Empire State Lynx  Est 2013            

We specialize in Highlanders 

The Highland Lynx originated as a crossbreed of the experimental Desert

Lynx cat and the Jungle Curl/American curl Hybrid cat, to add the  latter's curled ears to the former.  As Highland Lynx, they are bobtail or short-tailed, have spotted or marbled markings, and resemble the bobcat. The Highland Lynx has a long sloping forehead and blunt muzzle with a very wide nose. The eyes are wide-set and the ears are upright with a slight curl(known as a "C" curl), or a tight fold in the backward direction. Some have polydactyl paws. Highland Lynx have no known health problems, and are fond of water. The body is substantial and very muscular. Females can grow to between 10 and 14 pounds, and the males between 15 and 20. Despite the "big-cat look", the Highland Lynx is a human-oriented, friendly and playful cat, and very active and confident. 

The Highland Lynx breed development began in 1993 as a crossbreed of the experimental Desert Lynx breed and the Jungle Curl, at Timberline Cattery by Joe Childers.  Although given a name that included "lynx", it is without any actual wild lynx (including bobcat) ancestry.  Recognized by the Rare and Exotic Feline Registry under the name Highland Lynxes, the nascent breed is classified by REFR as part of the Desert Lynx breeding group, which also includes the Desert Lynx, Alpine Lynx(solid white Highland Lynx), and Mojave Bob(Highland Lynx with curly coat). The Mohave Bob is a crossbreed between the Desert Lynx and Selkirk Rex cats to add the latter's curly coat to the former.

The Jungle Curl is a hybrid breed, a combination of a domestic cat — typically the American Curl and the African Jungle Cat. These curled-eared hybrids are rapidly growing in popularity due to their wild appearance combined with an affectionate and friendly nature.

Highlander description

The Highlander breed refinement began in 2004, to distinguish the breed better from its foundation stock, and to seek competition status in major breed registries.  The name Highlander was adopted in late 2005.  Starting May 1, 2008, the breed was recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) for competition in the Preliminary New Breed class, under the names Highlander Shorthair (HGS) and simply Highlander (HG) for the longer-haired variation.  

It took until 2016 for Highlanders to move from Preliminary New Breeds to Advanced New Breeds, which put them one class away from being part of the Championship class and being allowed to compete in competitions with other cat breeds.

Thanks to their new status, Highlanders have breed standards that outline their appearance and temperament, as well as a list of Highlander breeders available through TICA’s website.

The International Cat Association splits Highlanders into two categories under the breed’s name: Highlander Shorthair and Highlander. Highlander is the name for the long-haired variant of the breed.

Go to this link to see how TICA establishes their codes: 

TICA status codes and Breed Charts