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Science & Nature • Cat Breed

Highland Lynx

The Highland Lynx is a relatively recent domestic cat breed developed in the United States in the 1990s.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Highland Lynx is a domestic cat breed developed in the United States during the 1990s. It was created by crossing the Desert Lynx and Jungle Curl, and is known for its curled ears, bobbed or short tail, and spotted or patterned coat. The breed is also called the Highlander in some registries, and while primarily associated with U.S. development, it has attracted interest from Canadian breeders and clubs.

History

The breed was created in the United States in the 1990s, with sources commonly crediting breeder Joe Childers and early development at North Carolina catteries. The original name Highland Lynx was later used less often as the breed became more widely called Highlander in some cat-fancy contexts.

Appearance

Highland Lynx cats are described as medium to large domestic cats with a wild look. Common features include curled ears, a bobbed or short tail, spotted or patterned coats, and in some lines polydactyl paws.

Breed status

The Highland Lynx is a relatively new breed and is not widely recognized by major cat associations. It has been associated with the Rare and Exotic Feline Registry, while some sources note later recognition or development stages under the name Highlander.

Temperament

Breed descriptions portray Highland Lynx cats as friendly, playful, and adaptable domestic companions. These descriptions are based on breeder and pet-breed sources rather than long-established breed history.

Key facts

  • The Highland Lynx was developed as a domestic breed with a wild-looking appearance.
  • It was produced by crossing the Desert Lynx and Jungle Curl.
  • The breed is known for curled-back ears and a short or bobbed tail.
  • Some references treat Highland Lynx and Highlander as the same breed name used at different times.
  • It is not a wild lynx species and is fully domestic.
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Canadian context

The breed is mainly associated with U.S. development, but it has Canadian breeder and club interest, including references to Highland Lynx groups in Canada and Canadian breed information pages.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Highland Lynx a wild cat?
No. It is a domestic cat breed developed to resemble a wild cat in appearance.
What breeds were used to create the Highland Lynx?
The breed was created by crossing the Desert Lynx and Jungle Curl.
Is Highland Lynx the same as Highlander?
Yes, many sources treat Highland Lynx as the original name and Highlander as the later breed name.
What are the breed’s most distinctive features?
Curled ears, a bobbed or short tail, and a spotted or patterned coat are its best-known traits.
When was the breed developed?
Sources place its development in the early 1990s, commonly citing 1993 and first litters in 1995.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highlander_cat
    Supports: States that the Highlander was originally called the Highland Lynx and was created from Desert Lynx and Jungle Curl crosses.
  2. ASPCA Pet Insurancehttps://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/highland-lynx/
    Supports: Describes the breed’s 1993 development, breeder Joe Childers, parent breeds, appearance, and domestic nature.
  3. Highland Lynx / Highlander Canadahttps://highlandlynxcanada.org/highland-lynx-highlander/faq/
    Supports: States that Highland Lynx and Highlander are the same breed and notes TICA recognition history.
  4. Wisdom Panelhttps://www.wisdompanel.com/en-us/cat-breeds/highlander
    Supports: Describes the breed’s 1993 origin, development by Joe Childress/Childers, and registry status.
  5. Shepherd’s Lair Lynxhttps://www.shepherdslairlynx.com/highland-lynx-cat-info/
    Supports: Provides details on early litters, physical traits, growth, and variations in coat, tail, and ears.