When someone sees a modern Oriental or Siamese cat for the first time, their eyes almost certainly lock onto the ears: they are enormous, wide-open, and set at an entirely unusual angle. Those unfamiliar with the breed often ask: is this natural, or just a new passing trend?
The answer: it is the result of decades of deliberate, dedicated breeding work. Today, the shape and placement of the ears are the breed’s definitive trademark, yet the exact angle they form makes all the difference.
The appearance of Oriental and Siamese cats has evolved tremendously over the past decades. Today, we distinguish four clearly defined ear sets:
CSClassic Ear Set1.
Mid-20th century style: the ears sit high and almost upright on top of the head, much like those of a traditional domestic cat. Charming, yet in today’s modern show rings, it is considered ancient history.
MSModern Ear Set2.
The favorite of official breed standards. The ears have a wide base and seamlessly continue the wedge-shaped lines of the head. Viewed from the front, the head forms a clean, balanced equilateral triangle.
ESExtreme (“Airplane-Set”) Ear Set3.
The star of today’s international top tier. The ears are set low, aligned with the eyes, and spread almost horizontally like the wings of an airplane. This gives the cat that breathtaking, wild, panther-like expression that breed enthusiasts adore.
SESSuper-Extreme Ear Set4.
When selective breeding crosses the line. If the tips of the ears droop below the horizontal line, the cartilage loses its firmness, and the ears begin to hang. Neither judges nor responsible breeders tolerate this: the cat must always remain firm, alert, and refined.
Across the cat fancy, different global registries take varying approaches to this striking transformation:
WCF and other more traditional registries
Judges in more traditional registries (such as the WCF) adhere strictly to the rulebook: they favor a balanced triangle and a more moderate, classic-modern ear placement.
FIFe and other more open federations
In other major international federations (such as FIFe), judging practices are far more receptive to modern trends: in their rings, it is precisely these radical, nearly horizontal ear sets and sleek silhouettes that achieve the greatest triumphs and claim the top titles.
The goal is never exaggeration for its own sake, but true harmony: giant, flared ears only look truly magnificent when paired with a perfectly straight profile, exquisite almond-shaped green eyes, and a healthy, firm, athletic build.
The goal of the Diva Noire cattery is the extreme (“airplane-set”) ear set in our Oriental and Siamese cats. However, every litter also produces kittens with a less extreme ear set, because the inheritance of ear type cannot be planned perfectly.
It is good to know that ear type affects pricing worldwide: the more extreme the ear set, the higher the price of a kitten usually is. Kittens with a less extreme ear set are just as healthy, loving and well-balanced companions, and can move to a family at a more favourable price. We always discuss this openly with interested families in advance.
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