The Highland lynx is a fairly new cat breed that made its first appearance in 1995 at a North Carolina cattery. Also known as the Highland lynx bobtail and the Highlander, the Highland lynx was developed by crossing jungle curls with desert lynx cats. Considered an exotic breed, the Highlander is recognized by the Rare and Exotic Breed Registry.
Highlanders can range in size from 10 to as much as 25 pounds, with males often being larger than females. Healthy cats can live up to 16 years if they are taken care of properly. Some of the Highland lynx’s notable features include curled ears, six-toed paws, ear tufts (long-haired varieties) and short tails (ideally). These cats can have either long or short hair, which can come in a variety of colors including cream, chocolate, black, silver, mink, red, blue and fawn. Their coats can also come in various patterns such as solid-colored, leopard-spotted, clouded leopard tabby-striped and ticked agouti.
Personality
The Highland lynx is a mild-mannered cat that gets along quite well with dogs, children and other felines. Unlike many other cat breeds, Highlanders are very playful and active. However, they are also extremely affectionate and love to cuddle with their humans when they are tired. While they can be quite inquisitive, Highland lynx cats are also very intelligent and easy to train.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 13 – 15 years |
| Nicknames: | No nicknames known |
Highland Lynx Cat Build Information
Highlanders can range in size from 10 to as much as 25 pounds, with males often being larger than females. Healthy cats can live up to 16 years if they are taken care of properly. Some of the Highland lynx’s notable features include curled ears, six-toed paws, ear tufts (long-haired varieties) and short tails (ideally). These cats can have either long or short hair, which can come in a variety of colors including cream, chocolate, black, silver, mink, red, blue and fawn. Their coats can also come in various patterns such as solid-colored, leopard-spotted, clouded leopard tabby-striped and ticked agouti.
| Size: | Medium – Large |
Behaviour and Personality
The Highland lynx is a mild-mannered cat that gets along quite well with dogs, children and other felines. Unlike many other cat breeds, Highlanders are very playful and active. However, they are also extremely affectionate and love to cuddle with their humans when they are tired. While they can be quite inquisitive, Highland lynx cats are also very intelligent and easy to train.
| Activity Level: | High |
| Affection Level: | High |
| Kid Friendliness: | Kid friendly |
Appearance
The Highland lynx needs very little grooming. However, if you have a long-haired variety, it is best to brush its coat about once a week to to eliminate dead hair and prevent mats from developing. Since the Highlander seems to accumulate ear wax quicker than other breeds, you will also need to check and clean its ears regularly. Bathing should only be performed if your cat gets particularly dirty.
| Shedding: | Everage |
| Grooming: | Little |
Highland Lynx Cat Common Health Conditions
While there are not any known genetic health issues associated with the Highland lynx, it is essential for you to be aware of their dietary needs. Cats are known as obligate carnivores, which means that they must have meat in their diets. Additionally, since felines do not drink a lot of water, it is best to feed them a good-quality canned food.
Highland Lynx Cat Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The Highland lynx was created by crossing the jungle curl with the desert lynx producing a somewhat wild-looking medium to large-sized feline. While jungle curls originated from African jungle hybrids, the desert lynx is a bobcat hybrid. The first litter of Highlanders were produced in 1995 and possessed many characteristics of both of these breeds. The Highland lynx is a lovable cat that can bring joy to most any home. These cats form strong bonds with their human families and do not like to be separated from them for long. However, perhaps the best feature of Highlanders is that they make great pets for households that have children, dogs or other cats.
