynx and the Oriental cat.

Hairless cats have a “dog-like disposition” and require special care. Contrary to popular belief: “no hair, no problem,” caring for Sphynx cats is more problematic than caring for Angora or Persian cats. Daily skin cleansing, strictly balanced nutrition and clothing that protects the cat from hypothermia. The Sphinx is a child in need of care with the look of a sage and the appearance of an alien creature.

Cat breeds with abnormal ear structure

There are eight breeds of cats in which the structure of the ears differs from the usual standard shape. These breeds include:

Scottish fold. Today this breed is the most common. It was developed in the 20th century in Scotland. The appearance of cats is quite unusual; they resemble small owlets due to their curled ears and large eyes. Due to a mutation, Scottish cats have two types of ears: forward-curved (called Scottish Folds) and straight (Scottish Straights). For many years, geneticists prohibited the breeding of this breed due to the accompanying health problems, but the problem was solved. During breeding, Scottish Folds were crossed only with Scottish Straights. As a result of such mixing, the gene for lop ears remained, and hereditary diseases disappeared.
Highlander is a cat breed bred in America in the nineties of the twentieth century. Breeders crossed the jungle curl and the desert lynx. The result was a cat with a beautiful spotted color, a small tail and curled ears. This breed was officially recognized by the International Cat Association in May 2008. Fans of unusual breeds are happy to purchase Highlanders.
The American Curl is a relatively new breed, originally from the USA. Pets have an interesting ear structure; they curl outward. It is noteworthy that kittens are born with straight ears, but after a week they begin to curl up. The American Curl was recognized only in 1983. At the same time, standards for this breed and a breeding plan were developed. In the late 90s, Roy Robinson, a British breeder, wrote an article stating that, apart from curled ears, no genetic disorders were observed in bred Curl kittens. And unlike other breeds that take decades to be recognized, the American Curl has been accepted by the International Cat Association.
Peterbald (St. Petersburg Sphynx) is a Russian breed, bred in 1994 by Olga Mironova. A Russian felinologist crossed an oriental cat and a Don Sphynx. The result was a hairless pet with big ears. The beautiful St. Petersburg Sphynx received recognition from the Breeding Felinological Federation in 1996. At the end of the twentieth century, Peterbald gained worldwide recognition. To date, crossbreeding work continues.
Ukrainian Levkoy - the breed was bred in 2004 by felinologist E.V. Biryukova. She crossed the Don Sphynx with the Scottish Fold. In 2007, a nursery for Levkoys was opened in Russia. A distinctive feature of the breed is the appearance of the ears, which are located high and slightly curved towards the head. This breed is becoming increasingly popular in the modern world.
The Elf is a breed native to North America. In 2006, this breed was developed by two breeders Kristen Lead and Karen Nelson. They crossed the Canadian Sphynx and the American Curl. The result was a beautiful hairless cat with large curved ears, like an elf. Hence the name. Pets have good health and endurance. Since selection work is still ongoing, the breed has not been officially recognized by any phenological organization.
Oriental cats were bred by American breeders in the 60s. By crossing a Balinese cat and an Oriental shorthair, breeders were able to create this amazing cat. For the first time, the elegant beauty was presented at competitions in 1977 as an independent breed. But long-eared cats were officially recognized in 1997 by the GCCF association. The Oriental cat is similar to the Siamese breed, only its ears are much larger.
Kinkalow - in 1997, American breeder Terry Harris crossed an American Curl with a Munchkin. As a result of this crossing, kittens were born with two different mutations - short legs and curved ears, a long tail and a massive body. In 2008, the Kinkaloo was recognized by the Dwarf Cat Association. Today, representatives of this breed can be seen mainly in America.

Each of the above breeds has its own advantages and disadvantages. But they all have one thing in common - the “wrong” structure of the ears. Some people are attracted and impressed by this feature, while others are repulsed. In any case, cats, despite their body structure, remain affectionate and gentle favorites for their owners.

Caracal

The caracal is a real wild cat. It is found naturally in Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and India. However, it lends itself well to domestication, and kittens born in the nursery are not at all aggressive and not dangerous to humans.

The cat has powerful muscles, long graceful paws, long ears with tassels at the ends (tassels can be up to 5 cm). Its height from floor to shoulders can be 40-50 cm, and its weight can be up to 20 kg.

The caracal has short, thick fur. Its color is sandy or reddish brown, with a lighter belly. The face has characteristic black stripes that can highlight the shape of the mouth, nose and eyebrows.

Caracals are excellent jumpers. They can cover a distance of up to 4 m in a jump. In nature, they hunt small mammals, rodents and birds. Therefore, at home they need food rich in protein.

