Highlander Longhair

The Highlander is a king-size new feline variety whose early history goes back to the beginning of the 90s of the XX century. This majestic cat with funny loosely curled ears has already earned admiration of thousands feline fanciers worldwide. Its amicable and affectionate personality makes it an excellent pet for both families and individuals.

Photo: © instagram.com (@ erindaystiver)

The idea of the developing a large cat with pleasant disposition captured imagination of cat breeders in 1993. So several breeding programs were started in order to gain this ambitious goal. However it wasn’t until 2004 when first attempts were made to attain it official recognition as a pedigreed cat.

The Highlander is a mixed-bred feline variety meaning it traces its ancestry to many feline breeds. It’s well-known that the Jungle Curl and the Desert Lynx played the most significant role in its development. The breed inherited its heavy regal constitution from both forefathers but its distinctly shaped ears the cat certainly took from the Jungle Curl. For nearly ten years cat lovers also outcrossed this breed to the Abyssinian, the Bengal, the Jungle Cat hybrid and Serengeti Cat. This allowed to further enhance its appearance and personality traits.

The original name of the young breed was «Highlander Lynx» but it was altered to «Highlander» in 2005 when the International Cat Association (TICA) considered the possibility of granting it the status of a developing breed. In May 2008 the Highlander was included in the list of Preliminary New Breeds of this reputable cat registry.

The Highlander is an adaptable, friendly cat with incredible zest for life. Despite its grand size it virtually brims with unspent energies and requires considerable amount of daily playtime. If you ignore the need of your Highlander in communication it will most surely show its disappointment by mischiefs and disobedience. That’s why it’s highly advisable to adopt your pet one or several feline friends so it won’t feel itself lonely in your absence.

This gentle big cat is also sensible to the moods of its master and will always offer him its warm consolation in bad days. The Highlander is primarily good with other pets in the household including non-aggressive dogs. Be mindful though that you may end up with a specimen, which won’t enjoy the company of even a friendly canine.

In general, the Highlander likes attention from unfamiliar people and treats them as potential friends. Children usually adore endless vigour and prankishness of this cat and willingly include it in their cheerful games. Intelligence and observant nature are other signature traits of this cat so plan to buy your pet large choice of interactive toys and several tall cat trees. This also means that it can successfully learn even advanced tricks or can be trained to walk on a leash.

Due to its adjustable nature the Highlander has few problems with changes in its surroundings and can make an agreeable travel companion. Actually it will thrive in any type of a household as long as it receives necessary love and care from its owners.

The most common problems for the breed include:

· hypertrophic cardiomyopathy;

· obesity;

· haemophilia B.

The maintenance of the Highlander won’t take much of your time and efforts. Weekly combing or brushing is all that this cat will need in order to look well-groomed and neat. Cats are tidy creatures by definition so bathe your pet only if it’s absolutely necessary.

Remember to trim the nails of your Highlander every couple of weeks as well as to regularly inspect and clean its ears. According to reports of lots of its owners this cat sheds an average amount but it’s surely won’t be an optimal choice for people with allergy to cat’s hair.