Highlander Highlander

Highlander

Energetic Playful Confident Social

About the Highlander

The Highlander — originally called the Highland Lynx — was developed in 2004 by crossing Desert Lynx cats with Jungle Curls, aiming to create a domestic cat with a wild appearance. This large breed weighs 10–25 pounds and has a powerful, muscular build with a naturally short or bobbed tail. Their most distinctive features are their loosely curled ears (curling backward like the American Curl) and their optional polydactyl (extra-toed) paws — their coat comes in both shorthair and longhair varieties in all colors and patterns.

Temperament & Personality

Highlanders are confident, outgoing cats that love to be the center of attention and entertain their families with playful antics. They are gentle giants — patient with children, friendly with dogs, and sociable with other cats. Their clownish, energetic personality combined with their wild appearance makes them a conversation-starting companion.

Pros

  • Striking wild appearance with curled ears and bobbed tail — truly unique-looking
  • Confident, clownish personality — loves to entertain and interact
  • Gentle despite their large size — excellent with children and other pets
  • Optional polydactylism adds to their distinctive charm

Cons

  • Curled ears need regular cleaning and careful handling to avoid cartilage damage
  • Large size requires more food, larger litter boxes, and sturdier cat furniture
  • Relatively new breed — long-term health data is still being collected
  • Can be boisterous and may accidentally knock things over due to size and energy

Want a gentle giant with a wild side? Browse Highlander cats and other unique breeds on Puplister.

Highlander Quick Facts

Size
10–20 lbs
Lifespan
10–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes

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Available Highlanders

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key traits of a Highlander?
The Highlander is known for being energetic, playful, confident and social.
How many Highlanders are available for adoption?
There are currently 0 Highlanders available for adoption on Puplister. Browse the listings above to find your perfect match.
How do I adopt a Highlander from Puplister?
To adopt a Highlander, browse the available listings on this page, click on a pet you're interested in, and contact the shelter directly through their profile page.