The caracal gets along well with people, is sociable and playful. He needs regular walks in the fresh air. You can even walk him on a leash, like a dog. This pet is not suitable for an apartment. He needs a lot of space for games and other activities.

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Maine Coon: the largest domestic owner of ear tufts

Representatives of this native breed of American cats are of impressive size. They reach a height of 25 to 41 cm. Males weigh on average 7–12 kg, females – 4–7.5 kg. Maine Coons top the ranking of the best breeds for families with children, and this is not surprising, because they have a wonderful character, which has everything to become excellent friends for adults and children: friendliness, poise, devotion, sensitivity to the emotional mood of the owner, playfulness .

Maine Coon

Despite their goodwill and love of games, Maine Coons are quite serious and do not tolerate familiarity. Instead of sitting on their owner's lap, as many cats like to do, these furry giants will prefer to sit at their side or at their feet. These owners of funny ear tassels easily fit into any family.

The favorite pastime of Manx raccoons (this is how the name of this breed is translated) is dozing in a cozy, warm place, but this does not mean that they are not capable of pranks. A runaway Maine Coon means loud stomping and complete chaos in the house. In general, these are unobtrusive, independent animals that do not like excessive displays of affection and are quite cold towards strangers.

Pixie bob

This breed of cats with tufted ears was artificially bred in the USA. Its name translates as “short-tailed elf.” The story of the birth of the Pixie Bob begins in 1985 in Washington, when professional cat breeder Carol Ann Brewer bought an unusual cat with a short tail and six toes. During the same period, she rescued a stray cat, which was large in size (about 8 kg, despite the fact that the animal was starving) and also had a short tail. A year later, they gave birth to a kitten with a short tail and a muzzle that looked like a lynx. They named her Pixie. A year later, the breeder decided to seriously engage in breeding a new breed - pixie-bob.

The animals are large in size: males - up to 10 kg, females - up to 5 kg. They have a massive body with well-developed muscles. The paws are long, and the number of toes can reach 7 pieces. A distinctive feature of the breed is its short tail.

The coat is soft and thick, and there are both long-haired and short-haired representatives. There are different colors, brown, red, gray, but a characteristic pattern must be present:

dark spots of small or large size that cover the entire body;
paw pads and tail end are dark;
there is a light ring around the eyes;
there is a pattern on the forehead in the shape of the letter M;
dark stripes on the cheeks.

Pixie Bobs are very loyal, love affection, are obedient, and are well trained. They get along with all family members and other pets. Active and playful.

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Below are the most striking representatives among felines with tassels.

Caraquet

This hybrid breed was bred at the Moscow Zoo in 1998 completely by accident, by crossing an ordinary cat and a caracal.

The caracat has a brownish-red coat color; an adult cat reaches almost 1 meter in length (including the tail). They also have long large paws, a small head compared to the body, large mobile ears with characteristic tassels.

Although this breed looks like a wild animal, the cat’s character is quite friendly and affectionate. Such a cat is in dire need of constant movement, so if you decide to have this handsome cat at home, you need to make sure there is enough space for him.

In addition, the caraqueta, like a dog, must be walked on a special leash-vest.

Kittens need to be bathed no more than once every three months, and adult cats - when dirty. It is necessary to ensure that a caracat with wet fur does not fall into a draft, otherwise there is a high risk of catching a cold.

Combing occurs 1-2 times a week, and in the summer during the molting period it should be done more often, preferably every day.

Food: raw meat (beef, poultry, rabbit, fish). Clean water should always be freely available to your cat.

You cannot give pork, cooked meat, or table food.

Maine Coon

This breed was obtained through natural hybridization in the USA more than a century ago.

Maine Coons are considered giants among cats. They have a good, strong body, wide bones and a massive muzzle. An adult cat can reach a weight of 15 kg (a male in rare cases can weigh up to 15 kg, the usual weight is 5-8 kg) and in isolated cases grows up to 1 meter in length. The coat is long and fluffy and comes in a variety of colors.

These cats are real good-natured people, but incorrigible lazy people. Maine Coons love to climb somewhere high and watch the bustle of the world from there. This breed is very attached to its owner, and it also differs from other cats in its “talkativeness” - cats make sounds that can be heard as unintelligible speech, and it seems as if they are trying to tell something.

Wool is the first thing the owner will have to take care of. The cat needs to be brushed daily.

These good-natured creatures bathe with great pleasure, but it is better not to arrange “bath procedures” too often, but to wash only when it is necessary to maintain hygiene.

