Are you captivated by cats with endearingly large noses and yearn to learn more about them? You’re not alone!
There’s something undeniably endearing about a cat’s nose. I love booping and kissing my cat’s nose all the time much to his displeasure.
As a dedicated animal lover, I’ve curated a guide that delves into the world of big-nosed cats.
Whether you’re considering welcoming a big-nosed cat into your home or just keen on expanding your feline knowledge, this guide promises to enlighten you.
Give Me A Big Nose Cat
We will do much better than that and give you 13 amazing cat breeds with big noses that you can admire and boop all day.
Cats with big noses aren’t just about unique looks – they add a distinctive charm to your cat’s character, too!
Here are some cat breeds with larger noses.
1. Bengal Cats
“Some Bengals have nose leather that can even puff up beyond their chin.”
Many have mistaken Bengal cats for domesticated wild cats. With their striking and distinctive spotted or marbled fur markings, it is easy to understand why.
As wild and untameable as they might look, Bengals make great house pets due to their inquisitive nature and loving personalities.
The Bengal cat breed came about in the 1970s when a lady in the USA named Jean Mill cross-bred an Asian Leopard cat with a domestic tabby cat.
Over the years, Bengal cats have grown in popularity due to their exotic looks which can also come with a huge price tag.
But the Bengal cat wouldn’t be on this list if it had a small nose.
Wild cats usually have puffier and bigger noses than domesticated cats. This is because they need a more sensitive nose for hunting and mating in the wild.
Given that the Bengal has some wild cat genes in its heritage, it’s not surprising to find a bigger cat nose on this breed.
Besides having a wider and taller nose than most cat breeds, the Bengal also has puffed-up nose leather which adds to the overall size of its nose.
Some Bengals have nose leather that can even puff up beyond their chin.
2. Oriental Shorthair
If you’ve never seen an Oriental Shorthair in real life before, don’t be shocked by the size of this cat’s nose if you do.
The Oriental Shorthair always commands attention when it walks into the room. With its long, lean sinewy body and huge ears, it is hard not to notice it.
This cat breed has its roots very closely tied to the Siamese cat.
Siamese cats originated in Thailand and became very popular in Europe during the early 1900s.
Unfortunately, due to WWII, the Siamese breed was in danger of being extinct.
Owners started cross-breeding their Siamese with other breeds like the Russian Blue and Abyssinian.
It was through this crossbreeding that the Oriental Shorthair was created.
Just like the Siamese cat, Oriental Shorthairs are also very vocal and inquisitive.
This cat breed needs lots of attention and affection and is not suitable for owners who are not around most of the time.
A lonely Oriental Shorthair is a depressed cat.
The cat is also great for owners who want a hypoallergenic cat. This cat breed produces less of the allergen ‘Fel d1‘ which is the cause of cat allergies.
Not only does this breed have huge bat-like ears but their noses are also very long and wide.
Similar to that of a lion.
3. Oriental Longhairs
The Oriental Longhairs are very similar to their shorthair counterparts. The only big difference is that this breed can come with a long coat.
Generally speaking, cats with long hair usually shed more than short hair cats and therefore require more grooming.
The Oriental Longhair doesn’t have an undercoat which means it sheds much lesser than your typical long hair cat.
An ideal breed for someone that wants a long-haired cat and a large nose without the additional grooming.
4. Chausie Cat
“This breed can grow to be pretty large, almost as huge as a Maine Coon.”
The Chausie cat (pronounced as “chow-see”) is another cat breed with a wide and distinct nose profile.
Some of you might think of the Bengal when looking at this cat as they do share some similar physical traits.
The huge differentiating factor is that the Chausie usually comes with a solid coat color instead of being spotted or marbled.
Chausies were bred by crossing a jungle cat and a domestic cat. The aim was to create a breed that had the look of a wild cat but the gentle demeanor of a house cat.
This breed can grow to be pretty large, almost as huge as a Maine Coon.
These cats possess sturdy, muscular physiques and their elongated snouts are complemented by prominent noses with puffy nasal leather.
They are playful and good-natured cats that like bonding with their owners.
If you want a cat that enjoys going for walks, the Chausie on a leash will make a good walking companion for you.
