The Highlander is a new, hybrid-descendant breed with a somewhat clouded ancestry. Its two parent “breeds”, the Desert Lynx and the Jungle Curl, are similarly uncertain hybrids. (Neither is recognized by any legitimate association.) Early breeder claims insisted the Highlander was descended from American Curls and bobcat hybrids, but no single breed has ever been proven to have bobcat or lynx ancestry. Its name is somewhat confusing; originally named the Highland Lynx, the “lynx” part was dropped early in the acceptance process. The name “Highlander”, unbeknownst to breeders, was already in use in Britain for longhair variations of the Scottish Fold (Highland Fold). The existence of two breeds with unusual ears and the same name is certainly confusing—which certainly fits the origins of the Highlander as we know it! Accepted by TICA as a Preliminary New Breed in 2008, the breed remains under development today.

Type & judging remarks
It has a “big cat” look, with bobcat-like proportions – a short, well-muscled body on long, powerful legs with large paws. It has a wide head, and the ears are loosely curled from the outer third. The tail is short and bobbed, with kinks allowed. A strong tabby pattern is desirable in colourpoint cats.