Maine Coons are susceptible to developing periodontal disease, so do not forget about the cat’s oral cavity and buy special food to strengthen teeth.

They enjoy eating raw beef and boiled poultry meat, quail eggs and cottage cheese.

Pixie Bob

In the second half of the 20th century in the United States, breeders specifically tried to develop a cat breed that looked like a lynx, but with a short tail. Until the 80s, these experiments were inconclusive, until the work finally paid off. An individual was born, a cross between a domestic cat and a short-tailed forest cat.

They decided to name the breed “Pixie-Bob” (translated from English as “short-tailed elf”).

It has a stocky body, a large head and an animal look (due to deep-set eyes, looming, evil-looking eyebrows and a massive chin), a reddish fur coat with black spots, and a short thick tail. This breed is prone to an abnormality called polydactyly (extra toes). The ears are round and small; they do not always have tassels.

Short-tailed animals are quite friendly with people, but only one person is recognized as the owner - the one who feeds them.

Pixie Bob is an active breed that loves to play, but it is not recommended to have these animals in a house where other animals already live, otherwise there is a high risk of witnessing constant conflicts and merciless fights.

Due to his mobility, Pixie-Bob loves to walk in the fresh air, but it is better under the supervision of his owner, because. If a cat gets lost, it will go wild and is unlikely to ever approach a person again.

You need to comb the coat once a week, more often in the summer.

Cats of this breed are not picky eaters; they eat dry and wet food from the store with appetite. But if the owner decides to switch Pixie-Bob to natural food, then the cat should receive fresh meat every day.

Norwegian Forest Cat

As you can guess from the name of the breed, the homeland of these fluffy beauties is Norway. It has existed as a separate cat breed since the 70s.

An adult animal weighs about 8 kg. It is distinguished by long hair of white, black, red and gray colors. The Norwegian cat has a powerful skeleton, dense body, large paws, long whiskers and a bushy tail.

Norwegians are affectionate but energetic cats. By their “forest” nature they are hunters, so small animals and birds (hamsters, rats, chinchillas, canaries, etc.) will be in great danger around them. Despite their good-natured disposition, these cats do not allow themselves to be squeezed, especially by small children, who sometimes cannot control their strength.

The wayward Norwegian will allow himself to be stroked only when he wants it. If this cat doesn’t like the way its owners treat it, it will run away from home without a second thought and never return.

The breed is considered a record holder for life expectancy. With proper nutrition and proper care, this cat will be with its owners from 10 to 14 years, some can live up to 18 years.

Cats are also distinguished by their endurance, strength and immunity. The main thing for the owners of these “forest” animals is not to forget to brush their pets more often, get vaccinations in a timely manner and give the cat the opportunity to roam freely.

Norwegians are not afraid of even extreme cold; they feel comfortable at low temperatures.

Unlike Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest cats are “silent”; they will only give voice if there is an urgent need for it.

When it comes to food, the Norwegian breed is completely unpretentious, but the memory of wild ancestors still makes itself felt - the favorite food of forest cats remains finely chopped poultry or fish (always raw).

To prevent the cat from becoming infected with worms from raw meat, it is kept in the freezer for several days and only then, after defrosting, is it given to the animal to feast on.

Siberian cat

Representatives of this breed are semi-longhaired cats. For the first time, the “Siberian” became known in the 16th century, when these cats lived everywhere on the territory of the Russian Empire. Like any animal now considered domestic, the Siberian cat led a wild lifestyle until it was tamed.

They have a large and developed body, strong but not long legs. Females reach a weight of up to 6 kg, and males can be twice as large - up to 12 kg.

Norwegian Forest Cat

Humanity learned about this breed back in the 16th century. As the name suggests, the breed originates in Norway. There are many myths and fairy tales surrounding these amazing creatures. For example, it is believed that it was the “Norwegians” who accompanied Thor on his travels.

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Initially, these cats lived on livestock farms, from where they later migrated to human homes as pets. In the first years after World War II, this breed was even on the verge of complete extinction, but local authorities did everything so that experienced breeders could save the endangered species.

“Norwegians” are known not only for their tufts at the ends of their ears (which are not as pronounced as in other “lynx” breeds), but also for their very variegated coat with a thick and dense undercoat. A special feature of their fur coat is its waterproofness.

These cats are excellent hunters, very active and mobile. They will never lie imposingly on the couch next to you. They are not afraid of bad weather, rain, snow, they have excellent health and a strong spirit.

Chausie

A domestic cat that looks like a wild one was artificially bred in the USA. Its name, chausie, comes from Felis chaus, which is translated from Latin as “reed cat.” The breed was developed in the middle of the last century as part of a program against keeping wild cats in captivity. By crossing the wild jungle cat (swamp lynx) and aboriginal domestic cats, breeders achieved the preservation of wild external features combined with an affectionate and friendly character.

