The Highlander (also referred to as the Highlander Shorthair and formerly known as the Highland Lynx) is a relatively recent cat breed. The Highlander’s distinct appearance is the result of a purposeful hybrid between the Desert Lynx and the Jungle Curl breeds, both of which were developed recently. Despite the fact that both of these cats claim wild species’ bloodlines, they have been discovered to be domestic cats.
The breed was created in 2004 with the goal of generating a domestic cat with a robust wild-look appearance. The cats used to create the breed were carefully selected from the domestic gene pool, rather than from any known breed. The Highlander’s ears are a distinguishing trait.
In 1993, a breeder named Joe Childers came up with the idea for the Highlander. The goal was to create a domestic feline with a distinctive wild cat appearance as well as gregarious and playful personality features. Despite having the word Lynx in their name, the mixed breed does not have any wild cat genes. Highlander was chosen as the breed name in 2005, and breeders concentrated on defining the breed and its qualities.
Highlander breed refinement began in 2004, with the goal of better distinguishing the breed from its foundation stock and obtaining competition status from major breed registries. In late 2005, the name Highlander was chosen. The International Cat Association (TICA) recognized the breed for competition on May 1, 2008. Although some cats are polydactyl, it is not a breed standard and is a show ring disqualification. The International Cat Association (TICA) recognized the breed in 2008, dividing Highlanders into two varieties: Highlander Shorthair (HGS) and simply Highlander (HG) for the longer-haired version.
Table of Contents
Body Structure
The Highlander has a long, sloping forehead and a blunt, wide-nosed muzzle. The ears are upright with a small curl and a slight backward tilt, and the eyes are wide-set. Although some cats have polydactyl paws, this is not a desirable characteristic in cats. They have speckled or classic bullseye markings, are mackerel and look like bobcats. The body is muscular and solid. Females weigh between 10 and 14 pounds, while males weigh between 15 and 20 pounds while the height is between 10-16 inches. In a variety of colors, the Highlander has tabby/lynx point or solid point coloration. In the breed standard, bicolored cats are not permitted.
Behavior
Notwithstanding its wild look appearance, the breed is a people-oriented cat that is friendly and playful, as well as active and confident. The Highlander is a fantastic breed for cat lovers looking for a gregarious, energetic, fun cat that is also confident and loving. They have a lot of energy, so providing them with plenty of opportunities to release it via play is essential. Toys should be provided, and you should spend time with them every day.
The fact that these cats enjoy the water is one of their most distinguishing characteristics. Running water fascinates them, and they don’t mind being wet. These cats are also intelligent and easy to train. They also like being the focus of attraction by demonstrating their gymnastic skills.
Caring
Most Highlanders are low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, as their short hair only requires a quick brushing once a week. Hairballs and mats will be less likely to form if you do this. However, some species have long hair, so you’ll need to brush them more frequently.
They are generally healthy cats, though they are susceptible to the same diseases as the Desert Lynx and Jungle Curl. Although there are no known breed-specific health issues, keep an eye out for signs that your cat is in distress or pain. The average life span is between 10-15 years of age.
