Scottish Fold Cats can be distinguished by their folded ears. You want to learn more about the reasons these cats are so popular among cat parents. Continue reading to learn more.
Scottish Fold Cat (Highland Fold).
Scottish fold cats are great pets. They love human interaction and don’t need your constant attention.
Their ear carriage, round eyes and thick legs give them a unique look. Find out more about Scottish folds and whether they are right for you.
You’ve likely noticed that Scottish fold cat lovers are dominating the internet.
These rare felines are valued for their sweet personalities and huggable looks. The Scottish folds are a round head with large, forward-facing ears and large eyes. They draw lots of attention.
The Scottish fold cat is a medium-sized cat that weighs 6-12 pounds. They are easy to care for and enjoy being with their owners. They are smart and enjoy playing with toys or running around the house.
Marilyn Krieger, a certified cat behavior consultant in San Francisco and author of Naughty No More, says Marilyn Krieger.
Positive reinforcement can help you change undesirable behavior. It’s important that you do your research before purchasing any breed of cat, such as the Scottish fold from reputable breeders.
“Check to make sure they are members of the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) or The International Cat Association. It’s fun to own an unusual cat breed. However, it is important that you love your cat for all aspects of its personality and not just its unique features (e.g., folded ears).
Krieger states, “These cats don’t serve as decorations.” “Like all breeds of cats, they need daily attention and the best care possible.
Scottish Fold Appearance
It would look very much like a Scottish fold cat if an owl had a kitten with a cat (which they don’t have, but it’s funny to think about it). Scottish folds are medium-sized, stocky cats that love attention from all members of the family. However, they may be more interested in one person.
These beautiful cats are characterized by their round heads, small necks and large eyes. Their folded-over ears give them an unusual look. Although their coats are usually short and dense, long-haired cats are also available.
There are many colors available: white, brown, cream, silver and silver. There are many coat patterns available: solid, tabby and tortoiseshell. They can have large, beautiful eyes in gold, green or blue.
Because they aren’t too big, Scottish fold cats make a great choice for apartment dwellers. The average Scottish fold male weighs approximately 12 pounds, while the average Scottish fold female weighs between 8 and 12 pounds.
Scottish folds are a healthy breed. The folded ears don’t make them more vulnerable to mites and ear infections.
Scotch folds are short and dense, so grooming is easy. Just brush and combing your fur once per week to remove any loose hairs and skin cells.
The History of the Scottish Fold
These cats are Scottish, and were born in Scotland’s Tayside region. The most fascinating thing about the history of these cats is their connection to their ancestors.
These cats can actually be traced back to a single cat, Susie.
Susie was a white barncat who loved to hunt mice. What made Susie stand out among all the other barn cats? You may have guessed that her folded ears were what earned her extra attention.
William Ross, a shepherd, took a keen interest in Susie and her kittens. He named one of the kittens Snooks. Snooks had kittens. Ross then took one of the males from Snooks and bred him to a British Shorthair.
The Scottish Fold was born. These cats were being imported to the United States by 1971.
Scottish Folds may be crossed to American Shorthairs or British Shorthairs.
Scottish Fold Cats As Playful Companion
All of these loving, low-key cats started with one kitten, Susie, who was found on a rural Scottish farm early 1960s.
Susie, a barn cat who lived on McRae’s farm, was born with an unusual genetic mutation that gave her folded ears.
Cat breeders quickly noticed this trait and began to cross her offspring with short-haired cats from the United States and Britain.
That’s how Susie, a little Scottish farm cat, became the foundation for a new breed.
According to The Cat Fanciers Association, “all Scottish-fold cats can be traced back McRae’s Susie today, which is a rare fact in the pedigreed cat community.”
Mary Ross and William Ross, two British shorthair breeders, fell in love and were granted one of her folded-ear female kittens in 1963.
Snooks, the cat that was named after Snooks, was bred with a male red tabby male to produce one male kitten.
Later, the cat was bred to another British Shorthair. This litter gave birth to five kittens. Susie’s lineage was established.
How to Learn About Scottish Folds
These cats are social, intelligent, loving and affectionate and make great pets for families of all sizes. It is important that children learn how to properly care for their four-legged friends.
This will ensure your pet is happy and healthy, and that your child doesn’t get any unwelcome scratches or bites.
These cats are not good if left alone as their Scottish Fold personality makes them so social.
Many Scottish Fold parents discovered that two Scottish Folds can be adopted together, which means the cats won’t mind being left alone.
It doesn’t matter how long you are away from your feline friend; chances are they will be happy to cuddle up with you when you get back.
You can find these cats with either a short- or long-coated appearance. Many people refer to long-coated Highland Folds as Highland Folds.
You can also find these cats in many different colors and patterns including solid, tabby or tabby and white. It is not easy to find two identical cats!
These adorable kittens also have another unique trait: their eyes will be determined based on their coat color. Many Scottish Folds even have two eye colors.
These are some of the most common questions pet owners have before adopting their Scottish Fold:
What is the Scotch Fold Temperament?
They have an even temperament which means they are not overly active but are much more energetic than a lap cat.
They are friendly, sociable, and love to explore and spend quality time with their families.
Scottish folds are loved for their affectionate, easy-going personality. They are loyal to their families but not in an irritating way.
They are just as happy to relax on the couch with you as they will be being treated with affection.
Scottish folds are intelligent and can be trained to perform basic tricks.
These felines are happy-go-lucky and love each other.
Living needs of Scottish Fold Cat
This is a cat that can be washed and worn. Scottish fold cats can be found in medium sizes and are mostly short-haired so they can live anywhere you want.
They are just as happy living in a small apartment as in large mansions. They don’t require constant primping to stay in good shape. All they need is a quick brush-up once a week.
