Highlander

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: November 25th, 2015

About Highlander

Weight

10-20 lb

Physique

Muscular, strong build

Lifespan

10-15 years

Best Suited For

Families with children and other pets, singles, any cat loving home

Temperament

Nurturing, friendly, intelligent, energetic

Comparable Breeds

Maine Coon, Scottish Fold

Height

10-16 inches

Highlander Breed History

The Highlander has physical traits that resemble that of a wildcat, making it a truly unique looking breed. It was created in 2004 when two hybrid breeds, the Desert Lynx and the Jungle Curl, were crossed. Because it was produced from two hybrids, though, this breed does not actually have any wildcat genes, so it is a docile and playful companion. Originally named the Highland Lynx, the name was changed to Highlander in 2005.

The Highlander has physical traits that resemble that of a wildcat, making it a truly unique looking breed.

Breed Traits

Even though these cats may look wild, they are actually wonderful pets with affectionate, gentle personalities. The Highlander is a really great breed for cat loving families who are in search of a social, playful, fun cat who is confident and loving. They do have a lot of energy, so giving them ample opportunities to release that energy through play is necessary. Provide them with toys and take time out to interact with them every day.

One of the most unique qualities of the Highlander is the fact that these cats actually like water. They are fascinated by running water and do not mind getting wet at all.

These cats are also smart and easily trained. And they really like being the center of attention by showing off their acrobatic abilities.

Overall Description

The most defining and recognizable feature of the Highlander is its adorable loosely curled ears. The ears can curl back a lot or a little, so this feature varies amongst individuals. Kittens are not born with the curled ears; rather, they are born with straight ears that curl over the course of about two weeks as they develop.

Polydactyl paws are another noteworthy feature of the Highlander. This means that they have extra toes, which means they may be able to get into mischief more easily than other cats.

The tail is also very short on Highlander cats. It is naturally occurring, so kittens are born with a bobbed tail that can range in length from roughly 2 to 6 inches. Not all kittens are born with bobtails or extra toes and some remain with straight ears. Breeders sometimes dock the tails or leave them long.

These cats do not fully mature until they are between 3 and 4 years old. When fully grown, their bodies are similar in size and weight to the Maine Coon breed.

Colors

The Highlander comes in a variety of colors, including solid points and lynx points, and also has an attractive spotted pattern.

Grooming Requirements

Highlander cats can have long or short coats. For short coat Highlanders, keeping their skin and fur healthy is really easy. Unlike other breeds that require more attention, these cats do well with a simple occasional brushing session that will help remove loose fur and prevent hairballs while reducing shedding. However, some Highlander cats can also have longer fur that may require more regular brushing sessions.

It is also important to note that these cats should be brushed from an early age in order to get them accustomed to grooming. Otherwise, it can be difficult to teach them to tolerate being brushed when they are older.

Photo credit: Bonni Taylor/Flickr; Katie Turner/Flickr

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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Scientists Reveal Why Cats Scratch Furniture and How to Stop It

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What is the Yearly Cost of Owning a Dog or Cat?

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Plus, when shopping for pet food, you’ll find that the cost can vary significantly from brand to brand.From wet foods to kibble, commercial diets to raw feeding – there are many options to consider. There are many low-cost foods, but the purchase price may not be the best indicator of whether they will be budget-friendly in the long term. The feeding guidelines on lower-quality foods often suggest feeding larger amounts to ensure your pet gets the same nutrients. This means they will finish the bag faster, requiring you to buy food more often.Failing to meet your pet’s nutritional needs will directly impact their overall health and well-being. This often means higher veterinary bills throughout their life.Regular Veterinary CareSpeaking of veterinary bills, there are ongoing costs here as well. There is a very wide range of costs associated with veterinary care depending on your pet’s age, previous veterinary care, preventative care, and more. At the very least, you must budget for your pet’s annual vet exam, necessary vaccinations, and dental care. Vet costs also vary from state to state.According to Care Credit, the average cost of a routine vet visit ranges from $50-250. Additionally, other costs you will need to consider include:Heartworm Testing: $35-50Heartworm Prevention: $9-11/monthCore Dog Vaccinations (Rabies & DHPP): $40-90Core Cat Vaccinations (Rabies & FVRCP): $40-70While not required, other vet-related costs that you may also face include non-core vaccinations (such as Bordetella, Lyme, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Feline Leukemia or Chlamydophila Felis), flea and tick prevention, or optional blood work recommended at specific stages of your pet’s life.GroomingYour new pet’s grooming requirements may range from easy home maintenance to extensive grooming appointments. This will depend on their species/breed and coat type. For short-haired dogs and cats, this could be as simple as brushing and nail trimming, which can be done at home (if your pet will tolerate it).However, those with longer coats may need further care, like bathing and hair clipping.A professional groomer can handle all these services, including ear cleaning and sometimes teeth brushing. However, the cost can range from $30-100 or more per session. How frequently you need to book a grooming session will also vary. Most groomers recommend rebooking approximately every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the pet’s specific needs.Pet Sitters/DaycareNot every pet parent will need to pay for pet sitters or daycare; it depends on your schedule and lifestyle. If your work keeps you away from the house for extended periods or you like to travel, this is a necessary expense to consider.The amount of time your pet can stay home alone will depend on several factors, including age, health, and energy level. The average adult dog or cat can be home alone for 8-10 hours or a standard workday. But this may be too long for puppies still going through the potty-training experience or senior pups who need to go to the bathroom more frequently.Dog daycare facilities cost $35-50/day on average. This assumes your pet is comfortable and well-behaved in this setting. If you need a pet sitter for a dog or cat, you can expect to pay approximately $20-30 for a single-pet drop-in visit. These costs will be higher if you have multiple pets, live in a more remote location, or expect the sitter to stay for a longer visit (or overnight).Training The cost of dog training will vary significantly, influenced by your location, the level of training your pup needs, and your chosen training approach. The secret to success is prioritizing training before their behavior becomes a concern.Basic obedience or puppy training classes generally range from $150-250 for a 4-6 session course. This is for dogs who have not previously completed basic training, creating a foundation for good behavior. It is not, however, the approach for addressing problem behaviors that have developed and need more specialized focus.Private 1-on-1 classes will be more expensive, costing approximately $100-150 per hour in most locations. This cost can run considerably higher for more intensive training or serious behavioral concerns. This includes dogs with severe separation anxiety, aggression, reactivity, and other destructive or potentially dangerous behaviors.Other ExpensesBeyond the above-listed costs, there are several other expenses to consider. This includes items like collars, leashes, harnesses, treats, toys, chews (for entertainment and dental health), pet beds, carriers, and other products needed to create the quality of life you envision for your new family member.

