Highlander Cat Breed Description and Complete Care Guide

The Highlander cat, formerly known as the Highland Lynx and also known as the Highlander Shorthair, is a brand-new cat breed. The deliberately performed crossbreeding of the recently created breeds of Desert Lynx and Jungle Curl gave rise to the Highlander’s distinctive appearance.

Despite their claims to having wild species bloodlines, both of these animals have been shown to be entirely domestic cats.

Less than 20 years ago, a Desert Lynx and a Jungle Curl were crossed to create this breed. Formerly known as the Highlander Lynx, the “Lynx” was later omitted, giving rise to the breed’s current name and the acknowledgement that they are a unique breed.

These cats are playful and affectionate, and despite having wildcat markings, they have a domestic temperament that is sure to win anyone over.

These strange cats are distinguished from most domestic cats by their abnormally short tails, which they wag when excited, much like dogs. The beauty of this unusual breed is enhanced by their enormous, curled ears, powerful bodies, and large eyes.

Breeder Joe Childress of the east coast aimed to create a breed in 1993 that had a strong “large cat” appearance and a domestic cat temperament. In order to create the Highland Lynx, he mixed two hybrid breeds, the Desert Lynx and the Jungle Curl.

Although there are no significant cat associations, the Highland Lynx is now registered with the Rare and Exotic Cat Registry. Breeders altered the name to Highlander as selective breeding went on because “lynx” is a term used to describe wild cats or a description of their markings.

The Highlander was approved by The International Cat Association in 2008 to compete in the Preliminary New Breed division.

Some Highlanders have straight ears and long tails from birth. The majority of Highlanders have curled ears and short, bob-like tails.

The naturally short-tailed, medium to large, athletic, and muscular highlander cat was developed to emulate big cats. Both shorthaired and longhaired varieties of the highlander are available, and their coats can be solid, gray tabby, tabby, silver/smoke in any colour, or any combination of these.

Being a relatively new breed, the highlander does not yet have full recognition from any significant cat registry, although it is moving toward achieving full recognition from The International Cat Association.

Highlanders are a powerful, energetic species that enjoys playing, running, and chasing. Children often make the best playmates for them since they are kind and patient with them. These lively cats will be delighted with cat trees and quality toys.

Highlanders have a friendly disposition and get along well with everyone, including dogs and other animals. They frequently play silly or pull tricks for their owners’ pleasure because they want to be the focus of attention.

Health Care of the Highlander Cat Breed

Although Highlander cats have no known illnesses or other health problems specific to their breed, any cat can become ill, wounded, or develop a health problem at any age to make sure he’s healthy and to spot any new health problems as soon as they arise.

At least once a year, your highlander cat has to get a complete physical examination from the vet. On average, they survive 10 to 15 years.

The highlander cat is less likely to gain weight since he is inherently athletic and active. But if diet is not adequately handled, every cat has the potential to overeat. Lean cats are healthier cats, and maintaining a healthy weight can help fight against diseases like diabetes and arthritis that are linked to obesity.

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Don’t leave food in the bowl all day. Give adult Highlanders two meals per day instead. They should be made to eat three to four times a day for young kittens. Overeating can be avoided by serving measured meals. Find out what kind of food is best for your Highland cat by consulting Highlander cat breeders or veterinarian.

Highlanders are a domestic breed with no unique dietary needs, despite their ties to wild cats. Their nutritional requirements will be satisfied by a high-quality, commercially prepared food. But choose a formula that is age-appropriate for your pet because the nutritional requirements for kittens, adults, and senior cats differ.

Monitor your cat’s food intake and cut back on portions if they start to gain weight to keep them at a healthy weight.

Every cat’s health depends on having easy access to fresh, clean water in addition to frequent meals.

Highlander Cat Breeds Grooming and Care Guide

When it comes to grooming, Highlanders can have either short or long coats. To eliminate loose hair and reduce shedding on your furnishings and clothing, brush both coat types several times a week with a soft smoother brush.

Pay close attention to the belly hair on the long-haired highlander because it is longer than the rest of the coat. To avoid matting, properly brush or comb this belly fur. To keep the coat clean, soft, and beautiful, give your highlander a bath with a moisturizing shampoo every few months.

Weekly ear checks and nail trimmings are recommended. If you notice a small bit of wax or dirt in the ears, clean them with pet ear cleanser using a cotton ball or cotton square.

Never insert anything, such as cotton swabs, inside your cat’s ear because you run the danger of hurting their ear drums. Make an appointment to see your veterinarian if the ears appear red, irritated, or extremely unclean.

The highlander will get enough exercise by exploring, climbing, and playing if you give them short play sessions throughout the day and provide them with a range of climbing options like cat trees, kitty towers, and even bookshelves near windows.

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Change up the toys you employ, such as feather brushes, jingling balls, and toy mice, to keep things interesting. Highlanders take great pleasure in playing fetch and chase.

Create scratching spaces in the house with both horizontal and vertical scratchers, such as cat trees, towering posts, and ground-level cardboard or sisal scratchers.

In conclusion, although the highlander is designed to resemble big cats in the wild, the breed’s temperament is anything from wild animals. This loving, sociable, and people-focused breed enjoys playing and spending time with the family.

The highlander has a moderately quiet voice, yet it will probably accompany you as you go about doing your choirs while inside the house.

The highlander will become the talk of the neighborhood due to its distinctive appearance, which includes loosely curled ears and a naturally short tail. In order to be healthy, Highlanders require a lot of attention and exercise.

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