Highlander Cat Breed Information

Group

Long Haired, Short Haired

Weight

6.8-9 kg

Length

26-38 cm

Lifespan

10-15 years

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About the Highlander Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Although these large cats may closely resemble a Lynx, the Highlander is an incredibly affectionate breed. They love lots of cuddles and playing games with their owners; they will even play fetch like a dog!

Below you can find our guide to this fantastic new breed, so you know exactly how to care for your new furry friend!

What Is the History & Origin of the Highlander Cat?

The Highlander is a fairly new breed, with the first of its kind being recognised by the International Cat Association in 2008. It comes from a combination of both a Jungle Curl and a Desert Lynx, which are two hybrid breeds based on wild cats.

Due to their unique genetics, they were originally nicknamed the ‘Highland Lynx’. The Exotic Feline Registry changed this in 2005 as it quickly became apparent this was no wildcat. Highlander cats are incredibly affectionate and will make a superb companion to any cat lover!

What Is a Highlander Cat Breed?

The Highlander is a large cat breed that may look intimidating but are extremely affectionate. They make wonderful pets due to their attentive nature and are sure to catch the eye of any cat lover!

Who Is a Highlander Cat Best For?

Although they are a relatively new breed, the Highlander has quickly acquired a reputation for being a kind and loving breed. This means they are perfect for cat owners who love to spend a lot of time with their pets.

They are also reasonably sociable and will happily play with younger children and even other cat-friendly pets. This means they are perfect for families with younger kids and pet lovers looking to add another cat to their family.

Due to their genetics from a Lynx, this breed is incredibly energetic and playful. Don’t be surprised if your Highlander begins to act like your dog as they will happily play fetch and even let you walk them on a leash – active pet owners are sure to fall in love!

What Does a Highlander Cat Look Like?

Highlander cats are extremely unique in their appearance, particularly when you consider they are a domestic breed. They closely resemble a wildcat such as a Lynx. They have small curled ears and loose fur that emphasise their unique appearance.

Their boast a dazzling display of eye colours, but light blue and grey eyes are perhaps the most common appearance amongst this breed.

Coat

In terms of coat length, Highlanders can be extremely varied. Both longhaired and shorthaired variants exist, and some even boast a fantastic curly coat thanks to the genetics passed on by their Curl ancestry.

Colours

Much like their Lynx ancestry, the Highlander breed can boast a fantastic array of colours. They are most commonly found with lighter grey or brown coats, although it is possible for your Highlander to have a solid ginger or dark grey coat.

Patterns

The most common coat pattern found amongst this breed is large solid shapes of a different colour to the coat. They can also have spots or stripes dotted throughout their coat which is incredibly reminiscent of wild big cats!

Highlander Cat Grooming & Shedding

As this impressive breed can come in both a shorthair and longhair variant, their exact grooming needs will differ from cat to cat. Longer hair varieties will require more groomer than their shorter-haired friends and are much more prone to shedding.

All breeds will require regular nail trimming and baths to ensure they are clean and healthy. Ideally, with Highlanders, you should expect to groom your furry friend at least once every two weeks!

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

When describing the Highlander’s personality and temperament, the first word that comes to mind is nurturing. These cats just love to show their owners how much they appreciate them and will regularly pounce beside you for cuddles.

Throughout the day, they can be extremely energetic, regularly requiring new toys and even people to play with. However, once the house begins to settle down, your Highlander will instantly initiate cuddle mode!

Living Needs

Highlander cats can grow fairly quickly, so it’s important that they have enough room in their home to stretch their legs. They can be extremely playful, so it’s highly recommended to stock up on a range of toys.

They love exploring new areas and running around, so homes with a garden make incredible homes for this large cat. You can also expect your Highlander to love making new friends, so a home with multiple pets is especially ideal.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of Highlander Cats?

One of the distinguishing features of a Highlander is that they will pick up on traits from any pets they live with. If you have an energetic dog, then you can be sure that your Highlander will match your dog’s tempo and love to play regularly.

As they are a strong breed, they love to exercise, so you will often find your Highlander running around your home. You may even notice your Highlander attempting to get your attention by doing tricks and generally being a cheeky cat!

Activity level

You might have already guessed, but these large cats are extremely energetic. It isn’t uncommon for Highlander owners to invest in a leash or similar walking tool just to get these cats to use up some of that pent-up energy.

Thanks to their high levels of intelligence, they will know when it is time to settle down, so you will still be able to snuggle up with this gorgeous breed.

Vocalness

Highlander cats love receiving attention and love from their owners, but they are surprisingly quiet for such a social breed. They will tend to chirp when they are hungry or just want a stroke, and you can expect your Highlander to purr when being snuggled.

However, they generally don’t meow too often, especially when their needs are completely taken care of. Each cat is different, so don’t be surprised if your Highlander begins speaking to you regularly!

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

Height

The Highlander, much like the Maine Coon, can grow extremely large for a domestic breed. You can expect your fully grown Highlander to reach heights of 26-38cm tall!

Weight

Due to their large and muscular body, Highlanders can get pretty heavy. The average fully-grown adult Highlander will weigh anywhere between 6.8 to 9kgs!

Size

As they are a unique mixture of both a Highland Lynx (or sometimes Desert Lynx) and a Jungle Curl, the average Highlander can grow fairly large. They may not quite reach the size of the Maine Coon, a famous big cat, but they are generally larger than other breeds.

Are Highlander Cats Easy to Train?

Highland Cats are easily trained thanks to their high levels of intelligence and curiosity. They can quickly pick on other pets’ habits and traits, so toilet training and learning their food schedule should come naturally.

When it comes to tricks, most cats can be stubborn – Highland cats, on the other hand, love learning tricks. They are one of the few breeds to actively enjoy being walked on a leash and will even play fetch and similar games that are typically associated with dogs.

Does the Highlander Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

This robust breed is incredibly resistant to most health issues, and they will rarely suffer from any debilitating health problems. However, as they have curled ears, they are more prone to hearing disorders – especially as they grow older.

Their short tail can also be a cause of concern with pet owners, but there’s no need to worry; this doesn’t make them more prone to accidents. Polydactyl paws are a common trait amongst highlanders, leading to extra toes on each paw.

What Is the Lifespan of a Highlander Cat?

The Highlander breed has a relatively long lifespan, especially when compared to the many breeds available today. You can expect your Highlander cat to live for anywhere between 10 and 15 years!

How Much Does a Highlander Cat Need to Be Fed?

Typically, as the Highlander is a larger breed, they will require slightly more food than smaller cats. They will generally require two large meals a deal, but each cat is different, so adjust accordingly.

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

As the Highlander cat is a classed as a preliminary new breed class, they can be fairly expensive. Adopting a Highlander from a reputable breeder should cost anywhere between $850 to $1,100, depending on your chosen breeder.

Highlander Cat FAQs

Are Highlander cats rare?

The Highlander is a fairly rare breed, especially when compared to other domestic cat breeds. It’s not as rare as breeds such as the Khao Manee, but it can still be hard to find a Highlander breeder.

Are Highlander cats hypoallergenic?

Almost all breeds of cats can cause allergies if you suffer from a cat or general pet allergy. Highlander cats still shed dander, which is the main cause of allergies, but they shed less than similar breeds.

Do Highlander cats get along with other cats?

Yes, Highlanders get along with other pets including cats and even cat-friendly dog breeds. They love making new friends and can quickly grow affectionate towards their owners and loved ones!