Scottish Fold Cat Breed

A spontaneous genetic mutation has occurred in farm cats in Scotland that has resulted in the Scottish Fold cat. It is believed that this breed was developed through crossbreeding between British Shorthairs and domestic cats from Scotland and England. The American Shorthair is the outcross that comes from the British Shorthair in America. The pedigree of all genuine Scottish Fold cats can be traced back to Susie, who was the mother of them all.

It is a short-haired breed with a sweet temperament, and it is known for one of its unusual characteristics, folded ears, for which it is called the Scottish fold cat. There is a unique countenance of the cat, one that almost resembles an owl because of the way its small ears fold forward and downward. There is evidence that the characteristics of this breed can be traced back to a mutated gene that was carried by a barn cat in Scotland that gave rise to the breed. A painful skeletal disorder is also associated with the gene for folded ears, which is unfortunately also linked to the gene for folded ears.

Scottish fold cats, despite the fact that their breeding is controversial due to the possibility of anatomical deformities, are still popular among people since they are attentive, devoted, and interesting-looking cats.

It’s easy to see how Scottish Fold cats got their name after just one look at this adorable breed! Besides being adorable beyond words, these kittens are also family-friendly. As far as other pets are concerned, Scottish Fold cats are friendly and get along well with many pets such as kids and other animals.

A Scottish Fold cat is a quiet and friendly cat, and is not as rambunctious as many other breeds. In fact, they may spend a considerable amount of time simply enjoying your company, and they may even follow you around the house as you go about your daily routine.

It is possible to get a Scottish Fold cat if you are looking for a cat who is comfortable conversing with you. These cats can develop quite an interesting vocabulary in spite of the quieter voices they possess than many other vocal breeds, such as the Siamese cat, allowing them to express themselves and chat about everything from the amount of food in their dish to the fact that you need to wake up in the morning. They have a lot of fun doing that. You can expect to hear quite a bit of chatter when you speak with a Scottish Fold when you talk to them.

Be prepared to spend a little bit of time on a waiting list if you intend to bring a Scottish Fold kitten into your family as a member of the family. There is a great deal of interest in these kitties, but they are difficult to find. Good news is, Scottish Fold cats are, for the most part, fantastic companions, and their long wait has been well worth it.

In addition to enjoying company, Scottish Fold cats do not like being left alone for long periods of time. The good news is that these kitties are perfectly happy when they are accompanied by another animal during those long days when you have to work or spend several hours away from home for other reasons during those long days. I am sure you will receive a warm welcome when you return.

ORIGIN	Pertshire, Scotland
HEIGHT	8 to 10 inches
WEIGHT	6 to 9 pounds (female)/ 9 to 13 pounds (male)
LIFE SPAN	11 to 14 years
GOOD WITH	children, seniors, dogs, cats, families
TEMPERAMENT	affectionate
INTELLIGENCE	high
SHEDDING AMOUNT	normal
PLAYFULNESS	medium
EYE COLOR	Blue, Green, Gold, Odd-eyed
ACTIVITY LEVEL	calm
VOCALNESS	when necessary
COAT LENGTH	long, short
COLORS	lavender / silver, fawn, blue / gray, black / ebony, cream / beige / tan, red / orange
PATTERNS	bi-color, solid, calico / tri-color, tabby
OTHER TRAITS	easy to train, easy to groom, friendly toward other pets, friendly toward strangers, friendly toward humans, tolerates being alone, high potential for weight gain, good lap cat, tolerates being picked up
PRICE	$800 to $2,000

The need-to-know

I would recommend this to anyone who has never owned a cat before
Has a great sense of humor and enjoys playing games at home and keeping active
An active and curious cat, who is always playing and exploring
The independence of the individual and the friendliness of the friend
Cat who is a bit talkative
Breeds of cats that have an average build
Once a week, it needs to be groomed
A large amount of outdoor space is required for this plant
Great family cat
It is possible to leave it for a few hours regularly
Great for a relaxed home

Scottish Fold Characteristics

There are some breeds that are well known for their easygoing temperaments and general sociability, such as this breed. As a rule, it gets along great with other cats, dogs, and even dogs that are friendly to cats. It can also be adapted to households with multiple pets. There is no doubt that children who are old enough to not treat this cat roughly and respect it will become fast friends with the Scottish fold, whose affectionate personality is both soothing and endearing to people of all ages.

