Highlander cat review

Many pet lovers think about the exotic and dream of having a miniature predator in their apartment. These include highlander cats. These are beautiful independent animals with a patterned coat color (tabby). Despite the predatory appearance, the pets are quite affectionate and loyal. Highlanders are divided into short-haired and long-haired.

This British breed has delighted breeders relatively recently. Specialists began work on the development of Highlanders in the early 90s of the last century. An unusual pet was born by crossing the desert lynx and the hybrid jungle curl breed. Thus, the breeders tried not to lose the predatory spotted color of the animal.

The features of this breed are as follows.

1. Ears protruding upward (the tips are bent inward). In small kittens, the curl is pronounced.
2. Strong body with sturdy muscles.
3. Round head with expressive, slanting eyes. Their colors are varied: from greenish-golden to blue.
4. The limbs are of medium length. The hind legs are longer than the front ones.
5. Short, thick tail (up to 3 cm).
6. Large paws with pronounced knuckles. This breed is characterized by polydactyly (the number of fingers exceeds the norm).

Highlander weights range from 5 to 9 kg. Naturally, males are larger than females. There are short-haired and long-haired cats. The former have shiny fur that fits snugly to the body. Owners of long hair have a movable long tail.Highlander color is unusual and "predatory". The following varieties can be distinguished.

1. Classical marble.
2. Spotted... The pattern is scattered throughout the body and comes in different sizes and shapes.
3. Tiger (mackerel). It is characterized by the presence of dark stripes on the sides.

The drawings on the face and forehead of the pet represent a typical tabby. The legs and short tail are covered with dark stripes. Note that according to the TICA standard, a cat's color is determined by the color of the undercoat. For example, if the animal's fur visually looks black with a silvery tint, and the undercoat is dark brown, then the pet's color is still considered brown.

Cats of this breed, despite the "wild" genetics, are quite peaceful and gentle. They are very attached to small households and do not show aggression. There is no jealousy and anger in them. They calmly react to other pets (parrots, rabbits and reptiles).

The Highlanders' favorite pastime is to attract the attention of those around them with funny antics. Fluffy "clowns" are very curious and constantly explore new places. Despite their mischievous disposition, Highlanders are easy to educate and quickly memorize various commands. They quickly learn to use the toilet and like to walk on a leash. Pets are not particularly talkative and prefer to express emotions in other ways. For example, they wag their short tail or look ingratiatingly into the eyes of the owner.

Many breeders have come to believe that Highlanders have a doggy, loyal nature. They are very smart and instantly respond to a name. Highlander is an active cat, but at the same time she will not arrange "running" on the curtains.

The owner must carefully prepare for the appearance of a kitten of this breed in the house. It is about purchasing a tray. Fluffy babies are quite large and playful, so they are more likely to play with toilet litter. An excellent solution would be to buy a tray with a lattice. The product will not allow the kitten to carry the filler throughout the apartment and will be the safest for young animals.

Best for Highlanders wood or corn mixture for the toilet.

A place for a pet to rest should not be arranged on the owner's bed. Sleeping together is not safe for a kitten. A breeder can harm an animal by accident.

The independent character of this breed begins to manifest itself from childhood, so the kitten must be brought up and taught to order. A fluffy baby should clearly understand what he can and cannot do. Highlanders have an excellent appetite, but in no case should they be overfed. Dry food of super-premium class is suitable for the pet. If the breeder makes a choice in favor of natural feeding (the obligatory presence of a large amount of protein), then he needs to remember about supplements that contain vital vitamins and minerals.

Note that for this breed, mixing dry food and natural products is highly undesirable. In addition to food, miniature "predators" need plenty of drink. The water must be fresh, clean and easily accessible. An excellent adaptation for a grown cat will be a play complex and several interesting toys.

The long-haired variety of the breed needs careful combing more often than its short-haired relatives. The cat is bathed as needed (once every 2 weeks). The same situation is with the claws of the animal. They are cut off when they begin to interfere with the movement of the pet. The animal needs to brush its teeth regularly (1-2 times a week). The owner is obliged to keep the cat's ears and eyes clean. In case of abundant discharge from the cat's eyes, it is necessary to promptly show the veterinarian.

Highlander, like any cat, needs a lifetime annual vaccination, treatment for parasites and proper nutrition.The life span of animals is 14-16 years. Despite the fact that the breed is quite strong and hardy, certain diseases are inherent in the Highlanders. For example, cats can suffer from diseases of the cardiovascular system. In addition, they are physiologically predisposed to calculus formation. Thus, the care of the pet's oral cavity must be especially careful.

Also, representatives of the breed are prone to obesity and are prone to allergic reactions. These health problems will not occur if the breeder takes care of the proper nutrition of the cat. Note that an allergic reaction is caused by contact with a synthetic bedding or toy. All materials must be environmentally friendly, free of fragrances and dyes.

Undoubtedly, the pet needs to be regularly shown to a specialist. Also, the attentive owner should be alerted to the unnatural behavior of the animal. For example, a playful mischievous person begins to move a little, does not have an interest in food, and sleeps most of the time.

All about the highlander cat breed, see the next video.