The Highlander (also known as the Highlander Shorthair, and originally as the Highland Lynx) is a new
breed of cat
The following list of cat breeds includes only domestic cat breeds and domestic and wild hybrids. The list includes established breeds recognized by various cat registries, new and experimental breeds, landraces being established as standardized b ...
. The unique appearance of the Highlander comes from the deliberate cross between the
Desert Lynx and the
Jungle Curl
The following is a list of experimental cat breeds and crossbreeds that do not have the recognition of any major national or international cat registries, such as The International Cat Association (TICA) in the US, Europe, and Australasia; the ...
breeds, also recently developed. Although both of these cats claim wild species bloodlines, both have been found to be completely domestic cats.
Description
The Highlander originated as a
crossbreed of the experimental
Desert Lynx breed and the
Jungle Curl
The following is a list of experimental cat breeds and crossbreeds that do not have the recognition of any major national or international cat registries, such as The International Cat Association (TICA) in the US, Europe, and Australasia; the ...
, to add the latter's curled ears to the former.
They are
bobtailed or short-tailed, have spotted or classic bullseye markings, mackerel and resemble the
bobcat
The bobcat (''Lynx rufus''), also known as the red lynx, is a medium-sized cat native to North America. It ranges from southern Canada through most of the contiguous United States to Oaxaca in Mexico. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUC ...
.
The Highlander has a long sloping forehead and blunt muzzle with a very wide nose.
The eyes are wide-set and the ears are upright with a slight curl and a slight turn in the backward direction.
Some have
polydactyl
Polydactyly or polydactylism (), also known as hyperdactyly, is an anomaly in humans and animals resulting in supernumerary fingers and/or toes. Polydactyly is the opposite of oligodactyly (fewer fingers or toes).
Signs and symptoms
In humans ...
paws but this is not a desired trait in the cats and have been proved to cause health problems in the knees and hips as the cats age. Highlanders have no known health problems, and are fond of water.
The body is substantial and very muscular.
Females can grow to between , and the males between .
Despite the "big-cat look", the Highlander is a human-oriented, friendly and playful cat, and very active and confident.
The Highlander displays
tabby/
lynx point or solid
point coloration in various colors. Bicolored cats are not allowed in the breed standard. Although some cats are polydactyl, it is not part of the standard and it is a disqualification in the show ring.
History
The Highlander breed refinement began in 2004, to distinguish the breed better from its foundation stock, and to seek competition status in major
breed registries
A breed registry, also known as a herdbook, studbook or register, in animal husbandry and the hobby of animal fancy, is an official list of animals within a specific breed whose parents are known. Animals are usually registered by their breede ...
.
The name Highlander was adopted in late 2005.
Starting May 1, 2008, the breed was recognized by
The International Cat Association (TICA) for competition in the Preliminary New Breed class,
and in 2016 was moved up to Advanced New Breed.
TICA divides Highlanders into two varieties, under the names Highlander Shorthair (HGS) and simply Highlander (HG) for the longer-haired variation.
polydactyl
Polydactyly or polydactylism (), also known as hyperdactyly, is an anomaly in humans and animals resulting in supernumerary fingers and/or toes. Polydactyly is the opposite of oligodactyly (fewer fingers or toes).
Signs and symptoms
In humans ...
paws.
File:Pumpkin's eyes.jpg, Eyes and long whiskers.
File:Highlander-2 paws.jpg, Closeup of a polydactyl paw, which occurs in some Highlander cats.
File:Highlander kitten (2009) Hugo by TAnthony.jpg, Highlander kitten.
File:2017-Highlander-Cat-Sherlock.jpg, alt=Four-month old Highlander kitten, Highlander juvenile, 4 months old, with polydactyl paws.
References
{{Mammal hybrids
Cat breeds
Cat breeds and types with bent ears
Cat breeds originating in the United States
Cat breeds and types with suppressed tails
Experimental cat breeds