5. Savannah Cat
The Savannah cat is one breed that has been growing in popularity due to its wild and exotic looks.
This breed is a cross between your domestic cat and a Serval which is a large-eared African wild cat.
The Savannah is also a large cat. Not so much in terms of broadness but more in length.
Despite its wild appearance, the Savannah is a very energetic and playful cat.
If you are looking for a cat that likes chilling on the sofa with you, this isn’t the cat breed you want.
They are very loyal cats that love following their owners around the house like a dog. They are excellent jumpers and love to seek out high places.
Just like the Bengal, this cat’s nose resembles that of a wild cat. It has a long big nose and puffy nose leather.
6. Cornish Rex
“The first Cornish Rex was born in the 1950s on a farm due to a genetic mutation.”
It is hard to ignore a cat whose ears are larger than its head. That is the Cornish Rex for you.
Another interesting feature of this breed of cat is that it is almost bald. It has a very thin undercoat that feels like velvet.
Due to the lack of fur, such cats don’t do too well in cold climates as they can’t keep themselves warm.
Most Cornish Rex owners will put on a cat sweater for their cats when the temperature drops.
The first Cornish Rex was born in the 1950s on a farm due to a genetic mutation.
Over the years, this cat breed has been gaining in popularity due to its unique looks and loving personality.
The Cornish Rex has a rather long and wide nose which looks a lot bigger on its small and triangular head.
7. Sphynx
“The saying ‘Bald and intimidating’ doesn’t quite apply to this cat breed.”
It can be hard to imagine a cat breed that is bald but the Sphynx will prove you wrong.
The first ever Sphynx was born in Canada in 1966 due to a genetic mutation.
Being hairless has been the Sphynx’s unique quality and there are many breeders that plan to keep it that way.
The saying ‘Bald and intimidating’ doesn’t quite apply to this cat breed.
The Sphynx might look like it’s out to conquer the world but it is in fact timid and affectionate.
A lesser-known fact about the Sphynx cat is its prominent nose.
It may not be the first thing you notice but its nose is indeed larger than average. This trait adds to the cat’s overall charm and distinctive appearance.
8. Maine Coon
The Maine Coon cat is a breed like no other.
Often referred to as the “gentle giants” of the feline world, these cats command attention with their big frames, tufted ears, and long bushy tails.
The Maine Coon is one of the oldest cat breeds in America which originated in the state of Maine.
How the Maine Coon ended up in Maine is still a mystery.
Some believe that the Maine Coon is a Viking cat that was brought to America from Europe.
This cat breed is warm, sociable and with large noses that only add to their charm.
The Maine Coon regal looks and endearing personalities make them a true treasure in the world of feline companions.
9. Abyssinian
The Abyssinian cat, with its warm brown coat and expressive almond-shaped eyes, is admired for its lithe, athletic build and playful personality.
This cat breed is said to be one of the oldest cat breeds in the world, dating back to 4000 BC.
The Abyssinian cat breed as we know it today is significantly influenced by human intervention.
The original Abyssinians were bred extensively with British domestic cats.
Cat enthusiasts had certain traits which they wanted in this cat breed.
This led to crossbreeding with Russian Blues and Siamese cats to modify the Abyssinian’s physical characteristics.
One interesting physical trait of the Abyssinian is its moderately wedge-shaped head and pronounced muzzle, giving it a slightly larger than average nose.
10. Norweigan Forest Cat
“Many owners of this cat breed claim that they behave more like dogs than cats.”
Known for their adventurous spirit and striking appearance, the Norwegian Forest Cat is a breed that’s rich in history.
One look at this cat and you might mistake it for a Maine Coon.
These two breeds have more in common than you think.
Scientists believe that the Maine Coon is a descendant of the Norweigan Forest Cat as they are both large cat breeds with long coats.
The Norweigan Forest Cat hails from Norway and thrives in a harsh snowy climate.
They are strong cats and can be surprisingly athletic despite their large stature. One such feature is their prominent nose, larger than those of many other cat breeds.
Many owners of this cat breed claim that they behave more like dogs than cats.
This breed is friendly, loves attention and is great with other pets.
11. Turkish Van
Originating from Turkey, the Turkish Van is a distinctive breed known for its strength, agility, and striking beauty.
One interesting fact about this breed is its affinity to water.