From its wild ancestor, the Shawsie inherited large size, a strong muscular body with ideal proportions. There are lynx tassels at the tips of the wide, large ears. Despite its impressive dimensions, the Shawsie moves quickly and gracefully, like a real wild predator.

A distinctive feature of the Shawsie is its “wild” color. Only representatives of this breed have the color characteristic of the swamp lynx. The coat is short and very dense with a well-developed undercoat, which allowed the cat's wild ancestors to make their way through dense undergrowth in pursuit of game. Hunting instincts are also manifested in the behavior of a domestic cat.

Shausie gets along well with all the inhabitants, but is not averse to running after a ball or other toy, imitating a hunt. This is a very curious, restless and active animal. Shausie also loves to climb, jump, and run. A city apartment cannot provide an outlet for a pet's energy. Large sizes and a love of active games require the space of a country estate.

Chauzie - the result of a laboratory experiment

One of the youngest breeds in the world. It appeared in the early 90s of the last century in the USA and after about 5 years it was recognized as an independent breed.

It was bred by crossing short-haired domestic cats with the jungle cat, which lives in some countries of Asia and Indochina. It was a thoughtful experiment with a stated goal: to create a cat similar in appearance to a jungle cat, but with the character and instincts of a domestic cat.

Shawsies are large breeds. Some specimens can reach 15 kilograms. The color is solid tabby, sometimes with slight ticking. The body is flexible and large. Long and muscular legs and a small muzzle.

They have a playful character and get along well with other animals and children. They love their owner's attention. They are easy to care for at home . Despite their size, such cats can live calmly even in small spaces. They are excellent hunters and curious explorers. They love to climb on furniture and into cabinets.

The breed is very rare in Russia.

"Aborigines" from the Isle of Man

This is roughly the name given to the Manx cats that settled on the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea. How they got there is not known for certain, although there are many versions: from biblical to modern scientific.

Today there are 4 varieties of Manx. Depending on the length and shape of the tail, cats are divided into:

Rampi (sacral). The tail is completely absent.
Riser (growth). Instead of a tail, there is only a small protrusion on a couple of vertebrae. -9
Stumpy (short). A small tail measuring 4-8 vertebrae.
Longi (long). Quite a long tail, almost identical to the “classic” length.

Rumpy
Stumpy
Riser
Long

If we talk about character, animals are cheerful and energetic. They love active games, love to climb trees and have enviable jumping ability. The habits of cats are somewhat similar to dogs, in particular, this concerns learning various commands. Since Manx cats are very sociable, they are not recommended for people who are rarely at home.

Another distinctive feature of this breed is its excellent hunting qualities. Owners of such pets should be calm about the fact that prey in the form of mice, rats, moles and other garden and dacha “fauna” will be brought into the house. Manx cats will always find a common language with children, even when the baby is too persistent in showing his love and tormenting the cat with annoying caresses.

Chauzie

The breed is the result of crossing an ordinary cat and a jungle cat.

Character

Shawzis are lovers of active games. They cannot stand loneliness. They willingly participate in all the affairs of family members. They are strong friends with children and can play with them for hours. Very curious and can leave the house through the window, you should be more attentive to her.

Breed characteristics and care

Chausie has short hair and a thick undercoat; The color of the animal can be silver, gold, black. Shausi's physique is strong, his muscles are well developed, his limbs are long, his paws are of medium size; The ears are large. Closer to the base they are wide, the edges are narrowed with tassels; The eyes are slanted. Specimens with light green and amber eyes can be registered in the breed; This breed only needs to be brushed during the shedding period.

Caracal

These cats can hardly be called pets, because they are real wild animals that have been tamed by humans. Moreover, simply catching them in the wild and taming them will not work; it requires certain skills and painstaking selection work. Only kittens born in captivity can get used to human society.

Caracals are distinguished by their charm and insane beauty. Their ears are set high and have large and bright tufts. In young representatives the bristles stand upright, while in older representatives they gradually descend. It is preferable to keep caracals not in an apartment, but in a country house. After all, these animals really need freedom and constant movement.

Caracal - chirping cat

The name of this cat is translated from Turkish as “black ear”.

Cats of this breed live in the wild in the deserts of Africa and Asia. In our country they are on the Caspian coast. Unfortunately, the habitat of caracals is shrinking due to the onset of civilization and hunting for this animal.

Nature reserves and zoos help preserve caracals. It is possible to keep them at home, but it is very difficult to tame even a kitten . This requires a lot of time and relevant knowledge.

