Highland Lynx

When it comes to looking distinctive, few cat breeds can compete with the extraordinary Highland Lynx.

Striking, unusual and powerfully built, there really is no ignoring this unique-looking cat.

And, let’s face it… Why would you even want to?

To help you learn everything you need to know about this wonderful breed of cat, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the Highland Lynx.

You’ll find all sorts of Highland Lynx cat information here to help you decide if this breed is the right fit for you and your family.

What is a Highland Lynx?

Highland Lynx cats are a shorthaired pedigree breed of cat that appear, to all intents and purposes, to be wildcats.

But they are not; they’re fully domesticated.

With naturally shortened tails, curled-back ears and often extra toes, they’re certainly quite unusual in appearance.

But unusual doesn’t necessarily mean unpopular. Their unique looks actually make them extremely sought after.

These cats are also known as Highlanders, but for uniformity and clarity, we’ll only be referring to them as Highland Lynxes here.

Highland Lynx History

Fairly recently established as a breed, the Highland Lynx is a mixture between two hybrid breeds – the Jungle Curl and the Desert Lynx.

Developed in the United States back in 1995, the idea behind the new pedigree was to introduce the distinctive curly ears of the Jungle Curl to the bobtailed wildcat look of the Desert Lynx.

The result? Quite stunning.

Highland Lynx Ears

There’s no sense in tiptoeing around the subject…

Even though Highland Lynx cats have unusually bobbed tails, it’s the ears that everyone always notices first.

Highland Lynxes often (but not always) have curled ears.

The tips of the ears bend back towards the skull and can either curl slightly or really quite tightly.

Another quirk of the Highland Lynx ear is that it is unusually small.

Which is particularly noticeable given the overall size of the breed.

A certain level of care should be exercised when handling a Highland Lynx’s ears, though.

They’re not overly delicate, but cartilage in the ear can be damaged if they are handled too roughly.

Highland Lynx cats are also liable to get slightly more of a waxy build-up in their ears than other cat breeds.

You might need to speak to your vet about the best way to help remove any problem earwax that may occur.

Highland Lynx Polydactyl Paws

All examples of this breed have large paws and pronounced knuckles. But a few are ‘polydactyl’.

Most cats have 18 toes. With five each on their front paws and four on their back paws.

Some breeds can be what’s called ‘polydactyl’, where the cat has more toes than usual on each paw.

Don’t worry if your Highland Lynx has this condition, though. It’s not going to harm them. If anything, the extra toes can make them more nimble.

Though sadly there are no known reports of a Highland Lynx learning to play the guitar as yet…

Highland Lynx Size and Weight

Highland Lynx full grown are impressive specimens. They are strong, muscular and solidly built. They are larger than your average housecat. Noticeably so, in fact.

You can expect a female to grow anywhere up to 14lbs. Males generally weigh in at between 15lbs and 20lbs. Some larger males can tip the scales at over 25lbs!

Other Highland Lynx Traits

You can tell a Highland Lynx because of their unusual ears and tails (and sometimes their extra toes). But those aren’t the only distinguishing features of the breed.

They have quite large heads, wide-set and angled eyes and well-developed muzzle areas and whisker pads.

The nose of the Highland Lynx is slightly wider than most other cats and the ‘nose leather’ is prominent.

Highland Lynxes should also have quite strong chins which make them faces appear a fair bit longer than they are wide.

Highland Lynx Toilet Training

Because they’re smart and quick learners, they have no problems learning how to use litter boxes.

Because of their sheer size, it is recommended that owners buy their Highland Lynx cats the biggest litter boxes they can find on the market. They really do need the space.

Highland Lynx Colors

You can expect to find this breed in all sorts of colors. Many breeders and Highland Lynx fans prefer spotted tabby markings, though. They feel it accentuates the ‘wildcat’ look.

Other colors you might find in the breed include: black, sorrel, cameo, sepia, fawn, chocolate, blue, cream, silver, mink, lilac, red and snow.

Highland Lynx Coat

The breed can either be long or short haired. Shorter-haired Highland Lynxes will generally have soft but dense hair which is easy to groom for both the cat and the owner.

A longer-haired Lynx’s coat generally grows up to about 2-2.5” long, with softer and longer hair around the cat’s belly.

Grooming wise, the Highland Lynx is very easily manageable. They can take care of the majority of the grooming themselves. But longer-haired cats may need a little help with some tangle teasing.

As with all breeds of cat, if you want to brush them, start early. The younger the kitten is when you start grooming them, the more comfortable they become with the process.