Jennifer Aniston Launches Fund to Help Animal Rescues

Animal shelters and rescue organizations often face significant financial burdens. Caring for animals in need, from food and shelter to veterinary costs and rehabilitation, isn’t cheap, and the bills can add up quickly! While these organizations collect adoption fees, they are rarely enough to cover operational costs. Instead, they rely heavily on donations and volunteers to keep their doors open.Recently, actress, producer and entrepreneur Jennifer Aniston announced her latest project – a children’s book titled Clydeo Takes a Bite Out of Life.Inspired by her Schnauzer mix rescue dog, Clyde, the book is the first in a four-book deal. In it, the main character, Clydeo, goes on a journey of self-discovery while searching for his true passions in life. Aniston hopes the book will inspire and motivate children to explore their own interests.“They’re so focused on these phones and just disappear into this void of scrolling,” she stated. “They don’t really spend time being stimulated by the world and figuring out what they want to do.”But how does this tie back to the costs of running a rescue organization? With the release of her book, Aniston also launched The Clydeo Fund. As a dog mom who understands the joy and love a rescue dog can bring into your life, she wanted to create a way to support animal rescue organizations across the country and worldwide.

What is the Best Catio for My Cat?

Do you have a cat that loves being outdoors, enjoying the fresh air, but you worry about their safety and well-being? Does your cat refuse to walk to wear a harness or walk on a leash? The answer might be a catio! These kitty-focused enclosures are gaining a lot of attention lately, popping up in backyards, on the sides of travel trailers, and even as portable safe spaces for cat parents to take their furry friends anywhere. With so many designs, materials, and features available, choosing the best catio for your needs can feel overwhelming. In this guide, I will do a deep dive into the world of catios, exploring different types and the situations they are best suited for. I will also discuss different features and key considerations to help you while shopping for your cat. Get ready to create the perfect (and safe) outdoor space for your furry friend today! What is a Catio? Let’s start at the beginning—what exactly is a catio? The term is a mix of “cat” and “patio,” referring to enclosed outdoor spaces designed specifically for cats. These range from small playpen-style spaces to allow them to get a bit of fresh air to large patios with space for both the cat and their people. Are Catios Good for Cats? Yes! Catios are a great way to allow your cat to spend time outdoors without putting them at risk. While domesticated cats are safer indoors, spending time outdoors has benefits. Allowing your cat to watch the birds and explore new spaces is a great way to provide them with mental enrichment and stimulation. Many cats also simply enjoy sunbathing or watching the world around them. At the same time, the catio keeps them safely contained. Outdoor cats have considerably shorter lifespans due to their increased risk of diseases, predators, car accidents, outdoor toxins, and other unfortunate accidents. According to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, the average outdoor cat lives to be 2-5 years old, while the average indoor cat with only safe, supervised outdoor time lives to be 10-20 years old. Keeping your cat in a catio is also a great way to protect the local wildlife. Cats are natural predators with a strong hunting instinct. Stray cats and cats allowed to roam outdoors significantly impact the ecosystem by killing large numbers of birds, rodents, and other wildlife. What Are the Downsides of a Catio? Allowing your cat to be outdoors in a catio is a great compromise. However, as with any product for our pets, there are pros and cons to consider. Even though your cat is contained, it may create a false sense of security regarding some of the risks of being outdoors. The mesh or screening around a catio isn’t enough to keep parasites like fleas and ticks away. You will still need to consider the necessary flea preventatives and regular tick checks to keep these pets away. The other risk that isn’t completely mitigated by the confines of a catio is the dangers introduced by local strays. Cat fights and confrontations can still occur through the flexible mesh and screen sides. This means your cat is still at risk of unnecessary stress from these encounters and the potential spread of diseases. Careful supervision of your cat outdoors, even if they are safely contained in their catio, will allow you to keep these strays away. What is the Difference Between a Catio and a Fenced Yard?Even if you have a fenced yard, a catio can provide an additional level of safety and security for your cat. But why might you need this extra layer of protection? There are many stray and outdoor cats that easily climb over fences, viewing them as nothing more than a minor inconvenience. Even if your cat has never escaped the fence around your yard before, there is a first time for everything. It only takes a couple of seconds for your cat to climb a tree, scale a shed, or jump up to the top of your fence from a patio chair, and they are now running loose. As we already discussed, there are many significant dangers putting your cat at risk when running unsupervised outdoors. A fenced yard is not a reliable solution to this.

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