Full Grown Highland Lynx Cat: Size, Lifespan, Price & More

The Highland Lynx is a large domestic cat breed known for its beautiful lynx-like coat and docile personality.

As kittens, Highland Lynx cats are playful and energetic. But as they reach adulthood, their size, needs, and behaviors change significantly.

In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about fully grown Highland Lynx cats including their size, weight, appearance, personality, costs, care needs, and more.

Size at Full Growth

On average, Highland Lynx cats reach their full size between 2-4 years of age. Fully grown males tend to be the largest, measuring 17-22 inches in length from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail.

Females are slightly smaller at 15-20 inches long. For height, males stand 11-15 inches tall at the shoulder while females are 10-13 inches tall.

A Large but Affectionate Breed

Their lanky limbs and compact muscular bodies allow Highland Lynxes to look larger than they really are. However, despite their imposing stature, these cats remain gentle, loyal companions suitable for families with children.

Weight at Full Growth

On average, fully grown male Highland Lynx cats weigh 12-18 pounds while females weigh 8-15 pounds. Well-fed indoor cats may tip the scales even higher at up to 25 pounds for males and 20 pounds for females.

Proper Diet is Key

To maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity, it's important to feed fully grown Highland Lynxes a high-quality diet tailored to their needs in the correct portion sizes.

Appearance at Full Growth

Coat Coloration

As adults, Highland Lynx coats take on one of several lynx-like patterns including solid gray, black, red, or mixed tabby. Some develop facial ruff or "mane" fringe along the cheeks, neck, and shoulders.

Eyes

Eye color ranges from green to gold depending on coat color. By maturity, eyes become almond-shaped to match their lynx-like appearance.

Physique

Highland Lynxes exhibit a rangy, athletic build befitting their Scottish Wildcat ancestry. Deep chests and powerful hindquarters allow them to leap with ease. Their large paws, similar to lynx "snowshoes", lend these cats exceptional balance and traction.

Personality at Full Growth

Affectionate Companions

As they mature, Highland Lynx personalities remain gentle, loyal, and welcoming of interaction with their human family. Having grown up in a household, they bond closely and enjoy cuddles or play.

Calm and Quiet Temperament

Compared to more vocal breeds, Highland Lynxes communicate their needs with subtle body language versus meowing or yowling. This lends them a placid, serene presence ideal for households seeking a calmer cat companion.

Kids and Other Pets

Properly socialized from kittenhood, Highland Lynxes get along well with respectful children and other pets.

Price

Expect to pay between $800-$1500 for a purebred Highland Lynx kitten from a reputable breeder. Adopted adult cats may cost $500-1000 depending on age and temperament.

Consider All Costs

Be prepared for additional expenses such as supplies, veterinary care, food, litter and treats over the 15-20 year lifespan of a Highland Lynx.

Food and Feeding

High-Quality Diet

Fully grown lynxes need a premium cat food formulated for their size with at least 30% protein from real meat as the main ingredient.

Portion Sizes

Feed 2-3 times daily in separate portions to maintain healthy weight. Amounts vary but plan for 1/2-1 cup of kibble per day split between meals. Adjust based on weight and activity level.

Fresh Water

Ensure access to clean, fresh water every day. Change water at least twice daily for older cats.

Lifespan

With excellent care, Highland Lynxes can live 15-20 years on average, with some known to reach their early 20s. Regular vet care helps maximize both quality and duration of life.

Senior Cat Needs

As Highland Lynxes age, their nutritional and medical needs may change. Be prepared to adjust diet, exercise routines and provide arthritis support if needed.

Health at Full Growth

Few Health Issues

In general, Highland Lynxes don't have inherent breed-specific disorders but can be prone to obesity if overfed. Dental plaque/tartar is also common in adulthood.

Vet Check Ups

Twice yearly wellness exams help identify any emerging health issues early for best treatment outcomes.

Grooming

Regular brushing helps minimize shedding and mats in thick adult coats. Trim nails as needed to protect furniture from scratches.

Care and Nutritional Needs

Secure Enclosure

Highland Lynxes require an escape-proof, multi-level enclosed catio or indoor space ideally 6x6 ft minimum due to size and strength as an adult cat.

Daily Play

Schedule at least 30 minutes per day of interactive play to keep fully grown Highland Lynxes active and reduce problem behaviors from boredom/ under-stimulation.

Litter Box Maintenance

Scoop boxes at least twice daily to encourage proper elimination and minimize odors. Thorough cleaning once weekly.

Scratching Posts

Provide tall, sturdy posts to condition nails and release natural scratching behaviors in a suitable way.

Costing

Estimated Minimum Annual Expenses:

• $1200-2000 for premium food.
• $300-500 veterinary care.
• $200-400 supplies (litter, toys, grooming items).

Initial Set Up Costs:

• $500-1000 enclosure/cat proofing home.
• $300-600 supplies and starter food supply.

Notable Full Grown Behavioral Changes

Slower Activity Levels

Adult Highland Lynxes use up less energy and feel less need to sprint and climb with maturity.

More Settled Temperament

Fully grown lynxes tend to show less interest in rambunctious kitten play, instead preferring naps or gentle petting sessions.

Territorial Behaviors

Neutered/spayed lynxes may become more vocal toward stranger humans or pets entering their territory.

Marking Behaviors

Some intact adult lynxes, especially males, may begin urine marking to establish scent boundaries. Quickly neuter any unaltered cats showing this behavior.

Sensitivity to Stress

Changes in household routines can cause more stress response in older cats versus energetic kittens. Keep schedules as consistent as possible.

Notable Full Grown Characteristics

Strong Jumpers

Their muscular build enables fully grown lynxes to jump to great heights often surprising owners with aerial acrobatics. Cat-proof high spaces accordingly.

Powerful Scratchers

Adult claws have thicker keratin sheaths making them expert scrapers when stretching or sharpening claws. Maintain scratching posts to encourage proper outlet.

Agile Hunters

Deep chests and flexible hind legs allow lynxes to spring into pouncing stance in an instant to capture toys or prey. Monitor small pets or house pets accordingly.

Tough Constitution

Hearty Highland Lynxes demonstrate resilience against diseases with appropriate preventative vet care for full lifespans indoors.