Scottish Fold Cat | Breed Information, Personality, and Care Guide

Scottish Fold cat is among the most easily recognizable and extraordinary cats because of the specific feature of their ears – folds. These friendly, playful cats are gentle, calm tempered, and have beautiful fur. This cat breed has round faces, large eyes and has a different kind of ears compared to other cat breeds. This Scottish Fold cat breed guide will give you everything you need to know, including history and caring for one if you decide to adopt.

History of Scottish Fold Cat

The Scottish Fold breed was developed in Scotland in the 1960s when a white farm cat, Susie, birthed a litter of kittens, of which one had the fold gene. This kitten was noticed by a farmer in the village, and he started to mate the cat with other cats in order to continue the gene. When the breed became more popular, the Scottish Fold cats were brought to United States and other parts of the world.

The gene that gives the characteristic of folded ears is an autosomal gene, one copy of which can cause the fold. But it sometimes causes cartilage issues, which is why careful breeding is so important in order to protect this breed. Although there might be some health issues related to the breed, Scottish Fold soon rose to the popularity among cat lovers all over the globe.

Classification of Scottish Fold Cat

Scottish Fold is a fairly large breed with a rounded skull, large eyes and, as befits the name, folded ears. The breed can be short coated or long coated, and they exist in almost any color and pattern imaginable. Regardless of whether it has a plain or patterned coat, the Scottish Fold cat has a smooth, fluffy fur that makes them popular.

They are built more proportional with well developed muscles and short legs. It depicted round faces and these eyes were big as well to emphasize their kindness and kinds of appearance more. The most distinct characteristic of the Scottish Fold is, of course, its ears. The ears are usually bent forward and down, so that the cat always looks as if it is a very young kitten, which is very appealing.

By Purpose

Scottish Fold cats are mostly bred for domestic use because of their friendly and relaxed temperaments. They are described as perceiving-oriented, demanding to get attention and reciprocation from their owners. Scottish Folds are not very active and are quite loyal to their human family, so they will suit families, individuals, and the elderly.

Apart from being friendly cats, the Scottish Folds are smart and have lots of energy. They like games, including chasing toys, feeding puzzles and even fetching games. They are also on the other hand friendly, calm and docile and this makes them suitable to be taken anywhere.

By Size

Scottish Fold cats are medium boned cats, and the male cats usually range from 9 to 13 pounds while the female cats range from 6 to 9 pounds. They are medium sized, stocky and bear rounded bodies with short legs. Because of their size they are suitable for use in apartments or in houses with small compounds.

Although they are not as big as some other types of cats, Scottish Folds have good muscle mass and healthy bones which allow them to get around. As you might know, they are not very likely to jump on high surfaces often but they love to climb and run on lower furniture or cat trees.

Most Popular Scottish Fold Cat

The Scottish Fold has a special trait – the ears are folded; therefore, the breed has a different appearance in comparison with other cats. They are also loved for their calm and friendly disposition therefore Widely recommended as pet cats for families and anyone in search of affectionate feline.

The common type is the short haired one but the more recent Scottish Fold with long hair is also rapidly gaining popularity because of its fluffy fur. Regardless the coat type these cats have a nice round appearance with large eyes which make them look very innocent and cute. Many people like them for their cuteness and friendly and gentle nature of the breed.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Scottish Fold Cat

Ear Health: Scottish Fold cat is characterized by folded ears which result from a gene mutation. As this makes them stand out in a crowd, it also causes ear cartilage issues among the wearers. Responsibility for the choice should be taken to select the best breeder who cares about the cat’s health and whose ears do not cause the animal severe pain.

Temperament: Scottish Folds are friendly and they don’t demand much attention as compared to other cat breeds. They share the company of humans and likes to play and be active frequently but at the same time, they also need their moments of rest. If you do not want your cat to be hostile or aggressive, preferring a cat that will stay at home, then Scottish Fold is right for you.

Grooming: Scottish Folds require grooming based on the length of their coat – short or long. Scottish Folds with short hair do not need much attention in grooming; you should groom them occasionally by brushing them to remove dead hair. While long haired Scottish Folds are a bit more high maintenance than other breeds because they need grooming at least once a week to avoid getting tangled and matted.

Socialization: Scottish Folds are people-friendly cats with other pets; they are friendly and social, adapting easily to other animals. They can easily be trained to live in different conditions they are usually friendly with kids and other animals both cats and dogs.

Explore Other Popular Breeds

For Sale

If you are planning to have a Scottish Fold cat for your home, there are the Following website that will help you to locate a reputable breeder that will offer healthy and well socialized kittens. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) is one of the best sites that can be used to source for Scottish Fold cats for sale. This site has a directory of breeders who have registered cats and details of new litters and breed characteristics. For more details on the available Scottish Fold kittens, you can also check at CFA’s Official Website and get a list of credible breeders in your region.

Tips for Responsible Scottish Fold Ownership

Monitor Ear Health: Due to the fact that Scottish Fold has folded ears which are caused by a gene mutation, it is important to check ears’ condition frequently. Ears should also be kept clean and dry; if you suspect that your pet is uncomfortable or has an infection, contact your vet.

Provide Interactive Play: Scottish Folds are very entertaining and love to tease their owners. Buy several toys, which can be puzzle toys and traveling interactive games for them to keep on of the prover mentally and physically.

Maintain a Healthy Diet: Like any cat, Scottish Folds need a diet that will help them stay in good health. Always ensure that you feed your cat on quality cat foods and ensure you always avail fresh drinking water. Consult your vet on any special diet necessary to ensure the pets do not become overweight.

Regular Vet Visits: It is therefore important to take your Scottish Fold for check-ups often in order to check on the health of the cat. Your vet can check on their ears and take care of any problems he or she may have with their cartilage so your pet can live a healthy happy life.

Fun Facts About Scottish Fold Cats

Scottish Folds are docile cats and are usually referred to as simply being ‘gentle’ cats. They do not like to vocalize, therefore they can be perfect for quieter neighborhoods or apartments.

The breed is very similar to an owl due to its round face and big round eyes which make the breed unique.

Scottish Folds are friendly cats who like to cuddle on a person’s lap. Loves to sit with its owners and is famous for being very attached to its families.

It is also a very active animal as it moves round chasing toys, jumping and even doing somersaults all the while appearing very calm.

FAQs About Scottish Fold Cats

Conclusion

The Scottish Fold cat is a cheerful, loving cat, who will become a good friend for families and single people. These cats have small round heads, eyes placed to the side of the head and, most notably, their ears are folded. In any case, the Scottish Fold will draw your attention with its affectionate nature and desire for active games and then comfortably curl up beside you. If well taken care of and the right measures taken a Scottish Fold cat could be with you and your family for many years.