Highlander

Developed in the United States during the mid-2000s, the Highlander is a large domestic cat with two distinctive features: ears that curl loosely backward at the tips, and a naturally short, bobbed tail. Its build is muscular and solid, and the breed tends to carry a kitten-like eagerness to play well into adult life.

Size falls in the large range for domestic cats, and toms are heavier than queens. There are short and long coat versions, and the face is marked by a broad muzzle and a strong chin that give an alert, open expression. What draws most owners, though, is the temperament. The Highlander is curious, people-oriented, and busy, and it will usually follow the household from room to room.

The dog-like reputation comes easily: many of these cats enjoy fetch, take to simple cues, and come out to greet visitors rather than slipping away. Being a fairly young breed, its registry recognition and breeding populations remain smaller than those of long-established cats.

Who it suits

Active households looking for an involved, interactive cat rather than an independent one will find the Highlander a good match. It fits in with families, including homes with children and other pets, thanks to its sociable, easygoing nature. Where the house is empty for long stretches each day, a second pet or some daytime company is worth arranging, because this cat seeks out attention and play.

The Highlander is a modern breed that emerged in the United States. Work to establish it started around 2004, placing it among the younger pedigree cats. Breeders set out to produce a large, sturdy cat with curled ears, a short tail, and a sociable temperament.

It was built from crosses involving curl-eared cats and bobtailed cats. Both the curled ear and the short tail come from that founding stock, and breeders selected for them alongside size and a friendly disposition. In the early stages the breed was sometimes recorded under a different working name before Highlander settled in.

The International Cat Association (TICA) followed the breed through its development program, the route new breeds take on the way to full recognition. In New Zealand, owners and breeders register through TICA or through bodies affiliated with the New Zealand Cat Fancy (NZCF). Numbers rose slowly, and the Highlander is still less common than established breeds.

Since the breed is recent, its written record is short and centred on the work of the founding breeders. Pedigrees, registry classes, and the standard continue to be refined as the population grows.

The Highlander is a large, powerfully built cat. Its body is long and muscular with a deep chest, and the hind legs are slightly longer than the front legs. Two features stand out: the ears, which curl gently backward, and the tail, which is naturally short and may be carried high.

The head is broad, with a flat-to-gentle forehead, prominent whisker pads, and a strong, deep chin. Large, wide-set eyes complete an open, alert look.

Coat and colours

Two coat lengths occur. The shorthair version is dense and close-lying, while the longhair version is longer and softer, with feathering on the tail and legs. A wide range of colours and patterns is accepted, and tabby markings appear often. Either way, the coat stays fairly low-maintenance for a cat of this size.

The Highlander is friendly and firmly people-focused. It stays close to the household, joins in the daily routine, and comes to greet visitors rather than retreating. A playful streak carries through adulthood, and the breed enjoys games, climbing, and interactive toys.

Around family it is affectionate and often after laps and attention. With strangers, most individuals are confident and curious rather than shy. With children the breed is generally patient and tolerant, though young ones should still be shown how to handle a cat gently. With other pets, dogs and cats alike, it usually settles well when introductions are gradual.

The dog-like tag rests on behaviours like fetching toys, following owners around, and answering simple cues. This is a social cat that prefers company to long spells alone.

Grooming

• Brush a shorthair Highlander about once a week to clear loose hair.
• Brush a longhair Highlander two to three times a week to prevent mats, paying extra attention to the tail feathering and behind the ears.
• Check the curled ears weekly and clean gently if wax builds up, since the curl can gather debris.
• Trim nails every two to three weeks and provide scratching posts.
• Brush the teeth regularly and schedule dental checks.

Exercise

• Set aside two play sessions a day with wand toys, balls, or fetch.
• Provide climbing furniture such as cat trees and shelves so the breed can spend its strength and energy.
• Rotate puzzle feeders and toys to keep the cat interested.
• Consider a second pet or supervised harness time for extra activity.

Environment

The Highlander suits an indoor home with vertical space to climb and perches by the windows. Because it is social, it does best where someone is around for part of the day or where it has an animal companion. Quiet hiding spots should be available too, so the cat can rest undisturbed.

The Highlander does well on a complete and balanced cat food built around animal protein. As a large, active cat it may eat more than an average-sized breed, but portions should still match age, weight, and activity so weight gain does not creep in. Both wet and dry foods suit it, and many owners feed a mix of the two. Fresh water should always be on hand.

Treats and supplements

Hold treats to about 10 percent of daily energy and trim meal portions to match. A cat on a complete diet usually needs no extra supplements, though a vet may suggest joint support for a large, ageing cat or a coat supplement in particular cases. Bring in any new food gradually over several days.

The Highlander is generally a healthy breed, with a typical lifespan of 10 to 15 years. As a young breed, its long-term health picture is still being documented, and responsible breeders screen breeding cats and avoid pairings that could exaggerate the ear curl or tail to the point of discomfort. Routine veterinary care, vaccinations, parasite control, and a healthy weight are the foundations of good health.

Preventive care

• Annual veterinary exams, with twice-yearly visits for senior cats.
• Core vaccinations and parasite prevention on schedule.
• Weekly ear checks and gentle cleaning when needed.
• Weight monitoring and portion control.
• Routine dental care at home and at the clinic.

The Highlander's curiosity and close bond with people leave it receptive to training. Many learn to fetch, come when called, and respond to simple cues. Short, positive sessions work best, and the breed's playful streak can be used to keep training enjoyable. Litter training is usually straightforward with a clean tray in a quiet spot.

Basics

1. Start with one cue, such as a name response, and reward every success.
2. Keep sessions short, around two to five minutes, and end on a win.
3. Use a clicker or a marker word so the cat links the action to the reward.
4. Build up to tricks like sit, high five, or fetch once the basics are solid.
5. Introduce a harness indoors before any outdoor walks, letting the cat set the pace.

Cats reach sexual maturity within several months, though responsible breeders wait until a cat is physically mature and health-screened before breeding. Pregnancy lasts roughly 63 to 67 days, and litters are commonly three to five kittens.

With the Highlander, breeding keeps the ear curl and the short tail within a healthy range while protecting overall structure, temperament, and vigour. Since both signature traits stem from specific genetics, careful pairing matters, so the curl and tail stay moderate and do not affect the cat's comfort.

Kittens are born with straight ears that begin to curl in the first weeks. They should stay with the mother and litter until around 12 weeks so they are weaned, socialised, and started on vaccinations before heading to new homes. Early handling helps support the breed's sociable nature.

Registering a Highlander and its chip in New Zealand

With no national database covering cats, the record behind your Highlander's chip is entirely yours to provide. A free United Pet Club profile does it: your number, her photo, her details, one scan away. Registering your cat is free for life and done in minutes.

If she is chipped already, finish the job the implant started: a chip with no record reads as a dead end. Registering the microchip is free for life with United Pet Club, open to any brand, with updates that never cost a thing. Creating a free account sorts the profile at the same time.