Highlander

• ExerciseHigh

  Needs vigorous daily play — wand toys and climbing space are gold.

• GroomingWeekly brushing

  A weekly brush keeps shedding under control.

• Living spaceHouse with room

  Appreciates a roomy home with plenty to climb and patrol.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment12–15 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Obesity · Dental issues · Urinary tract disease (FLUTD)

The Highlander is a young American breed developed from the Desert Lynx and Jungle Curl lines and registered by TICA. Despite the wild look it carries no recent wildcat ancestry: it is a fully domestic cat whose two signature traits, the loosely curled ear tips and the short bobbed tail, both come from dominant mutations. The personality is the reason people keep it, not the coat. Highlanders are large, boisterous, dog-like cats that fetch, greet visitors, ride on shoulders and stay kittenish for years. This is not a cat for a quiet flat with no vertical space. It needs a tall sturdy climbing tree rated for a nine-kilo cat, daily interactive play, and ideally a companion animal that can keep up with it. Many take happily to a harness and to supervised outdoor time. The short to medium coat is easy and needs only a weekly brush. The breed is too new for a documented breed-specific disease profile, which is itself a reason to choose the breeder carefully: ask about the health of the parents and grandparents, and confirm the kittens come from a line with normal tails and no spinal shortening. Beyond that, care is standard: measured meals against the weight this large frame carries easily, a dental routine, and yearly check-ups.

• How much play does a Highlander need?

  High. Needs vigorous daily play — wand toys and climbing space are gold.

• How much grooming does a Highlander need?

  Weekly brushing. A weekly brush keeps shedding under control.

• Is a Highlander suited to apartment living?

  House with room. Appreciates a roomy home with plenty to climb and patrol.

• Is a Highlander a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Highlander live?

  12–15 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Highlander?

  Keep an eye out for Obesity, Dental issues, Urinary tract disease (FLUTD). These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

Be the first to join this community!