Everyone who likes cats knows that amiable domestic cats are derived from larger, more fearsome wild cats. But you might wonder what domestic cats that look like lynx are out there!
You might be surprised to find that varieties of domestic house cats have been specifically bred to resemble these huge cats’ smaller cousins. Here are 13 cat breeds you’ll fall in love with if you’ve ever desired a house cat resembling a lynx.
Several cat breeds look like a lynx, including the Savannah, Chausie, American Bobcat, Bengal Cat, Toyger, Norwegian Forest Cat, Siberian Cat, Highlander Lynx, Ocicat, Pixie Bob, Maine Coon, Serengeti, and Somali.
Keep reading below as we discuss these breeds in more detail.
Other articles you would like: Best Cat Breeders In Scotland and Best Ragdoll Breeders In Scotland.
Table of Contents
Are There Domestic Cats That Look Like Bobcats?
Domestic cats and bobcats (Lynx rufus) are two different species of felines, but some domestic cat breeds have physical characteristics similar to bobcats.
However, it’s important to note that these breeds do not have the same genetic makeup as bobcats and do not possess the same behavior or characteristics as their wild counterparts.
One of the most well-known domestic cat breeds that resembles a bobcat is the Bengal cat. Another domestic cat breed that looks similar to a bobcat is the Chausie.
In addition to Bengal cats and Chausies, several other domestic cat breeds have physical characteristics similar to bobcats. These breeds include the Savannah, the Toyger, and the Maine Coon.
It’s important to note that while these domestic cat breeds may resemble bobcats in their physical appearance, they do not possess the same behavior or characteristics as their wild counterparts.
Bobcats are wild animals adapted to living in various environments, including forests, deserts, and grasslands.
They are known for their keen hunting skills and for stalking and capturing their prey. In contrast, domestic cats are domesticated animals adapted to living close to humans.
They are generally docile and affectionate and do not have the same predatory instincts as bobcats.
Domestic Cats That Look like Lynx
Following are 13 domestic cat breeds that resemble a lynx in appearance:
1. Bengal Cat
The Bengal is a well-known hybrid cat incorporating wild animals into its breeding program. It is a domestic cat that resembles the appearance of a tiger or an African wild cat.
Asian leopard cats and domestic breeds like the Abyssinian, British Shorthair, Egyptian Mau, Bombay, or Ocicat were crossed to develop the Bengal. Bengal cats are large, reaching between eight and fifteen pounds.
These cats are not for lazy or overworked cat owners since they behave like little tigers do in your household. They are highly clever and energetic and require attention and exercise to maintain their happiness.
2. Toyger
Toygers are a relatively new breed of domestic cat that was developed to resemble a small tiger. They are known for their distinctive orange and black striped coats, which are intended to mimic the markings of a tiger.
Toygers are a cross between Bengal and domestic cats, bred to be friendly and affectionate pets.
Toygers are typically medium to large, with a strong, athletic build. They have a short, dense coat striped in shades of orange and black and large, round eyes that are typically green or gold.
Toygers are known for their playful, energetic personalities and their intelligence. They are often described as curious and energetic and known for their love of playing with toys.
3. Savannah
Savannah cats are a breed of domestic cat known for their wild-looking appearance and unique personalities. They are a hybrid breed created by crossing a domestic cat with a serval, a medium-sized wild cat native to Africa.
As a result, Savannah cats have a distinctive appearance, with long legs, a tall, slender build, and large, pointed ears. They also have spotted coats ranging from gold to silver to black.
Savannah cats are known for their high energy levels and their playful, curious nature. They are known for their high intellect and can be taught to do a lot of tricks. They are also known for their affectionate personalities and bond with their owners.
Savannah cats are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health problems. Savannah cat owners need to work with their veterinarian to ensure their cat receives proper care and nutrition.
Savannah cats should also be up to date on all necessary vaccinations.
4. Chausie
The Chausie is a domestic cat that resembles a lion, mountain lion, or lynx. It is a hybrid breed.
The Jungle Cat (Felis chaus), indigenous to South Asia and the Nile Valley, was crossed with domestic cat breeds like the Abyssinian and the Oriental Shorthair to develop this cat.
These are large cats with well-muscled bodies, lengthy legs, and a generally “wild” appearance that may weigh up to 25 pounds.
They have inherited their wild ancestors’ love of water as well.
Because of their reputation for being affectionate, lively cats that require care and attention, Chausies are not a suitable choice for the typical cat owner who desires a somewhat more low-maintenance cat.
5. Norwegian Forest Cat
Norwegian Forest Cats are a breed of domestic cat known for their thick, long coats, strong, muscular builds, and friendly, outgoing personalities.
They are native to Norway and have a long history as working cat, used for hunting and rodent control on farms and in homes.
Norwegian Forest Cats are generally large cats, with males weighing between 13 and 22 pounds and females weighing between 8 and 12 pounds.
They have a medium to long, thick coat that is water-resistant and comes in various colors and patterns, including solid, tabby, calico, and bi-color. They also have a distinctive “mane” of fur around their neck and large, pointed ears.
6. Siberian Cat
Siberian cats are a breed of domestic cat that originated in Russia. They are known for their thick, fluffy coats and friendly personalities.
They are a medium to large breed, with males weighing between 15 and 20 pounds and females weighing between 10 and 15 pounds. They have a strong, muscular build, a wedge-shaped head, and large, round eyes.
