Desert Lynx Cat Breed Information

Group

Short Haired

Weight

3.6-7.2 kg

Length

40-50 cm

Lifespan

13-16 years

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About the Desert Lynx Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

The Desert Lynx, also known as the Caracal, is quite the magnificent cat breed to come across. As a cross between a number of other breeds, including the American Lynx, the Pixie Bob, Maine Coon and even the wild cat breeds of the bobcat in some cases – they have quite the lineage.

As felines, they’re known for being an outgoing breed that enjoys the social aspects of living in an active household. Playful and loving, many consider this breed to be almost like a domestic dog than a cat.

They make for great family pets, so if you’re looking at purchasing or adopting a Desert Lynx, then this breed is one worth considering for your household, perhaps.

What Is the History & Origin of the Desert Lynx Cat?

The origins of this feline likely go back to the bobcat, especially when it comes to its appearance. A breed that combines the wildcat along with the more domesticated cat breeds, a number of felines would have been mixed in to help create this breed.

It’s thought the first ones were bred and developed back in the 1990s.

The Desert Lynx is a recognised cat by The International Cat Association. You will likely find the Desert Lynx available from a number of breeders and, on some occasions, in shelters.

What Is a Desert Lynx Cat Breed?

The Desert Lynx has a distinguishing appearance that’s led mainly by its ears. The ears are large and pointed, with a tuft of hair on the top. These medium-sized cats have quite an intimidating appearance, despite being loveable felines. One of its best features is its coat which is thick, long and often comes with a ticked, clouded or spotted.

The Desert Lynx is considered an exotic breed by the exotic feline registry, as well as being a rare breed too.

Who Is a Desert Lynx Cat Best For?

Desert Lynx is best suited for those who are often in their homes. They serve great pets for households that have kids especially, as long as socialisation and boundaries are properly set on both sides.

This feline is loyal and loving to their companions, so despite their need for an active household, they’ll certainly adapt to most surroundings anyway.

What Does a Desert Lynx Cat Look Like?

Desert Lynx cats are often one of three patterns, and they have a variety of colour combinations. They’re a distinct breed that is certainly very noticeable from the moment you set your eyes on them.

They have straight ears and a large body. Their prominent whisker pads are often linked to their bobcat heritage, and you can tell that the Desert Lynx is made up of several breeds.

Coat

Their coat is adjustable to most climates, so long as there’s enough shade and fresh water during the warmer months. It’s also a beautiful coat in its appearance and feeling.

Colours

There are a number of common colour combinations, which include silver, blue, ebony and chocolate brown.

Patterns

As a domestic cat, you’ll find this breed has three pattern types; spotted, ticked or clouded. The clouded leopard pattern is often a popular one.

Desert Lynx Cat Grooming & Shedding

When grooming the Desert Lynx, you want to make sure that you’re treating this domestic breed properly. They do a lot of grooming themselves, as most cats will do, but you want to start brushing them early on.

Longer-haired coats, though, will need regular brushing and will help avoid matting. Make sure to check their straight ears for any dirt build-up or redness, and be sure to take them to the vets as and when they need it.

How Do Desert Lynx Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

These sociable cats have fun-loving and engaging personalities. Their temperament is one of a loyal and faithful kind that will be well-rested when by your side.

They love to play and will need regular exercise sessions to help cater to this side of their personality and temperament.

Living Needs

These types of cats are going to adapt best to an environment that’s full of love and attention. It’s going to benefit from a larger home where possible so that they have plenty of space to roam and have fun. It’s also worth providing them with plenty of toys and a cat tree or two for them to interact with as and when needed.

Apart from that, they’re fairly simple cats who don’t need a lot of complex demands in order to live in their home in happiness and health.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of Desert Lynx Cats?

It’s important to cater to any cat breed or dog breed and their habits as well as activity levels when it comes to your home. After all, it’s going to help keep them happy and content if they have a pleasant living experience.

Habits

This cat is one that’s loyal in nature and enjoys the company of others. They like to be around people, meaning they’re going to want to spend time with you wherever you go around the home. Apart from that, they do enjoy roaming, so you may often find them roaming around the home too.

Activity level

They have a fairly high level of activity, so a lot of playtime is encouraged to help them burn off their excess energy.

Vocalness

Some owners prefer to have a cat that is less vocal, and other owners aren’t fussed. The vocalness of this breed is fairly low, so they’ll only start to get vocal if they need something from you, as most pets will do from their owners.

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of a Desert Lynx Cat?

The Desert Lynx is medium in size, and when it comes to their measurements, they tend to vary depending on the breeder and the difference between genders.

Height

The height of a Desert Lynx Cat is often measured from its head to body, which is between 40 and 50cm.

Weight

The Desert Lynx will vary between 3.6 to 7.2kgs, and the males tend to be the heavier of the two genders. However, there could be some that are on the smaller or larger end of the scale. This is the average weight, after all.

Size

This is a fairly medium-sized cat, although it’s likely on the larger side of a medium than the lower end.

Are Desert Lynx Cats Easy to Train?

As smart cats who are quick to learn, they don’t have much of a problem when it comes to using their litter boxes for the first time. The same goes for learning any tricks that you’d like to give them. They’re a great breed of cat that you’ll enjoy training, should you be patient enough and spend the time in their early years to teach.

Does the Desert Lynx Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

The Desert Lynx is a healthy breed, so if you want years of lasting memories, then it’s important to look out for any problems that might occur during its life. This means taking them to the vets as and when it’s needed, as well as for regular checkups.

Typically, though, the Desert Lynx is fairly unproblematic when it comes to health issues. However, they are somewhat more prone to ear and urinary tract infections, constipation, and a disease called Horner’s syndrome.

What Is the Lifespan of a Desert Lynx Cat?

The lifespan of a Desert Lynx is one that can expect to live for quite some time. When it comes to keeping them healthy, as long as they’re getting enough food and exercise, they’ll be expected to live between 13 and 16 years old.

How Much Does a Desert Lynx Cat Need to Be Fed?

Feeding these bobcat-esque cats often depends on what your vet recommends, but usually, it’s either commercially raw diet food kibble or canned varieties.

As a medium-sized cat, they’ll likely need two meals a day that is measured out in relation to how much they weigh currently. Kittens will tend to have three meals a day as they’re growing.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a Desert Lynx Cat in Australia?

These purebred cats in Australia can vary in price but are likely to be around the $800 to $1,000 mark depending on how scarce they are in your area in particular. You might be in a location that’s limited in breeders, and therefore, you can expect to pay a fairly higher price as a result.

Desert Lynx Cat FAQs

Are Desert Lynx cats friendly?

Desert Lynx, despite their looks, are very sociable domestic cats that end up forming strong and long-lasting relationships with their human companions. They have a playful personality that comes with regular play required by the owners. They’re very friendly, for the most part, towards anyone and everyone they come into contact with.

Do Desert Lynx cats get along well with other household animals?

On the subject of cats, the Desert Lynx can often get along well with other household pets. If you do have other cats and dogs in your home, then you shouldn’t have much of a problem socialising them with the Desert Lynx. It’s important, though, that you introduce them all carefully.

Do Desert Lynx cats suffer from separation anxiety?

Sadly, if you’re someone that spends a lot of time away from home, then these cats aren’t going to be best for you. This is due to the fact that they can suffer from separation anxiety as they’re socially active felines!