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Highlander cat

Appearance

Origin

Temperament

Appearance

Origin

Temperament

Home

Highlander cat

Appearance

Origin

Temperament

Appearance

Origin

Temperament

Highlander cat

Other names: Highlander Shorthair

The Highlander is a new breed of cat that was developed in the 2000s. Its distinct appearance is a result of intentional crossbreeding between the Desert Lynx and Jungle Curl breeds, both of which were also recently developed. While these breeds are said to have wild species in their lineages, they are completely domestic cat breeds with affectionate temperaments. The Highlander is also referred to as the Highlander Shorthair or Highland Lynx.

Parent breeds:

Chausie

Desert Lynx

Male

Female

weight

7-9

15.4-19.8

kglbs

kg lbs

weight

5-6

11-13.2

kglbs

kg lbs

life span

7-15 years

Size

Moderate

Country of Origin:

USA

Fur Length:

Short

Breed origin:

Crossbreed

Recognized by: 2 registers

ACFA

CCCOFA

CCA-AFC

ACA

GCCF

LOOF

TSACC

CFSA

ACF

FIFE

WCF

NZCF

TICA

CFA

Appearance

The Highlander cat is known for its short tail, spotted or classic markings, mackerel pattern, and resemblance to the bobcat. It has a very muscular body, a long, sloping forehead, and a blunt muzzle with a broad nose. Its eyes are set wide apart, and its ears are upright with a slight curl and a slight backward turn. The coat of this breed can come in various colors with tabby/lynx point or solid point coloration.

Coat type

Body type

Fur length

Tail

Coat type

Body type

Fur length

Tail

Origin

The Highland Lynx was developed in the United States at the beginning of the 2000s with the aim of creating a wild-looking cat with the temperament of a domestic cat. This was achieved by crossing two hybrid breeds, the Desert Lynx and the Jungle Curl. The breed was officially recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) for competition in the Preliminary New Breed class starting from May 1, 2008. In 2016, it was moved up to the Advanced New Breed category. TICA categorizes Highlanders into two varieties, known as Highlander Shorthair (HGS) and simply Highlander (HG) for the longer-haired variation. In 2022, the Highlander was accepted as a championship breed in the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA).

Parent animals

Breed origin

Parent breeds

Origin countries

Temperament

Despite their striking resemblance to big cats, Highlander cats are known for their friendly and playful nature. They are highly affectionate, gentle, and patient, particularly when it comes to interacting with children. These felines are also quite active and enjoy activities such as running, chasing, and even splashing around in water. Thanks to their intelligence, Highlanders are quick learners and can easily pick up tricks like fetching, walking on a leash, and sitting on command. While they may not be very vocal, they are adept at expressing themselves through their body language.

Behavior:

Friendly toward other pets

Friendly toward humans

Activity Level:

Very active

Keeping conditions

Diet preferences

Grooming

Common health issues

Diet preferences

Grooming

Common health issues

The Highlander does not require a specific food but needs a high-protein diet. It can be fed a combination of dry and wet food. Additionally, it should have access to fresh, clean water at all times to ensure it receives adequate nourishment.

The Highlander is a skilled self-groomer and requires little maintenance. Its coat should be brushed once a week to keep it smooth and prevent shedding. Regularly clean your cat's ears, trim its nails when needed, and brush its teeth as often as possible to avoid problems with teeth and gums.

Grooming intencity

Easy to groom

The Highlander is generally a healthy breed. However, some individuals with polydactyl paws may experience knee and hip health issues as they age. It is important to regularly visit your vet to monitor and maintain the health of your Highlander.