They like to swim which gives them the nickname ‘The Swimming Cat’.
A standout feature of the Turkish Van is its robust, substantial nose.
This large, broad nose enhances their charmingly expressive face which contributes to the breed’s alert and intelligent expression.
Turkish Van cats are renowned for their high energy levels and require lots of attention from their owners.
They’re agile creatures, often found in high places due to their strong hind legs and love for climbing.
12. Siamese
The Siamese cat doesn’t need much of an introduction as it’s one of the most iconic cat breeds.
It is always cast as a villain in cartoons for some reason.
This breed originates from Siam and was said to be treasured by royals and monks for their striking appearance and companionable nature.
Siamese cats are known for their sleek, short coats.
They are slender cats but have muscular bodies that love to climb and get physical.
Their noses are a bit larger compared to other breeds, giving them a distinctive, regal profile.
One feature that you can’t miss is the stunningly blue, almond-shaped eyes.
13. Burmese
“They are strong with surprisingly heavy bones and muscles.”
The Burmese cat originated from Burma and is a charming combination of Eastern allure and Western friendliness.
This breed was developed further by mixing with Siamese cats, leading to the creation of the modern Burmese we know today.
Physically, the Burmese is a medium-sized cat, but don’t let that fool you,
They are strong with surprisingly heavy bones and muscles.
One of their most distinguishing features is their large, expressive eyes which are often a captivating yellow or amber color.
The nose, while not exceptionally large, is often broad and adds to the cat’s overall charming features.
What Determines A Cat’s Nose Size?
According to the International Cat Association (ICA), there are 71 known and registered cat breeds in the world.
The size of a cat’s nose, much like other physical attributes, is determined by its genetic makeup and breed.
When it comes to a cat’s nose, it can also vary between cat breeds in terms of length, width and in some cases, shape.
Where Can I Get A Cat With A Big Nose?
I am a big advocate of ‘adopting and not shopping’ when it comes to getting your cat.
There are many lovable cats in shelters and rescue homes that deserve a long home.
You might think that it won’t be possible to get such cat breeds in these locations but that’s not true.
I have volunteered at cat shelters before and I was surprised at the wide variety of cat breeds that I saw.
So please start at your local shelters first before checking with reputable breeders.
Pure bred kittens can command a high price.
If you have a smaller budget, you can try looking for a retired breeder cat.
Interesting Facts About Your Cat’s Nose
A nose is more than just for smelling when it comes to cats. Here are some interesting facts that you should know about your cat’s nose.
Cat’s Nose Color Is Related To Fur Color
Do you know that your cat’s fur color determines the color of its nose?
A black cat will have a black nose, a white cat usually has a pink nose and a cat with a multicolored coat can have a multicolored nose.
How interesting!
A Cat’s Nose Is 14x More Sensitive
The cat’s nose is the most important sense organ for them.
They have more than 200 million scent receptors in their nose, making them ultra-sensitive to smell.
When it comes to tasting food, a cat’s nose stimulates its appetite. Cats have very few taste receptors as compared to humans.
They rely on their scent of smell to determine what something might taste like and whether it is safe to eat.
It is also common to see cats touch noses as a sign of communication.
During mating season, most cats will also use their sense of smell to find a mate.
Outdoor cats will start marking or spraying on walls with their urine and anal glands.
A cat can use their noses to pick up this scent to determine the location of the cat and its propensity to mate.
Ever wondered why your cat doesn’t like the new scented cat litter or cat food that you bought?
Chances are there is something in the smell that your cat doesn’t like.
And if your cat doesn’t like it, it won’t use it.
Period.
Cats Have Unique Nose Prints
Every cat has a nose that is unique just like a fingerprint. Each nose comes with its own unique pattern of bumps and ridges.
If you have a few cats at home, compare their nose prints and you’ll see what I mean.
FAQ
Do Male Cats Have Bigger Noses?
Yes, boy cats have bigger and wider nose wings as compared to females.
This is due to male cats being bigger in size. The differences in facial features are more subtle as compared to physical size between genders.
Why Do Cats Like To Bump Noses?
Cats bump noses as a form of social greeting, similar to a human handshake. It allows them to exchange scents and recognize each other, fostering familiarity and trust.