Scottish Fold | Sweet-Natured & Folded-Ear Cat Breed

The Scottish Fold cat is a unique breed characterized by its folded ears that resemble owls, making them charming and breath-taking. Alongside their folded ears, their eyes are round and accompanied by velvety fur – a combination that makes them gentle and affectionate. Cat enthusiasts have adored them due to their playful character and loving nature. These cats can befriend humans with ease. No matter what they do, whether loitering in unique stances on their favorite cozy recliner or trailing behind their human, these cats are an endless source of joy.  

Scottish Fold cats have an uncanny ability to calmly adapt to new enviroments which allows them to elegantly coexist with families, senior citizens, students and even singles – all of whom greatly cherish the Fold. In this guide, we talk about why the Scottish Fold remains the most favorite cat. Here, you can find information about the nursing, needs, history, and characteristics of this extraordinary cat breed. This can surely be useful for those looking to adopt, or those who simply wish to gather more information.

History of Scottish Fold Cat

The Scottish Fold cat history begins in 1961 on a farm located near Coupar Angus in Perthshire, Scotland. A shepherd Ross stumbled upon a cat named Susie who had an interesting mutational trait of forward-folding ears that look much like those of humans. Ross became curious about the captivating phenotype that differentiated Susie from others and acquired one of her kittens. He sought the expertise of geneticists to assist him. It is believed that Susie had a spontaneous mutation in one of her dominant genes and the cartilage affecting ear folds. This change, when properly bred, was capable of producing cats with folded ears.

The development of the breed was supported by its demand in Scotland as well as overseas. By the 1970s Scottish Folds had made their way to the United States where they were not just embraced by cat lovers but breeders too. There was controversy, however, over the gene said to cause joint and cartilage issues resulting in ethical arguments over breeding. The UK’s GCCF ceased registering the breed, while in the US, CFA accepted regulating it without restrictions.

Regardless of these debates, the breed thrived because of the dedicated breeding work done to it. At present, Scottish Folds rank as one of the most loved breeds in the world for their peculiar looks, gentle temperament, and strong affection for people.

Classification of Scottish Fold Cat

Scottish Fold cats are classified as medium domesticated cats with a rounded structure. They are characterized by having their ears folded towards the front and down. This gives the Scottish Fold an eternally kitten-like look, which has even been compared to an owl. Scottish Folds come with folded ears and two coat types – long-haired (also known as Highland Fold) and short-haired (Scottish Fold Shorthair). Their fur can come in a multitude of colors and patterns including tabby, solid, bi-color, and tortoiseshell.  

Scottish Fold features a robust rounded body with short to medium length legs, medium length tail, and large round eyes that often match the coat color. While the ear fold is the most common defining characteristic of the cat breed, some Scottish Folds may have straight ears and still be considered part of the breed. Most of these straight-eared kittens are used for responsible breeding schemes.

By Purpose

Scottish Fold cats are affectionate companions for individuals and families due to their sociable temperament. Scottish Folds are suitable for singles, couples, and families as they flourish in environments where they are cared for. Furthermore, they are very different from Scottish high-energy breeds as they mostly enjoy lounging around the house, though they do have playful bursts during the day. Scottish Folds are intelligent and enjoy mentally stimulating toys, puzzle feeders, and even games of fetch.

Due to their sweet temperament, they make wonderful companions for emotional support and loyal pets. Most tend to form strong bonds with their humans and prefer being in the same room, even if they are not actively interacting. Scottish Folds do not need large amounts of space or intense activity, which makes them great for apartment living. The calm demeanor and unique physical traits of this breed has made them favorites on social media and with pet influencers all around the world.

By Size

Scottish Folds are cats of medium size which have a compact and well-proportioned build. On average, males tend to weigh between 9 to 13 pounds, and females on the other hand are slightly smaller weighing between 6 to 9 pounds. Even with their moderate size, these cats have a solid, muscular frame which supports their playful yet relaxed lifestyle. For most pet owners, the cats manage to be neither overly large nor petite.

The stocky bodies and medium to short legs create a low center of gravity which gives them deliberate movements and a solid grounded demeanor. Typically, you wouldn’t find them jumping on high shelves but rather lower furniture and cat trees where they love to explore. While the folded ears are what grab most of the attention, most of it is already captured by the rounded bodies and those amazing expressive eyes which gives them a teddy bear like feature. Their moderate size also makes them suitable for a smaller apartment, since they don’t require a lot of space to be active and playful.

Most Popular Scottish Fold Cat

Scottish Fold short-haired is the most popular variety among Scottish Folds. This is because they require the least amount of grooming about the rest of their body, which is plush and velvety. These cats are in high demand due to their stature and owl-like features, moreover, things like bright eye colors only add to their pair. The long-haired version sometimes referred to as the Highland Fold, has also gained popularity in recent years. These cats have flowing luxurious fur that is more difficult to groom but gives them an elegant fluffy look.