If you have a home where there is plenty of casual play balanced with plenty of quiet cuddle time, the Scottish fold will flourish in a household where there is a lot of active engagement or strenuous exercise.

Affection Level	High
Friendliness	Medium
Kid-Friendly	High
Pet-Friendly	High
Exercise Needs	Medium
Playfulness	Medium
Energy Level	Medium
Intelligence	High
Tendency to Vocalize	Low
Amount of Shedding	Medium

What to Know About Scottish Folds

I am sure you will find them to be a great addition to any family of any size and age since they are loving, social, and smart. Just keep in mind that it is important to teach children to treat their four-legged family members properly and to handle them with respect. Keeping your pet happy and healthy as well as protecting your child from any unwanted scratches or bites will help ensure that your pet remains healthy and happy.

In spite of the sociable nature of the Scottish Fold personality, they are not suited to being left alone for long periods of time due to their sociability. In some cases, Scottish Fold parents have discovered that by adopting two Scottish Folds, they will be able to keep each other company, while the cats will not have to feel that they are alone at home. If you have been gone for some time, the chances are that when you return home, your feline friend will want to sit in your lap for some quality time cuddling with you, no matter how long you have been gone.

In the long-coated form, they are often referred to as Highland Folds, but some people call the short-coated versions short-coated Highland Folds. The cats also come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including solid, tabby, tabby and white, bicolor, and particolor—i.e. there can be a lot of variations in the design of these cats, which means you will have a hard time finding two that are identical.

In addition, one of the interesting characteristics of the Scottish Fold cats is the fact that their eye color will be determined by the color of their coat. Many of these adorable cats have been known to have two different eye colors.

In the process of adopting a Scottish Fold for their own pet, pet owners will have some common questions.

Scottish Fold Traits

General Appearance

There is something adorable about the round faces of Scottish Fold cats despite their medium size. There is a gene mutation in Folds that causes the ears to fold in after about 3-4 weeks of age if the kittens carry the mutation. As much as 50% of Scottish Fold kittens born in litters with this mutation have this mutation at birth. There is also a separate group of kittens (straight-eared kittens) known as “straight-eared Folds” or Scottish Straights, which have straight ears.

Coat and Coloring

There are both shorthaired and longhaired varieties of Scottish Folds. The hair of a shorthair cat is dense, plush, and stands out from the body in a pleasant manner. In many cases, longhair cats have full coats with distinctive britches, tail plumes, tufts at the toes, and ornaments on the ears. They come in almost every color and pattern you could imagine when it comes to their coats.

Distinctive Physical Traits

A fold animal’s head is rounded, and its eyes have a wide-open look with a sweet expression on its face. Their short noses have a gentle curve and give them a moderate profile, giving them a soft look. A smaller, tightly folded ear is preferred by them, and they will fold it forward and downward toward their heads. A Scottish Fold usually has rounded, well-padded bodies and medium-to-long, flexible tails that are tapered at the ends and are flexible.

The Breed Standard

Body

It is recommended that the body has a rounded appearance, and that it is well padded. There may be a significant difference between the size of males and females.

Head

As a rule of thumb, a dog’s head should be fairly rounded, with round whisker pads and prominent cheekbones. You should be able to squeeze your jaw and chin tightly. As a result, there may be significant jowling in males.

Ears

Scottish Fold cats have small ears that are folded forward and downward, as well as set so that the rounded cranial structure of their heads is visible.