These are quite large cats. Some specimens reach 25 kg. Their body type resembles that of a lynx. The coat is very dense and short, has different shades of brown: from light sand to rich brown. The large ears are black on the outside, the tassels at their tips are simply huge.

Caracals have an unusual voice that sounds like a chirp. But they can also purr loudly in a good mood.

Caracals are the most expensive cats. They are bought by very wealthy people and kept mainly in enclosures. Before sale, their claws are cut off with a laser so that they do not injure their owners.

Learn about the character and characteristics of the Caracal cat breed.

Breed of cats with tassels on ears - breed, photo, description

Cat breeds with tufted ears are quite popular today. Many people want to find a specific variety and are willing to pay a lot of money for it. Such cats are beautiful, elegant, sociable and quickly become members of the family.

Maine Coon

These are semi-longhaired cats bred in America and are one of the largest purebred cats in the world, created to live with humans. These are large animals with an amazing appearance, various color options and a gentle disposition.

Maine Coons originally originated in the northeastern United States about a century ago. The second part of the name means raccoon, and this is explained by the fact that the coat of cats is similar to that of a raccoon. The tassels on the ears remind people of lynxes.

The development of the breed took place in northern cold conditions, which is why such pets have wide bones and long hair between the toes. Males can weigh more than ten kilograms.

By nature, Maine Coons are true homebodies who do not require increased attention to themselves. They don't like to be alone, so if you go somewhere or are away, make sure your pet has a sufficient number of toys.

Maine Coons communicate using a variety of sounds. They not only meow, but also make sounds similar to birdsong.

The breed is suitable for any climate; harsh winters and snowy weather are not a problem for them.

Norwegian forest

Official registration took place in 1970. These are unusual and powerful animals, different from their relatives.

Specific features of Norwegian forest cats:

dense water-repellent wool;
large flexible bones, elongated torso and strong muscles;
large triangular head;
large ears with tassels;
oval-shaped paws with hair between the toes, long limbs;
large round eyes with a color matching the coat;
straight and very fluffy tail;
mustaches that stick out in different directions.

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Norwegian Forest Character Traits:

patient and calm;
can play with small children;
get along well at home;
they are easy to train;
love to sleep;
playful, have a hunting instinct;
love freedom and walks in the fresh air;
Small rodents or birds should not be kept in the same room as Norwegian forest animals.

Pixie bob

A rare cat breed similar to a lynx. This pet is ideal for living with people; it can be trained and taken for walks on a leash.

These are talkative cats and meow often. They have a gentle and kind disposition, and the only requirement is constant contact with the owner.

The pixie bob has a large body, a short tail and a small ponytail. Its fur can be both long and short.

Chauzie

The Shawsie was bred by crossing a common cat and a jungle cat.

These animals are energetic and love to play. They do not like loneliness, so they try to take part in all the affairs of each of the household members. They quickly establish strong friendships with children.

Caracal

An elegant and beautiful animal, an inhabitant of Asian and African countries. This breed of big cats not only has tufts on its ears, but also sharp eyesight and sensitive hearing, as well as strong limbs and a large body.

Today, the cost of a caracal is ten thousand dollars; it is a rare pet, which is a sign of the wealth of its owners. It should not be brought into homes with small children.

It is better to buy such a kitten at the age of six months; during this period, he quickly gets used to others.

Caracal does not tolerate rude treatment and punishment.

Caracals do not like the cold, but they love water treatments.

A well-bred caracal will turn into both a good and faithful comrade and a reliable guard.

Siberian cat

It was officially registered in 1980. Semi-long-haired breed with pronounced or completely invisible tufts on the ears. The body is massive and the legs are strong. The Siberian cat weighs about six kilograms.

These are quite versatile pets. They love affection and are quite friendly.

Norwegian forest cat

Officially, the World Cat Federation registered this cat with tufted ears in 1970. Norway is recognized as the birthplace of the breed. Amazing and strong animals stand out from other pets.

Peculiarities

The breed is quite special; the Norwegian Forest has a number of specific characteristics;

Thick coat with water-repellent wool; Massive but flexible skeleton, elongated body, powerful muscles; Large triangular head; The ears are large, with tufts on the edges; The paws are oval, the limbs are high, there are woolen brushes between the phalanges; The eyes are large, round in shape, the color matches the coat; The tail is straight, fluffy, reaching the shoulder girdle; This cat with tassels on her ears is the owner of whiskers that stick out in different directions;

Character

The Norwegian Forest is a tasseled cat breed that is a combination of a wild hunter and a cute pet. They have a lot of wonderful character traits:

Patient and reserved. They can play with children for hours; Get along well at home; Easy to train; They love to sleep, but when they wake up they play and hunt happily; Freedom-loving, they prefer to walk in the fresh air, and therefore such cats need to be kept in large apartments or in private houses. If a Norwegian cat lives at home, you need to protect poultry and rodents from him, because they are born hunters.