Both varieties maintain the same demeanor which is affectionate and calm which makes them loved by cat lovers. What mainly differentiates them is the coat texture and grooming requirements. For people with time constraints on grooming pets, short-haired Folds are an obvious choice. For those who prefer a more luxurious look, long-haired ones are the right choice. All Scottish Folds are known for their expressive round eyes and sweet personality along with signature folded ears which makes them stand out among other cats and a top choice for anyone looking for a pet cat.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Scottish Fold Cat

1. Ear Health: The distinctive folded ears of Scottish Folds stems from a genetic mutation that can cause problems with cartilage and joints. Ensure you get a kitten from a reputable breeder who looks into these issues and doesn’t breed two Folds together.

2. Temperament: Scottish Folds are regarded as friendly and quiet which makes them great companions. They love being around people and do well in calm families. Their calm demeanor should be in line with your way of life.

3. Coat Length: You can opt for the short-haired or long-haired variety. Although grooming needs are minimal for short-haired Folds, long-haired ones require more brushing to avoid tangles.

4. Accommodation: These cats are comfortable in both apartments and houses. They do not require much space, but do enjoy having warm, cozy areas to sleep and climb.

5. Social Needs: Like most cats, Scottish Folds enjoy companionship. If you are always away, consider getting another pet or provide them with plenty of activities to keep them entertained.

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Where to Buy Scottish Fold for Adoption

Finding a Scottish Fold cat for sale comes with a hefty price tag. You might see ranges between 800 GBP to 2000 GBP but that entirely depends on the breeder’s reputation as well as the kitten lineage and ear fold type (single, double, or triple fold) alongside coat type. 

It is important to ensure that you work with credible breeders. This will make sure that the health and ethical breeding practices are prioritized. Backyard breeders and pet stores are places that one should steer clear of. These places do not offer the necessary background details, vet records, or tell you anything about the kitten’s parents. Furthermore, these stores are known to mate folded-ear cats which presents a risk for developing health issues.

Instead, adopting a folded cat from rescue organizations or shelters is an option worth looking into. Although these are rare to come across, breed or not, it’s good to note that adoption can add up to being more affordable and rewarding.

Tips for Responsible Scottish Fold Ownership

Schedule Regular Vet Appointments: Modules of check-ups should always be in place due to overlap nagging issues such as joints, cartilage, and mobility. Managing the situation early on will help in improving their overall quality of life.

Choose The Right Diet: For joint health, mobility and to maintain a healthy weight, obesity must be managed with a nutritious protein rich diet.

Provide a Safe and Comfortable Space: Scottish Folds cherish cuddly beds and cozy corners. A cat tree designed with ramps for high jumps accommodates their joints better.

Interactive Play is Essential: Though calm, they appreciate being physically and mentally active, and quite a few prefer interactive toys like laser pointers and feather wands.

Ear Cleaning and Regular Grooming: Shorthaired Folds only require brushing about once a week. Without proactive ear cleaning folds are susceptible to middle ear infections. This is due to a build up of wax and debris.

Scottish Folds can do well in a loving household, but being proactive goes a long way in keeping them healthy.

Fun Facts About Scottish Fold Cats

Followers of Taylor Swift are two times more likely to recognize the breed because the singer owns two Scottish Folds named Meredith and Olivia.

Judged by their human like ‘Buddha sit’ pose, Scottish Folds are quite adept at portraying funny sitting positions.

Kittens are born with straight ears and only develop the fold between three to four weeks if they carry the gene. So not all Scottish Folds have folded ears at birth.

The type of fold can be classified as single, double, or triple with the most coveted being the tightest around the head. 

The cats of this breed may seem calm, but they can be quite frisky, delighting in chasing toys and even playing fetch. 

Due to ethical concerns regarding the gene mutation, the breed is banned or has restrictions placed on it in some countries including The Netherlands and Scotland. 

Care should be exercised when handling the tails of these breeds. Due to joint stiffness, the tail is likely to be more delicate than other breeds.

FAQs About Scottish Fold Cats

Conclusion

Folding ears isn’t the only thing making Scottish Fold cats a favorite; their round faces, gentle temperament, and caring nature makes them sweet companions. Scottish Fold is quite passive and they play quietly, which makes them ideal for many homes, from noisy families to calm individuals. Unfortunately, such a distinct appearance can pose serious health issues, most notably to the ears and joints.

Being a Scottish Fold owner means taking full responsibility of a loving pet. This means working with registered breeders, frequent vet visits, and controlling the diet and grooming of your cat. With the right care, these cats will not only become your pride but also forge an everlasting bond with you. Their presence, full of curiosity, makes them a welcome addition to any home and family.