Researchers from Purdue University in Indiana have uncovered a reason behind the small bald patches that appear in front of domestic cats’ ears. The finding was reported by Live Science.
Similar patches show up on the heads of several wild cats, including African wildcats, ocelots, and lynxes. In contrast, big cats like lions, tigers, and jaguars typically lack these distinctive bald areas.
Until recently, scientists did not understand what caused these ear-area bald patches. A zoologist named Judith Stella noted the mystery, and scientists have also long observed that short fur on paw pads and the abdomen helps cats stay clean by reducing dirt and moisture that can accumulate.
A new theory proposes that the thinner hair in front of small cats’ ears helps them pick up ultrasonic signals from rodents they hunt. With ears that are more open, predators may hear ultrasound more clearly and identify its source.
For jaguars, lions, and tigers, which often pursue larger prey such as antelope and wild boar, ultrasonic hearing might be less critical to survival. That could explain why these cats retain longer fur around the head without noticeable patch variation.
In the broader picture, researchers emphasize that cats adapt their features to support their hunting strategies. The ear-area patches are not random; they appear linked to how a species listens and hunts in its environment.
Earlier explanations focused on grooming and cleanliness, but the latest evidence highlights sensory adaptation as a key driver. This evolution helps explain why different cat species display varying patterns of hair around the ears, even when other traits remain similar.
The discovery adds another layer to our understanding of feline biology. It shows how even small physical differences can reflect deeper changes in behavior, ecology, and survival tactics across species. [Live Science attribution: Live Science]