The Highland Lynx Kitten

I am currently overwhelmed with the enjoyment of my first litter of Highland Lynx kittens. I have fallen madly in love with each and every one of them, especially my little silver, who attaches himself to me every chance he gets. I have no idea how I will bear to sell them as much as I adore each unique miniature bobcat face and personality.

The Highland Lynx is a new breed still to many people, but whenever someone sees them for the first time they are fascinated. My nephew Gabe who is 21 came by this evening and wanted to see my 5 week old kittens. When he entered the room he just stared at my darlings for a minute then he said, "Oh my gosh, those are the cutest kittens I have ever seen!" He thought the tufted curled ears, the variety of tail lengths wild, the big paws, leopard stripes, etc. made them absolutely cool and amazing. Before he left he said, "I am not a huge cat person, but I would like to have a cat like that!" High praise from a 21 yr. old guy!

Most animal lovers who are around Highland Lynx or Desert Lynx cats and kittens for very long are enchanted. They look wild and mysterious but in actuality are fun-loving and sweet tempered. They can run a bit toward the wild side if they are not socialized when they are babies, but that simply makes it very important to choose a Highland Lynx breeder wisely.

If you have not seen the pictures, you should take a look at my cubs. They are so neat to look at even if you never choose to buy one of your own. And should you ever buy one, you can mark my word, that one won't be enough.

Beware of Clumping Litter For Kittens

When my first litter of kittens were old enough to start using a litter box, I put a small baking pan in their room with the same basic clumping cat litter in it that I used for the adult cats.

As I watched them one evening playing and getting in and out of the litter pan, I realized to my dismay, that they were eating little bites of the cat litter each time they got in the pan. I knew that could not be good, so I began researching the subject online and asking other breeders for input.

What I learned could save your kittens lives: NEVER USE CLUMPING LITTER FOR KITTENS!! Clumping cat litter contains sodium bentonite, a naturally absorbent clay, which is an extremely effective clumping agent. When liquid is added, bentonite swells to approximately 15 times its original volume. Now think about this: sodium bentonite acts rather like cement would, and all the labels tell you NOT to flush it because it can block your septic system as they absorb water and expand.

Is that what I want to happen in my kittens intestines? It came to my attention as I researched, that many a kitten owner has lost a kitten and discovered in autopsy that there were lung and bowel blockages made of clumping cat litter.

Needless to say, I immediately went and bought some plain, non-clumping litter. Since the ingestion of litter is unavoidable in kittens, be sure that whatever you use in their litter box is completely safe and non-toxic, and never, ever use a clumping litter when they are small.
 

Choosing a Kitten

Choosing a kitten is one of the most wonderfully fun things a cat lover will ever do. No matter how many times in my life I have brought home a new feline, the excitement never grows old.

Now when it comes to advice on choosing a kitten, you will hear as many different ideas as there are cat owners. Here are the ones that have become most important to me with years of experience. They now stand out as issues that need consideration before buying a cat or kitten.

1.) First, be certain you have the time and energy for a pet. While cats are less demanding than dogs, they are still living creatures in need of time and attention. Be sure you will be available to nurture a kitten as it matures.

2.) Be sure you have read and researched the characteristics of the breed of cat you are interested in. Some cats are high energy and like to climb curtains and bounce off the walls. Others, like our Highland Lynx kittens have good energy and like to play, but have no interest in tearing up the furniture. They are talkative and loving, while other breeds are silent and aloof.

3.) Know that some kittens will cost more than others and be prepared for the purchase price as well as the cost for veterinary services, food, bedding, vitamins, etc. Our Bobtail Kittens are expensive to some people, but the rewards of this exotic cat's friendship and love, far outweigh the expense.

4.) Now for the fun part…..When looking at kittens you have many options in what your new baby may look like. There are long hairs (get out the vacuum), short hairs, solid colors, leopard spotted, bobtails, long tails, curled ears, no-tails, polydactyl (extra toes/big feet), etc. etc. Don't just take home the first kitten you see. You will share this animals life for many years and want to be certain it is the right one.

5.) Last but very important, before you choose a kitten to keep for a life time, make sure there is some sort of attraction between you and the particular kitten. In every litter of kittens there are a variety of personalities, just like with people. Some kittens will walk by you or shy away from you and not want to be picked up. You want to be sure the kitten you choose is one that you feel a connection with in some way. Perhaps he is the runt and when you picked him/her up, there was instant eye contact. Maybe she/he was crying and when you cuddled them they calmed right down and went to sleep. The type of connection may be different each time and for each kitten, but never underestimate the importance of this criteria when choosing a kitten.