Small kittens of the Norwegian cat look like balls and you can hold them in your hands for hours. But an adult forest animal will not tolerate this. They can lie down next to the owner, they will allow you to pet them, but only when it is pleasant for them too.

Care

This breed is very hardy, with good health. They rarely get sick, are not afraid of cold weather, and are the longest-livers among other species. They love active games.

Has no special requirements. You need to regularly walk on a leash, have vaccinations and examinations by a veterinarian, provide adequate nutrition, and brush daily.

If they don’t like something, they won’t take revenge; they’ll just leave home!

Cat breeds with ear tufts

Many domestic long-haired individuals have this decoration. But for some it disappears as they grow older, while for others it remains for the rest of their lives. The most popular cat breeds with ear tufts include:

Maine Coon;
Siberian cat;
chausie;
pixie bob;
Norwegian forest cat.

Maine Coon

This semi-long-haired cat with tufted ears was bred in the USA and was formed in a harsh climate. The exact origin of the breed is still unknown, and the name translates as “Manx raccoon.”

The Maine Coon stands out from most of its fellows due to its impressive size. The average weight of such a cat is 10-12 kg, but larger individuals are also found in the breed.

The Maine Coon is easily recognizable by its strong bones, massive muzzle and fluffy semi-long fur of different colors. But the main distinguishing feature of the breed is the tufts on the tips of the ears.

Despite their “wild” appearance, Maine Coons are endowed with a good-natured and sociable disposition. Representatives of the breed are capable of making sounds similar to unintelligible speech, so owners often think that the pet is trying to tell them something.

Siberian cat

Representatives of the breed have been known since the 16th century. In those days, fluffy cats with tufts of hair on their ears were widespread throughout the Russian Empire and led a wild lifestyle.

The Siberian is large in size and weighs up to 12 kg. Its powerful, muscular body is covered with luxurious water-repellent fur with developed decorative hair. Cats have tufts of thick fur between their toes.

Behind the serious appearance of Siberians lies a delicate and tactful character. These large, furry animals get along well with children and other pets. Representatives of the breed quickly become attached to their owners and always try to be close to people, but do not get bored and do not attract attention.

Chausie

These cats were bred by American breeders in the middle of the last century. Abyssinians and jungle cats took part in the formation of the breed. Thanks to this mixture of blood, breeders managed to obtain unique animals with a wild appearance and a good-natured, affectionate disposition.

In some sources, the breed may be called “Nile cat” or “Shausie”.

Chausie is a large, proportionally built cat with tufted ears, weighing 10-15 kg. The muscular body of the breed is covered with short, dense hair with developed down. The color of the Chausie can be black, gold or silver-brown. The main characteristic of the breed is its long, thin tail.

Chausies are curious animals with an active temperament. These beautiful cats get along with other pets without problems and are not suitable for keeping in cramped apartments.

Pixie bob

These unusual cats appeared thanks to the efforts of overseas felinologists. The breed originated in the late 80s of the last century and has already received recognition from most organizations.

In appearance, pixie bobs resemble the North American bobcat. These animals are large in size and weigh 6-8 kg. They have a characteristic “animal” look and a short tail. And depending on the length of the guard hair, the breed is divided into short-haired and long-haired varieties.

Despite their intimidating appearance, pixie bobs are distinguished by their obedient and affectionate character. Short-tailed cats with tufts on their ears quickly become attached to their owners and behave like dogs.

Norwegian Forest Cat

These furry owners of tassels on their ears were bred in Norway in the 70s of the last century. Representatives of the breed are distinguished by their large size and massive, but quite flexible body. Norwegian Foresters have a thick, water-repellent coat.

Representatives of the breed are endowed with a patient and restrained disposition. Shaggy cats with tufts on their ears get along well with children and are quite easy to train. Norwegian Forest Dogs are natural hunters, suitable for living in a country house or a spacious apartment.

Representatives of the breed are very active, hardy and unpretentious. Norwegians are not afraid of cold weather and are not predisposed to serious health problems.

Siberian cat - a gift for asthmatics

The history of the breed begins in the 16th century. At this time they were called Bukhara cats.

