At a glance the quick version
Wikipedia gives females 10-14 lb and males 15-20 lb; PetGuide and Litter-Robot give 10-20 lb overall.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short or long coat
A big, powerful, muscular cat bred for a wild look, with long flexible hind legs and large knuckled feet. Its ears stand tall and wide with the top third loosely curled back, the tail is naturally short and thick, and the face has a long sloping forehead, wide nose and boxy muzzle. The coat may be short or long.12
Personality what they are like
Despite its wildcat looks, the Highlander is a sweet, outgoing clown that loves people, greets guests with enthusiasm and throws itself into games. It is confident, energetic and fairly quiet, and many owners compare it to a dog.1243
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Very high. Needs lots of daily interactive play and room to run and climb; many enjoy fetch and harness walks.143
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Shorthairs need only occasional brushing; longhairs need regular sessions. Trim nails every month or two and keep ears clean.43
Home where they are happiest
Suits an active household with plenty of space, sturdy climbing furniture and toys.41
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, balanced cat food, matched with plenty of exercise to keep this large cat in good shape.3
Company who they like around
Very sociable and does well with children and other pets; enjoys being the centre of attention.41
The story where it all began
Breeders set out to create a domestic cat with a 'big cat' look by crossing the Desert Lynx with the Jungle Curl. First called the Highland Lynx, it was renamed Highlander in 2005, and TICA accepted it as a Preliminary New Breed in 2008. It contains no recent wildcat ancestry.124
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
TICA notes that a happy Highlander may wag its short tail like a dog.1
- 2
Many Highlanders are fascinated by running water and happily play with it.4
- 3
They mature slowly and can take three to four years to reach full size.4
- 4
Some are born with extra toes, which is allowed as a pet but not in the show ring.2
Recognised by the official bits
- TICA
- Preliminary New Breed from 1 May 2008, later Advanced New Breed; championship status from 1 May 2025 (per Wikipedia)2
- ACFA/CAA
- Championship breed since 20222
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Highlander. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery 2 days
- Deshedding springBrush more while sheddingevery day
- Nail trimevery 3 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- Litter scoopevery day
- Litter changeevery week
- PlayDaily playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- TICA: Highlander tica.orgused for origin, recognition, body, ears, tail, temperament, fun facts
- Wikipedia: Highlander cat en.wikipedia.orgused for recognition, weight, colours, history
- Litter-Robot: Highlander Cat Breed Profile litter-robot.comused for origin, lifespan, grooming, diet
- PetGuide: Highlander petguide.comused for weight, lifespan, colours, grooming, social needs, fun facts
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.