Coat

Depending on the length of the coat, it can be either long or short. A shorthaired Scottish Fold cat should have a dense, plush coat with a soft texture, and the hair should stand away from the body and lie flat against the body. It should be noted that Scottish Fold cats with medium-long to longhair should have a full coat with tufts on the toes, a ruff and britches at the base of the tail, and a pronounced tail plume. The length of the hair on the face is permissible for cats with long hair.

Color

It is possible to have a Scottish Fold in any color or pattern that you like. Lockets and buttons are allowed to be worn on the garment. There should be a match between the color of the nose leather and the color of the paw pads on the dog’s coat.

Eyes

It is recommended that the eyes should be large, well-rounded, and separated by a broad nose, which should also be large. A sweet smile should be on the face of the child and the eyes should have a wide, open appearance. There should be a correspondence between the color of the eyes and the color of the coat.

Legs & Paws

In order to have strong legs, they need to be proportionate to the size of the body. In order to make the feet look round, they should be rounded.

Tail

It is recommended that a Scottish Fold cat has a medium to long tail that is proportional to the cat’s height. As the tail taper, it should look more rounded than whippy, and it should have a tapered end rather than a whippy tip.

Personality

As a result of their friendly and well-tempered natures, Scottish Fold cats do really well in family environments. You can cuddle with your dog even when he or she is not active, so there is not always a need for them to be active.

Are there any games that the Scottish Fold enjoys playing? It is obvious that they do! There is no doubt that they want to show their humans affection as much as they want to chase after a mouse on a string.

It’s not uncommon for Scottish Folds to want to be around you at times, but they will also be comfortable and confident doing their own thing as well. It is known that they are intelligent as a breed and can entertain themselves in a number of ways. However, don’t be too surprised when they come to check in on you when they see if you’re ready to pay them attention.

Your Scottish Fold will, of course, have a distinct personality that will make them stand out from the crowd. If you ever have the opportunity to spend some time with a Scottish Fold, you will be amazed at how gentle and loving these cats can be.

Appearance

There would be a lot of similarity between a Scottish fold and an owl if an owl and a cat had a baby together. As a medium-sized, stocky breed, Scottish folds love human attention from everyone in the house, but may give extra attention to one or two people in the family.

As a result of their rounded heads, short necks, and large eyes, combined with their fold-over ears, these cats have a unique look that is reminiscent of an owl with their long, rounded ears. It is generally characterized by a short and dense coat, though there are also long-haired breeds that have thick Scottish folds. As well as white, blue, cream, silver, black, and cameo colors, there are also brown and cameo colors available. There are a variety of coat patterns to choose from, including solids, tabbies, tortoiseshells, bicolors, spotted, and shades. Gold, green, or blue can be the color of their huge, beautiful eyes.

It is also a great choice for apartment dwellers to choose Scottish fold cats since they will not become too big. A Scottish fold male usually weighs 12 pounds, while a Scottish fold female usually weighs from 8 to 12 pounds on average. It is no secret that Scottish fold dogs are a healthy breed. Their folded ears do not make them more susceptible to mites or ear infections than other dogs in the same breed.

It is easy to groom Scottish fold dogs since they have a short, dense coat, which means you only need to brush and comb the fur once a week to remove loose hair and dead skin cells.

Scottish Fold Temperament

Despite their sweet dispositions, Scottish Fold cats do not require a lot of attention from their owners. Due to their adaptable nature, they are ideally suited for situations ranging from busy family life to low-key, single-person households because of their ability to adapt.

There is nothing more loyal than a cat who enjoys curling up next to the person they love and is an excellent napper as well. In some cases, they will sit up like a prairie dog if something catches their attention, so they can see what’s going on. They are not rowdy or excessively energetic, but they do like to play and can learn how to fetch as well as some other tricks.

There is no doubt that folds are generally quiet cats. There is a tiny voice that they use when they have something to say to make you pay attention to what they are saying.

Scottish Fold Care

Nutrition

A high-quality diet is essential for Scottish Folds to thrive. You need to make sure that you choose a formula that’s age-appropriate, as nutritional requirements differ based on whether your cat is a kitten, an adult, or an old cat.