There are two versions of the origin of the breed:

Siberian cats were brought by nomadic peoples who came from Asia, and Persian cats and Angora cats were their relatives;
cats were brought to Siberia from the European part of Russia, and then after several generations they were overgrown with fluffy fur coats to withstand severe frosts.

Siberian cats can weigh up to 12 kg. They have a muscular body. They develop slowly and reach full development by 5 years. The top layer of wool repels water, which allows them to survive in any frost.

Siberians are excellent hunters who can cope not only with a mouse, but also with a rat and even a rabbit.

Many Siberian cats prefer to find a mate for life. Such cats can be safely kept in the home by asthmatics and allergy sufferers - these animals do not cause allergies.

The breed is recognized by international qualifying organizations.

A detailed description of the Siberian cat breed is here.

Pixie Bob

An artificially bred cat breed. The name translates as "elf with a short tail." The parents of the first representative were rumored to be a red American lynx and an ordinary cat of an unknown breed. The result of such a “union” is the pixie.

These cats also resemble a small lynx in appearance. They are red in color, interspersed with dark spots. Lynx tassels made of coarse hair are visible on the ears. The weight of adult individuals reaches 8-10 kilograms (mostly such indicators are observed in males).

“Domestic lynx” – pixie bob

Born in 1986 in the United States, these short-tailed cats are considered a national treasure by many Americans. Outwardly, they look like a lynx; in fact, this was the task that the breeders set when creating this breed. They owe their name to a kitten named Pixie, which in English means “fairy” or “elf”. It was he who became the first successful result after many years of unsuccessful attempts to cross domestic cats with forest representatives of this family living in American and Canadian forests.

Pixie bob

These animals are often compared to dogs, and all because they are capable of becoming very attached to their owners and, in general, to the families in which they live. Not all of this quality is regarded as a virtue, because it is absolutely impossible to leave such a pet alone for a long time. Loneliness is contraindicated for pixie bobs. In the absence of a loved one for a long time, such an animal can fall into deep depression.

Wild pets

Cat enthusiasts are constantly experimenting with certain wild species that have a trait they are interested in. Therefore, cats with round ears are consistently in the field of view of breeders.

Serval

African predator, lives in the northern part of the continent. It reaches one and a half meters in length, 65 cm in height and weighs up to 20 kg

Rounded large ears and beautiful spotted colors traditionally attract the attention of breeders who are engaged in breeding new breeds to the serval.

These cats show distrust of humans, do not get along well and, no matter how much care they take, remain untamed for the rest of their lives. The exception is pets that came to people at an early age, but even after reaching puberty they dramatically change their behavior.

But the servals showed their best side in parenting qualities. They easily find a common language with ordinary domestic cats and have offspring with them. Some of these hybrids have become very popular.

Savannah

A hybrid of a serval and several domestic breeds. At various stages, Oriental, Bengal cats, Ocicat and Egyptian Mau took part in the selection. The result was a large animal that inherited from its wild ancestor its height (up to 60 cm), weight (15 kg), spotted predatory coloring and large ears with round tips. A very impressive and wayward cat.

Like other hybrids of wild animals, all offspring of the Savannah are marked by blood. F1 is a direct descendant from the first mating of an African cat (50% serval). In categories F1-F4, all cats remain sterile and cannot have offspring. Therefore, only females are suitable for further reproduction.

They are bred with domestic cats (usually the Bengal breed is chosen) and continue the savannah bloodline. The F5-F7 group is represented at home. She no longer has the hunting alertness and wild aggressiveness, but all the qualities of ordinary domestic cats are manifested.

Features of caring for domestic cats

A loving owner cares about the health of his pet. Spotted felines are active and curious, so they sometimes get injured. You need to carefully monitor their behavior and, if possible, prevent trouble.

All pets must be vaccinated against infections. This will protect your furry pets from many deadly diseases. In general, spotted cats do not require any specific care. They need to be cared for just like any other furry pet.

Grooming

Almost all spotted cats are short-haired, so brushing them once every 1-2 weeks is sufficient. Cats are very clean animals, so they only need to be washed if the pet gets dirty in something.

Cats keep their fur perfectly clean

Food for spotted cats

These animals are very active and spend a lot of energy, so they need a balanced, nutritious diet, like all other cats. It is advisable to feed them the best premium food that contains all the necessary nutrients.

Your cat's diet should be balanced

The spotted cat is a source of joy in the home. You can admire her endlessly. Motley beauties need care and love.

Cat breeds that look like tigers look very attractive and unusual. These days, such pets are no longer uncommon, but this was not always the case.

The American geneticist P. Casey was involved in crossing wild and domestic animals with a spotted coat. The result is that spotted cats have become suitable for living with humans.

