Highlander cat breed: facts, temperament and care
A large, muscular American cat with curled ears and a short tail, developed from wild-cat hybrid lines and still a new breed.
Also known as Highlander cat, Highland Lynx, Highlander Shorthair
Quick facts
| Origin | United States |
|---|---|
| Size | Large |
| Typical weight | Females 10-14 lb (4.5-6.4 kg); males 15-20 lb (6.8-9.1 kg) |
| Coat length | Short |
| Coat | Short or longer-haired coat, dense and plush, in two varieties |
| Colours and patterns | Tabby and lynx-point patterns in many colours; bicolours are not allowed |
Recognition
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Not recognised by the CFA |
|---|---|
| How common | Very rare |
Temperament and care (1 low, 5 high)
| Affection | 4 |
|---|---|
| Energy | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 2 |
| Shedding | 3 |
| Good with children | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 |
| Happy alone | 3 |
| Trainability | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 2 |
Allergies and health
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The dense coat sheds moderately, and people who react to cats are likely to react to this one. |
|---|
Best suited to
| Suits | A spacious, active home that wants a big, people-oriented cat and can find a reputable breeder. |
|---|---|
| Less suited to | A small flat, or anyone who wants a long-established breed with detailed health data. |
Registries that recognise it
- TICA
About the Highlander
The Highlander is a new American breed, first called the Highland Lynx. It was made by crossing two experimental lines, the Desert Lynx and the Jungle Curl, to add the Jungle Curl's curled ears to the Desert Lynx's bobcat-like look. Refinement of the breed took off in 2004, and the name Highlander was adopted in late 2005. TICA accepted it as a preliminary new breed in 2008 and later advanced its status.
The breed is part of the wild-look and hybrid group. Its background lies in earlier lines that involved wild cats, and accounts of how much wild ancestry survives differ. The cats sold as pets are domestic, but rules on owning cats with wild ancestry vary by place, so check local law and ask any breeder to show you the written pedigree.
A Highlander is big and powerful, with a long sloping forehead, a blunt muzzle, upright ears with a slight backward curl and a short tail. There are two varieties, a shorthaired Highlander and a longer-haired one. Tabby markings are common, spotted, mackerel and bullseye included. Extra toes sometimes appear, but they are not part of the standard and are a disqualification in the show ring.
Temperament and living with one
Highlanders are described as confident, friendly and playful, and attached to people. They are active cats that enjoy climbing, chasing and puzzle games, and many are good with children and with other pets. Early socialisation helps. Because the breed is so new and so rare, owners report some variation.
They need space. Tall trees, wide shelves and secure outdoor access suit them better than a small flat.
Care: coat, food and play
The coat needs brushing about weekly, and more often for the longer-haired variety. Trim nails and check the ears. A large cat eats more than most, so feed a complete diet sized for its weight and age, and measure meals. Provide strong scratching posts and a very sturdy cat tree.
Health
Little published information exists on the breed's health, because it is new and the population is small. Large muscular breeds can develop joint problems, and heart disease such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can occur in any cat, so ask your vet what checks to schedule. Extra toes may need nail care. Ask the breeder about the parents' health, the lines they came from and any tests carried out.
Is it right for you?
A Highlander suits an active home with room, time and a budget for a rare, large cat. It is a poor match for anyone who wants a proven breed with a long track record. The American Curl and American Bobtail are easier to find and share its looks.
Profile last reviewed November 7, 2026