The number of overweight or obese cats in the United States is estimated to be around one in three. It is also important to remember that extra weight can result in other health risks – such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart problems. Whenever your cat gains excess weight, make sure to measure out their meals and reduce portions in order to keep calories under control. There is no limit to how many calories should be contained in treats per day, but it should not exceed 10%.

As well as providing your cat with meals, you will also need to make sure that they have plenty of access to fresh, clean water.

Grooming

Taking care of Shorthair Scottish Folds does not require a lot of time and effort. The only thing they need is a once-over with a steel comb on a weekly basis in order to look their best. Taking care of longhair folds requires more frequent grooming than shorthair folds. It is important to brush your hair a few times per week in order to prevent mats and tangles from developing.

Furthermore, you should also make sure that you trim your cat’s nails every few weeks so that they do not get too long as a result of brushing them. The longer the nail, the more likely it is that it will snag on something and tear or damage it. The overgrowth of the nails can also cause the paw pads of your cat to become inflamed or painful as a result.

Finally, it is imperative that every cat receives proper dental care-including at-home teeth brushing and regular exams and cleanings-to ensure that their health will be maintained for a long time.

Health

Depending on the breed, there are some health conditions that are more likely to affect the animal. This may result in a higher risk of developing osteochondrodysplasia-an abnormality that affects the formation of cartilage and bones in Scottish Folds. When you have concerns about your cat’s health, the best place to discuss them is with your veterinarian.

Common Health Problems

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): In this condition, pockets of fluid form inside of the kidneys due to an inherited congenital problem
Cardiomyopathy: Cardiovascular disease is a type of disease that affects the heart

Living Needs

This is one kitty that you can wash and wear all the time! Scottish fold cats are medium-sized, mostly short-haired cats, which means that they are capable of living anywhere with minimal work from you on your part. The inhabitants of one-room apartments can be as content as the residents of mansions that cover several acres.

However, there are some things you should consider before bringing home a Scottish fold kitten — or, for that matter, any cat, for that matter.

“Like any other cat, they need adequate mental and environmental enrichment in order to ensure that they can flourish,” explains Gerken. There is a great deal of benefit to the animals if you provide them with scratching posts, vertical and horizontal space, including perches and hiding places, a variety of toys that will provide them with novelty on a weekly basis and structured social and play sessions with you and your family.

In spite of the fact that Scottish folds need stimulation and ways to keep themselves occupied, they are not energetic cats, so you won’t find them climbing your curtains or leaping back and forth across your living room furniture.

There are many different kinds of Scottish folds available today, and Gerken says that they can be very happy living with a single person or a family with children. Make sure that you teach your little ones how to handle cats properly if they are going to be interacting with them.

Living With

In order to keep the Scottish Fold healthy, it is important to take care with its nutrition. The breed itself is round from the beginning, so she shouldn’t become overweight as she has a round appearance to begin with. Despite being a good eater, she is not as active as other breeds, so it is very important for her to be under nutritional control.

For a Scottish Fold to maintain a good condition, she needs to interact with her parent and play interactively with her every now and then. Despite the easy care of her coat, she appreciates a gentle brushing whenever she is playing with it as a part of her play time.

The Scottish Fold ages slowly, so if you want to keep it young, play gently with its tail by moving it from side to side and from top to bottom. A veterinarian should be contacted if any stiffness in her tail is noticed or if it appears that she is in pain when the tail is manipulated, so that you can make sure that she is not suffering from arthritis.

Scottish Fold Overview

A Scottish fold cat is without a doubt a charming and friendly creature, and it is hard to deny its charm. Despite being a calm and affectionate dog, it is also adaptable to the majority of households as well. As a result of the “price” that comes with having those cute folded ears, there is a high chance of the breed developing pain and debilitation — either lifelong or at an older age — that occurs with the breed.