They will love a cat tree to climb and a few scratching boards to sharpen their nails.
They aren’t very active felines so you won’t see them jumping up on your curtains or hopping back and forth across your living space furniture.
Take care
Scottish fold cats do not require too much fussy grooming. They shed occasionally, but their lush coats require only a weekly brushing to keep them in good shape.
The Scottish hairstyle for longer hair is almost as easy, but they will require more frequent brushing to avoid matting and tangles.
Although Scottish fold cats may be less agile than other breeds, they are still very intelligent and can do a lot of things. They are very active and love to be challenged and have a lot of fun.
Scottish folds can also be social and love to spend time with you. They are great companions for friendly dogs and cats.
Health Condition of Scottish Folds
Scottish fold ears result from a genetic trait that causes ears to fold forward after a kitten turns 21-28 days.
This could be due to a defect with the production of cartilage.
Two Scottish folds should not be bred together as it can lead to osteodystrophy. This is a condition that makes the Scottish folds more susceptible to arthritis, misshapen feet, thickened tails and stiffer muscles. This is why Scottish folds are bred to American or British shorthairs.
Earwax buildup in the ears of Scottish fold cats must be monitored regularly. Although it has not been proven that Scottish fold cats have a higher incidence of wax buildup than other breeds, it is wise to monitor them.
It is important to have your pet checked out by a veterinarian regularly to ensure that your cat is healthy and free from any potential health problems.
To prevent periodontal disease, make sure your cat gets their teeth cleaned at least once per week. Don’t forget to trim your cat’s nails every couple of weeks.
Keep in mind that Scottish fold cats can become overweight because they are less active than other breeds. To keep your cat happy and healthy, encourage your cat to play and not overindulge in treats.
Fun Facts
Maru, a Japanese male cat who is one of the most well-known Scottish fold cats, has had his videos viewed millions upon millions on YouTube. Maru was once considered the most famous cat by the Los Angeles Times.
Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran are among the celebrities who love Scottish folds. Kirsten Dunst has posted photos and videos of their beloved pets.
The Scottish folds sleep on their backs, and are known to sit in what is called a Buddha Position – their legs extended in front and their frontpaws on their belly.
Are Scottish Folds Shedable?
Yes. They shed about the same amount of hair as other cats.
Are Scottish Fold Cats Hypoallergenic?
These cats are not hypoallergenic. People with allergies to cats should avoid this breed.
How Big Are Scottish Folds?
These cats are medium-sized but have a compact build. This breed’s females typically weigh between 6 and 9 lbs, while their male counterparts can weigh between 9 and 13 lbs.
These are average weights for cats, but each cat is different so it is possible that your cat will weigh more or less.
How long does the average Scottish fold last?
These cats can live between 11 and 15 years on average. These numbers can be affected greatly by factors like your cat’s environment, their daily exercise and health, and any pre-existing medical conditions.
Grooming
Scottish Folds don’t require special grooming. Your cat should be brushed once per week to maintain a healthy coat and remove any dead hairs. More brushing will result in less hair on your furniture.
Your feline friend will need to be groomed every other week, or as often as necessary.
You can buy cat toys and scratching boards to help your cat naturally grow their nails.
While you still have to trim them, a toy for scratching can help spread the work out.
Additionally, it is important to brush your cat’s teeth at least once per week. Periodontal disease can be prevented by a weekly cleaning of the teeth.
Taking Care of Scottish Fold Cat
Because of their folded ears, Scottish Fold parents must make sure their cat’s ears are checked on a weekly basis.
You can clean the ears with a 50/50 mix of cider vinegar and water, or consult your doctor to get a specialized ear cleaner.
Use a soft cotton cloth or cotton ball to clean the ears. Cotton swabs should not be used to clean your cat’s ears. They can cause injury or pain to the inner ear.
You have probably noticed that cat owners sometimes have to deal with the problem of cats leaking from their eyes.
Use a soft, damp cloth to clean around the eyes. Wipe outwards from the eyes with a wet, dry cloth. Make sure you use a separate section of cloth for each eye. This will help prevent any infection spreading from one eye to another.
Common Health Problems
Scottish Folds, like all breeds, are susceptible to health problems. Our claims data* shows that the most common conditions that can affect these cats are:
- Anemia is when your cat’s red blood cell count drops, which can cause anemia.
- Chronic renal failure (CRF) – Also known as chronic kidney disease, this is more common in older cats.
- Weight loss – A cat with an unhealthy weight almost always has other health problems. Discuss with your vet the best food and diet plan for your cat.
- Blindness – Your cat may bump into furniture more frequently, have difficulty moving up and down stairs, or appear milky or cloudy in their eyes.
- Chances are your cat will be able to live a normal existence even if their sight loss is gradual.
- Arthritis: Your cat may experience decreased flexibility, lethargy and stiffness when being picked up or handled.
It is important to bring your cat to the veterinarian if you observe any of these signs or unusual behavior.
There are many issues that can be treated for feline health. However, there are many options that you can use to help your cat live a happy, healthy life.
Fun facts about Scottish Folds
Find out more facts about these cute cats!
These cats were initially known as “lop-eared cats” for a brief period. However, their name was changed to the current name of Scottish Fold.
Scottish Folds are not recognised as a breed in Scotland due to concerns that their folded ears may lead to a variety of ear-related medical issues.
Taylor Swift, a musician, owns two Scottish Folds-Meredith Grey (and Olivia Benson). Talk about Insta-famous kitties!
Funnyly enough, these cats love to pose in unusual positions. They can stand on their backs, lie on their stomachs or belly and will often sit as a human.
What should you name your Scottish Fold?
You will need to name your cat or kitten after you bring it home. Here are some suggestions!
Walter
Luther
Florence
Nellie
Mabel
Sprout
Opal
Bo
Arthur