Highlander Cat: A New Breed Mixing Jungle Curl and Desert Lynx

This playful cat with curly ears is making its way onto major cat registries. Patrick Hatt / Shutterstock

Big cat looks with a housecat heart? That’s the Highlander cat, a rare breed that stands out thanks to its curled ears, naturally short tail and strong resemblance to wild cats.

Despite their exotic appearance, Highlanders are affectionate, playful and great with families.

What Is a Highlander Cat?

kitten — What are those curved little ears picking up on? SUSAN LEGGETT / Shutterstock

The Highlander is a relatively new cat breed that originated from a cross between the Desert Lynx and Jungle Curl. Officially recognized by the International Cat Association (TICA) in the preliminary New Breed Class, it’s also listed with the Rare and Exotic Feline Registry.

Highlanders are not just eye-catching newcomers; they’re athletic, smart and full of personality.

Distinctive Features and Build

Highlanders have medium to large muscular bodies, a sloping forehead, wide nose, deep chin and a squared muzzle. Their most unique features include loosely curled ears and naturally short or bobbed tails, though some may have long tails.

Many Highlanders also sport extra toes, a trait called polydactylism, also common in Maine Coons. Their coats can be short or long and come in a variety of patterns, including tabby.

Highlanders resemble big cats but are anything but wild. Males tend to be larger, while females are more compact but equally strong.

Personality and Behavior

cat — An adult Highlander benefits from lots of activity and things to climb on. Patrick Hatt / Shutterstock

This breed is known for being playful, affectionate and social with both humans and other cats. Highlanders love to explore, climb cat trees and engage with toys. They stand tall, move with confidence and are naturally active.

Highlander kittens grow into intelligent and trainable adults who often act more like dogs than typical cats. They thrive in homes with scratching posts, interactive play and plenty of attention.

Grooming and Care

Whether your Highlander has a short or long coat, regular grooming with a soft slicker brush helps reduce loose hair and prevent mats. Their shaggy belly hair — especially in long coats — may need extra attention.

Keeping your cat at a healthy weight with the right food and regular vet visits supports a long life expectancy — often 10 to 15 years.

As with any pet, early socialization and regular exercise are key to their well-being.

Breed Status and Recognition

The Highlander breed continues to advance through TICA's classification system. Some Highlanders may still be labeled as Highland Lynx or Highlander Lynx, but breeders are working toward standardized naming and traits.

It's considered an Advanced New Breed, meaning more breeders and pet lovers are discovering its charm.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.