Highland Lynx Cats
The first Highland Lynx kittens were born at Timberline Cattery, on July 1st, 1995. The product of crossing a Jungle Curl with a Desert Lynx, some of the kittens from the resulting litter not only bored the resemblance to their Desert Lynx heritage, but also from the Jungle Curl, possessing all the desired Desert Lynx traits along with beautifully curled and tufted ears. The owners, Joe and Samra Childers, had come one step closer to the perfect domestic wildcat.
For quite some time, uninformed individuals claimed that the Desert Lynx and Highland Lynx cats had to be at least 12.5% bobcat in order to be registered. DNA testing, that has since been performed on theses breeds, has failed to show any evidence of bobcat DNA, much as what happened with the popular breed known as the Pixie-Bob. Because of this ruling regarding DNA, the Highland Lynx is considered to be a domestic cat, and is simply classified as such with the Rare and Exotic Feline Registry (REFR).
History of Highland Lynx Cats
Physical Characteristics
The Highland Lynx cat bears a startling similarity to his wild cousin, the bobcat. The longhaired variety of this breed, in particular, possesses a heavier ruff and the ear tufts that is characteristic of the bobcat, while the shorthair has a very vivid and beautiful coat, often spotted with such clarity, that they almost appear to have had their spots painted on. Registered Highland Lynx all have the same characteristic curled-back ears and abundance of ear tufts that make their ears seem more rounded and feathered with long hairs.
Both the long and shorthaired varieties of the Highland Lynx cat have tails of various lengths, ranging from a non-existent tail (like the Manx), to a full-length tail (like on the domestic shorthaired cat). Ideally, their tail should be no longer than hock length, if it is hanging down in a relaxed position. While some breeders will dock (cut) the tails of small kittens, in order to make them easier to sell, the ideal animal is one that possesses a naturally short tail.
Temperament
The Highland Lynx is well-known for his patience and tolerance of children and other animals. They enjoy playing and will delight their owners with their antics; tearing around the house as they chase after balls and other toys, pouncing and rolling in the catnip, or pretending their scratching post is a tower that they must reach the top of! While the Highland Lynx is a very active cat that will give you hours of fun and laughter, they are not destructive and are actually very obedient when properly taught the rules of the household. Be prepared for kitten-like antics, however, well into their adult years.