Maine Coon

This breed is a semi-long-haired cat. The breed was bred in the USA, and is one of the largest purebred representatives in the world, created to live next to humans. This is a large breed of cat, with an extraordinary appearance, a variety of colors and an affectionate character.

The Maine Coon first appeared in Northeast America, in the state of Maine, about a hundred years ago. Part of the animal's name is associated with this area. The second component of the name in translation means raccoon or lynx, which is explained by the similarity of the fur coat with the coat of a raccoon. And with the presence of tassels, cats resemble a lynx.

The breed developed in northern climates, which explains the appearance of wide bones and long hair between the pads on the paws. Size does not match weight. Males weigh more than 10 kg. This breed of tasseled cats entered the Guinness Book of Records thanks to an amazing specimen weighing 16 kg.

Character

The Maine Coon is distinguished by its character and interesting features:

This ear-tufted cat adores her family and doesn't require much attention herself. They do not like loneliness; if you have to leave her alone for a while, you need to purchase various toys for the cat so that she does not get bored before the owners arrive. They love water and water procedures very much. There should always be a bowl of water next to the food for your pet to splash into. Maine Coon is able to communicate using different sounds. In addition to meowing, they make sounds similar to squeaks and trills. They have developed body language. If a cat wants to express a special reverent attitude, it hits its head. The breed is adapted to living in any climatic conditions. They can withstand winter cold and snowy weather without problems. Very friendly. The color of cats of this breed with tufted ears varies in 75 different color combinations. The breed includes both ginger cats and individuals with a chocolate color; lilac-colored specimens are possible, although these variations are recognized as a deviation from the standard and are not the norm for this species.

Maine is a coon with a half-meter tail, long hair, wide strong paws, powerful muscles and a large head. The cat's head is elongated, high cheekbones, triangular ears with tufts. The eyes of Maine Coon cats are oval-shaped, the color should be in harmony with the coat.

Care

Caring for this breed is easy:

The coat needs to be brushed daily; Provide her with a scratching post;
For food and water you need to place separate bowls, preferably made of glass or stainless steel;
It has a tendency to develop periodontal disease; to prevent the disease, you need to regularly brush your pet’s teeth.
The animal should be provided with its own corner, as it needs privacy from time to time. When the cat is in its corner, you should not touch it, so it will feel safe.
It is recommended to feed the Maine Coon dry food, which will keep the teeth in good condition.

You can add to your diet:

Raw beef;
Cottage cheese;
Quail eggs;
Boiled chicken.

The Maine Coon is a breed of cat with tassels, included in the list of the most expensive species in the world ($4,000 to $80,000).

Siberian cat

Ancestors of the Siberian cat from Taiga. The breed was officially registered in the 80s. Today, most of these furry animals live abroad.

This breed is classified as semi-longhaired. The tufts on the ears of Siberians can be clearly defined or not visible at all.

The physique of Siberian cats is massive, the limbs are distinctly strong. The head is trapezoidal, round, of medium size. The weight of a Siberian cat is about 6 kg. Cats can weigh up to 12 kg.

The tail is wide. The eyes may be yellow or green.

Color - gray, with brown and black weaves.

The peculiarity of the breed is that they take a long time to mature. Their period of maturity begins at 5 years.

Character

The breed of these cats with tassels on their ears is considered one of the "universal" ones.

Their character is strong, but at the same time they are affectionate and friendly. Affection is always welcome.

It gets along well both in a private house and in an apartment, as the breed is very neat, with a high sense of tact.

They get along great with children. They will be friends with other animals living at home. They do not tolerate rodents. Its prey can be a rabbit or a ferret living together in the house.

The Siberian cat is fearless. She may not let a stranger into the house, warn the owner about the approach of people who seem suspicious to her.

He loves to give gifts to his owner, sometimes bringing home something in his teeth.

The breed loves to climb high objects and play with toys. Smart like no other breed. Before doing anything, he thinks about the correctness of the action.

Thanks to the specificity of wool, they relieve pain caused by osteochondrosis.

Care

Siberian cats love walks and can walk outside even in winter; It is better to feed the breed natural food, with vitamin supplements; You need to regularly clean the animal’s ears with oil-based cotton balls, and its eyes with just damp ones; They are in good health, but require all prescribed vaccinations. Tassels are evidence that they are carriers of the genes of their wild counterparts, and therefore, when purchasing such a breed, you need to be prepared to give your pet personal space. Such cats are distinguished by intelligence and loyalty, they are freedom-loving, they like walks in the fresh air. They demand respect in return for their devotion and love. Having fallen in love with their owner, cats of this type will take on the responsibilities of his protector!