United States
Hybrid
Large
9-13 in
10-20 lbs
12-16 years
Meet the Highlander
Developed in the early 2000s by crossing the Jungle Curl with the Desert Lynx, the Highlander has a distinctive wild look with curled ears, a bobbed tail, and bold markings. Despite their wild appearance, they are very loving, playful, and enjoy being part of family activities.
Where It All Began
The Highlander was developed in the United States in the early 2000s. The goal was to create a domestic cat with a wild appearance but a sweet, family-friendly temperament. The breed is recognized by TICA and is gaining popularity worldwide.
Personality
🏃 An Active Lifestyle
Highlanders are energetic and playful cats that love to climb, explore, and be part of daily activities.
- ✓ Loves climbing and jumping
- ✓ Enjoys interactive toys
- ✓ Great for active families
- ✓ Needs mental stimulation
✂ Grooming Needs
Their short to medium coat is easy to care for and requires minimal grooming.
- ✓ Brush 1-2 times per week
- ✓ Bath as needed
- ✓ Check ears weekly
- ✓ Trim nails regularly
❤ Keeping Healthy
A nutritious diet and regular vet care help keep your Highlander happy and healthy.
- • Regular vet checkups
- • High-quality protein diet
- • Maintain healthy weight
- • Dental care is important
- • Provide enrichment & play
$ Cost of Ownership
Highlanders are moderately priced with ongoing care costs.
Purchase Price: $1,200 - $2,500+
Monthly Cost: $50 - $110
First Year Cost: $800 - $1,500
Lifetime Cost: $12,000 - $18,000+
👍 Pros
- Unique, wild appearance
- Affectionate and loyal
- Intelligent and playful
- Great with families
- Adapts well to homes
👎 Cons
- Needs regular playtime
- Can be vocal
- Not widely available
- Requires mental stimulation
💡 Did You Know?
The Highlander gets its distinctive curled ears and bobbed tail from its Jungle Curl and Desert Lynx ancestors — but despite its wild-cat look, it carries no wild blood and is fully domestic.
Compare Highlander
See how the Highlander stacks up against other breeds to find your perfect match.
