Highlander vs Turkish Angora

Which cat breed is right for you?

Highlander

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

Turkish Angora

Size
5–10 lbs
Lifespan
12–18 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Playful Intelligent Social Graceful

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.

About the Turkish Angora

The Turkish Angora is an ancient, naturally occurring breed from central Turkey — specifically the Ankara region — and is one of the oldest known longhaired cat breeds. This small-to-medium cat weighs 5–10 pounds and possesses a graceful, balletic build with a long, plumed tail, silky single-layer coat (no undercoat), and large, walnut-shaped eyes. While white is the most iconic color — often with striking odd eyes (one blue, one amber) — Turkish Angoras come in nearly every color and pattern except pointed.

Temperament & Personality

Turkish Angoras are spirited, intelligent cats that love to be at the center of the action. They are natural athletes — leaping to the highest shelf, opening doors, and inventing games to entertain themselves. Affectionate and strong-willed, they will happily greet guests and supervise every household activity, often choosing one family member as their primary favorite.

Pros

  • Elegant, silky coat has no undercoat — sheds less and rarely mats
  • Highly intelligent and entertaining — always inventing new games and tricks
  • Social and welcoming with guests and family alike
  • Naturally healthy breed with excellent longevity — many live 15–20 years

Cons

  • White cats with blue eyes have a high incidence of congenital deafness
  • Strong-willed and mischievous — can be stubborn about rules
  • Demands attention and may become disruptive if ignored
  • Prone to ataxia (a hereditary neurological condition) in some lines

Entranced by this ancient Turkish treasure? Find Turkish Angora cats looking for loving homes on Puplister and add a touch of grace to your life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Highlander and a Turkish Angora?
The Highlander is 10–20 lbs sized while the Turkish Angora is 5–10 lbs sized. They differ in size (10–20 lbs vs 5–10 lbs), lifespan (10–15 years vs 12–18 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Highlander or Turkish Angora?
Highlander is generally good with kids. Turkish Angora is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Highlander or Turkish Angora?
The Highlander has a lifespan of 10–15 years while the Turkish Angora has a lifespan of 12–18 years.

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