Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 14 and 16 years. As with many cats, this longevity depends mainly on the quality of the diet, veterinary follow-up, weight control, and the safety of its lifestyle.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its build is solid and muscular, which makes it a cat that is hardy on a daily basis. This good overall impression does not, however, dispense with serious monitoring, especially since the breed remains young and less documented than older breeds.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Vigilance mainly concerns the ears, which require regular maintenance, as well as the urinary tract. In individuals without a tail or with a very reduced tail, it is also advisable to remain attentive to any unusual locomotor or neurological sign.
Otitis: The particular shape of the ears justifies regular monitoring and cleaning in order to limit inflammation and infections.
Urinary infections: As with other cats, good hydration and prompt follow-up of urinary signs are important.
Spina bifida: The absence of a tail or a very short tail may be associated with a risk of vertebral malformation in some individuals.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Highland Lynx adapts well to indoor life and tolerates ordinary variations in temperature in a temperate home correctly. As with any cat, it must have a comfortable shelter, fresh water at all times and not be exposed for long to extreme conditions.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
This playful and muscular cat has an interest in maintaining a harmonious silhouette thanks to measured meals and regular activity. Weight control is important to preserve its mobility and limit pressure on the joints and the spine.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Monitor appetite, urination and weight.
- Keep vaccinations, deworming and identification up to date.
- Consult if the cat isolates itself, vomits or stops eating.
Vaccination
Highland Lynx vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Highland Lynx need? Like all cats, Highland Lynxs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. Kittens receive their initial Highland Lynx vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if they live indoors. Depending on their lifestyle (outdoor access, living with other cats, shows, travel), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Depending on lifestyle Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisDepending on lifestyle Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Highland Lynx booster shots are given annually for feline herpesvirus and feline leukemia if your cat goes outdoors. For feline panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your cat's lifestyle.
Which boosters does your Highland Lynx need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Highland Lynx
Regular veterinary follow-up, with a complete clinical examination, weight monitoring and particular attention paid to the ears and urinary tract, is recommended. In the event of a tail or gait abnormality, an additional assessment may be useful.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