Pros

Unique appearance
Calm and easygoing
Affectionate and friendly with adults, kids, and other pets

Cons

High risk for a debilitating cartilage and bone disease
May be stiff or uncomfortable throughout life
Breeding is controversial

Fun Facts About Scottish Folds

These adorable cats have a lot of fun facts to share with you, so keep reading!

As the name of this breed has changed over time, they used to be called lop-eared cats for a short period of time, but their name was later changed to the name we know today-Scottish Fold.
There is a fear that the folded ears of Scottish Folds could lead to various ear-related medical problems, which is the reason the breed is not recognized in Scotland as a breed.
There are two Scottish Folds owned by singer Taylor Swift. These are Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson. It’s no secret that there are some Instagram-famous kitties out there!
A funny fact about these cats is that they are well known for posing for photographs in interesting positions. A lot of the time, they will sleep sprawled out on their backs or bellies, and they commonly sit in the same place a human would sit, sometimes as high as a human can sit.

History of the Scottish Fold

One of the earliest Scottish folds was found on a farm in Perthshire, Scotland in 1961 by a barn cat named Susie. It was a natural mutation that caused her to have folded ears, and half of her kittens were also born with the same mutation. One of the neighbors, William Ross, decided to breed his kittens and consult with a geneticist so as to determine the kitten’s genetic makeup in order to determine if they would survive. As a result of getting hit by a car, Susie lost her life, but her daughter Snooks continued the family name.

It quickly became evident that Scottish fold kittens do not have folded ears when they are born, as it was initially believed. A kitten that carries a gene that causes the ears to fold starts folding the outer part of the ear around the age of 21 days, and this process begins near the base of the ear.

As the cat’s body develops cartilage and bone throughout its entire life, the fold gene plays an important role in cartilage and bone formation.

It is said to be homozygous when there are two copies of a gene present in a cat. A cat who has two copies of the gene that causes folded ears can suffer from severe health problems, including osteochondrodysplasia, a skeletal disorder which can cause crippling arthritis at an early age in cats with two copies of the gene that produces folded ears. Due to obvious ethical reasons, homozygous cats do not breed because there is no purpose in doing so.

When a cat carries one copy of the gene, they are said to be heterozygous. There should be a fold in the ear characteristic in them, but they should also be quite healthy. Arthritis may develop in them at an older age, but it is more likely to occur when they are older. Some people are of the opinion that these cats have a good quality of life, while others believe they suffer pain and disability due to their condition.

As a result, cats that display the folded ear trait are usually bred to cats with flat ears so that no one in the litter receives two copies of the gene that triggers the folded ear trait. There is a good chance that a heterozygous Scottish fold would be unable to do well if bred with a Scottish fold which had straight ears, but if outbred with a British shorthair, it would do better. The concern with Scottish folds is that people who have straight ears might still carry the gene but not make use of it.

The majority of veterinarians are against breeding Scottish folds for the simple reason that any cat holding this gene will be prone to osteochondrodysplasia, which may cause pain and even debilitation for the cat. Many countries continue to practice breeding, and there are ongoing debates about it.

Since 1971, there has not been a breed registry for cats in the United Kingdom, solely due to ethical concerns about the health of these cats. In fact, there was once a breed registry, run by the governing council of the cat fancy (GCCF), but this was withdrawn due to ethical concerns. As far as the United States and other countries are concerned, breeding of the species continued. There are three cat fanciers’ associations that accept the membership applications of their members, and they are the American Cat Fanciers’ Association (ACFA), Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), and The International Cat Association (TICA).

Scottish fold clubs include:

Scottish Fold Fanciers
International Scottish Fold Association (CFA-Affiliated Club)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Scottish Fold cat cost?

There is a price range between $1000 and $2000 for Scottish Fold cats.

How big do Scottish Fold cats get?

Cats belonging to the Scottish Fold breed tend to be medium in size. Depending on the size of the Scottish Fold cat and its maturity level, it can weigh anywhere between 6-13 lbs and be around the height of about 8-10 inches at full maturity.

How long do Scottish Fold cats live?

It is estimated that Scottish Fold has an average lifespan of 13-15 years.