Is the Highland Lynx Hypoallergenic?

There is currently no absolutely confirmed information that Highland Lynx allergies are not an issue or that the breed is fully hypoallergenic.

Plenty of owners have claimed that their Highland Lynx does not cause allergic reactions, though. This is mostly anecdotal, but the breed does produce less dander than other cats. So the Highland Lynx can be considered quite low allergy.

Highland Lynx Personality

They may look like wild ‘big cats’, but don’t be fooled. A Highland Lynx is quite far removed from its safari cousins. They are extremely friendly, playful and sociable.

They’re also very affectionate and many people liken their outgoing and attentive characters to that of dogs. As with dogs, however, they don’t enjoy being left alone for extended periods of time.

If you find yourself out of the house a lot, you may wish to consider a more independent and less people-focused type of cat.

This breed is quite but not overly vocal. They’re also active, fun and extremely fond of humans. They’re very intelligent too and can quite easily be taught a wide varieties of tricks.

One quite unusual quirk of this breed is, unlike almost all other cats, they absolutely love water!

Most felines will avoid getting wet at almost all costs, but not so with the Highland Lynx. They love nothing better than splashing around in the wet stuff. Some even enjoy swimming. Seriously.

Highland Lynx Health

Highland Lynxes are an extremely healthy breed of cat. There are no known health issues that are specific to the breed.

But with such small numbers, we can’t be sure.

They have bobbed tails, which can be associated with spinal problems in some breeds like the Manx.

However, in others like the American Bobtail this trait doesn’t seem to cause many issues.

They also have tipped ears. This has the effect of altering their ears, which you could think might link to the cartilage problems suffered by Scottish Folds.

However, at presence there is no evidence to support this, so that is hopefully not the case.

So far we can be confident and hope that they are generally in very fine physical condition.

Highland Lynx Diet

The breed has no specific dietary requirements.

But, as with most pedigrees, higher quality cat food is probably a good idea.

The Highland Lynx has a strong constitution and isn’t allergic to anything as a breed, but all cats benefit from a high protein food with few fillers.

Highland Lynx Life Expectancy

A healthy Highland Lynx can expect to live between 13 and 16 years.

Highland Lynx Price

Prices for Highland Lynx kittens will vary depending on location.

But as a general rule of thumb, you can expect to have to pay between $800 – $1,000 for a healthy kitten from a good breeder.

You may well find cheaper Highland Lynxes, but there could well be a reason for the lower price.

Highland Lynx Breeders

Due to a recent boost in the breed’s popularity, it’s worth exercising caution when purchasing a Highland Lynx. As you would with any pedigree breed.

Certain unscrupulous breeders will attempt to pass off cats that are not Highland Lynxes as such.

It’s a good idea to go with a breeder from Highland Lynx catteries that are registered with The International Cat Association (TICA).

These breeders will have signed the TICA Code of Ethics and should adhere to them.

Highland Lynx Kittens

Kittens are born with small but ‘normal’ ears.

It takes up to a fortnight for the curling effect to happen. So don’t panic if you have a litter and none are born with the trademark ear type!

Highland Lynx Cat Rescue

Because Highland Lynx cats are a ‘designer’ and pedigree cat, it is particularly unlikely that you’ll find many of them in cat rescue centers.

Reputable and responsible breeders will often tell people purchasing kittens that in the event of the owner having to give up their cat, that he or she can be returned to them.

That said, if you’re patient and eagle eyed, you may well find the odd Highland Lynx in a cat sanctuary. Just be prepared to look long and hard and potentially travel a fair distance.

Is a Highland Lynx Right For My Family?

Unless you have a real love for tails, a need for a regular amounts of toes and a straight ear affection, there’s no reason why you should ignore Highland Lynxes as a breed.

Their general friendless makes them great family pets and their almost dog-like personalities means that they settle in homes with canines particularly well.

As you’ve seen, they’re certainly idiosyncratic, but there’s nothing to dislike about the wonderful Highland Lynx…

Wild looking but tame, friendly, intelligent, playful and most certainly eye catching, they truly are an excellent pick for a pet.

The next time you see one, say ‘hi!’ to a Highland from us!

References and Further Reading

• Danforth CH, Heredity of Polydactyly in the Cat, Journal of Heredity, 1947
• International Cat Care
• The Discovery Channel’s Animal Planet
• The International Cat Association
• The Rare and Exotic Feline Registry (REFR)
• Somerville Louisa, The Ultimate Guide To Cat Breeds: A Useful Means of Identifying the Cat Breeds of the World and How to Care for Them