Siberian cats are intelligent, curious, and known for their desire to explore and play. They are generally good with children and other pets and can adapt well to various environments.
Siberian cats have a low-maintenance coat that requires minimal grooming. They are generally healthy and can live to be 15-20 years old. They are a popular choice as pets due to their friendly personalities and beautiful, thick coats.
7. American Bobtail
The American Bobtail is a medium to large-sized cat breed with a distinctive, naturally occurring bobtail. They have a muscular, sturdy build, broad chests, and strong legs.
Their coat can be short or medium in length and comes in various colors and patterns, including tabby, calico, and solid.
American Bobtails are known for their intelligent and playful personalities. They are generally good with children and pets and adapt well to new environments.
To care for an American Bobtail, providing them with a healthy diet, regular grooming, and plenty of mental and physical stimulation is important.
They should be brushed at least once a week to remove loose fur and prevent tangles. It is also important to keep their claws trimmed and provide them with a scratching post to prevent damage to furniture.
American Bobtails should have regular check-ups with a veterinarian to ensure they are in good health and to stay up to date on vaccinations.
8. Highlander Lynx
The Highlander cat is often called the Highland Lynx or Highlander Shorthair. The Desert Lynx and other household cats were used in its creation in the 2000s.
With their curled and tufted ears, bobbed tails, and tabby coloring and patterns, these big cats resemble their Lynx ancestors in many ways. They do come in the majority of hues and designs. The Highlander has a reputation for being goofy.
They thrive with an owner willing to invest time in teaching them enjoyable tricks and keeping them busy and engaged since they are highly intelligent and lively.
9. Ocicat
The Ocicat is a good option if you want a house cat that resembles a lynx or other small jungle cats. They have an appealing spotty coat that gives them the appearance of a little wild jungle cat relaxing in your home.
In reality, they were developed by the mating of Siamese, American Shorthair, and Abyssinian cats. They thrive in households with the time and motivation to match their personality since they are large cats with powerful frames suited for sports.
They are incredibly devoted to their owners and have been compared to dogs.
Blue, blue silver, chocolate, chocolate silver, cinnamon, cinnamon-silver, ebony silver, fawn, fawn-silver, lavender, lavender silver, and tawny are the available colors for the Ocicat.
Even though the spotted pattern is their most desired appearance, they come in any of the base colors and tabby patterns.
10. Pixiebob
The Pixiebob is a lynx-like domestic cat that is affectionate and charming with a dog-like demeanor. The Pixiebob truly has no Coastal Red Bobcat heritage, despite popular belief.
The tabby lineage used to create the Pixiebob has naturally bobbed tails. They appear similar to the Bobcat residing in your house, despite not having any real Bobcats in their heritage.
They are big, plump cats with bobcat-like bodies and head shapes that are large, weighing between 14 and 18 pounds.
They have a brown foundation that ranges in color from tawny brown to a reddish-brown hue, with either a short or lengthy coat that can have spotted, rosette, classic, or mackerel tabby patterns.
11. Maine Coon
Maine Coons are a breed of domestic cats known for their large size, long hair, and friendly, outgoing personalities. They are native to the state of Maine in the United States and are one of North America’s oldest natural cat breeds.
Maine Coons are generally large cats, with males weighing between 15 and 25 pounds and females weighing between 10 and 15 pounds.
They have a medium to long, shaggy, thick, water-resistant coat and a distinctive “mane” of fur around their neck. Maine Coons come in various colors and patterns, including solid, tabby, calico, and bi-color.
Maine Coons are known for their intelligence and their affectionate, social nature. They are often described as “dog-like” in their behavior, as they are known for following their owners around and being very vocal.
They are also known for their love of playing and love of the water.
12. Serengeti
The Serengeti is a different domestic cat that resembles a wild cat. To make a cat that resembles the African Serval, Bengal, and Oriental Shorthair, cats were crossed to make this breed.
They are medium-to-large cats that weigh between eight and fifteen pounds. The Serengeti is built in the same athletic, “wild” manner as other hybrid cats of the same nature.
Cat trees, shelves, and windowsills in your house are a “must have” for this breed because they are renowned as incredible athletes that will leap on everything they can find there.
A golden brown tabby pattern or a silver spotted, or striped pattern is present in their coat. They may also be available in solid or smokey black.
13. Somali
The Somali is a great option if you adore the Lynx’s appearance and temperament but would rather have a long-haired cat. This breed was developed as a replacement for the short-haired Abyssinian.
High intellect, vitality, and ambition are shared personality features between the two breeds. The Somali’s long hair can make them look like a fluffier lion or, from a certain perspective, a fluffy fox, owing to their bushy tail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the calmest house cat?
There are a few breeds of house cat that stand out for their quiet demeanor. Some include the Ragdoll, the Siamese cat, and the Abyssinian.
What is the smartest house cat?
While each cat might be more or less inclined towards intelligence, the Abyssinian cat is known for its ability to solve puzzles.
What big cat are house cats most like?
House cats share more than 95 percent of their DNA with tigers–the largest cat on the planet and one of the most fearsome predators in Asia.
What Domestic Cats Look Like Lynx?
If you are considering adopting a domestic cat that looks like a lynx, it’s important to research and chooses a breed that suits your lifestyle and needs. This article discusses various cat breeds that resemble the lynx in appearance.
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