Scottish Fold | Cat Breed | Information and Pictures

The Scottish Fold is thought to have its origins in China, although the first recognized Scottish Fold was born in the 1960s in Scotland and was named Susie. She was a white, shorthaired cat and it was one of her kittens that was used in a breeding programme for Scottish Folds by Pat Turner and William Ross.

The Scottish Fold breed of cat is characterized by its folded ears, making it resemble a Short-eared Owl. This mutation of the ears is a result of a dominant gene. The kittens are not born with folded ears, but they begin to fold at about three weeks old. The breed is known for their excellent hunting skills, and loved for their quiet, placid personality. They are also known for sleeping on their backs! The Scottish Fold’s coat can be either long-haired or short-haired and appears in most colours.

Origin

Named after its forward folding ears, the Scottish Fold cat breed was first seen as a natural mutation in Scotland in the 1960s. British cat show judges and numerous veterinary surgeons decided that the cat's folded ears were an undesirable deformity and would make it impossible for the cat to clean its ears. Deformities of the spine, hind legs and tail also appeared when folded-ear cats were bred to one another. Therefore, the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy in the UK decided against allowing the registration of the Scottish Fold cat. The breed is popular in the USA and elsewhere.

Appearance

Scottish Folds have a look all of their own. They have a round head, accentuated by their tightly folded ears. It has been described as if the cat appears to be 'wearing a helmet'. Their whisker pads are prominent and give the impression of a 'smiling' cat. Scottish Folds can be found in almost every colour and combination of colours.

Personality

Scottish Folds are intelligent, sweet-tempered, soft-spoken, and easily adaptable to new people and situations. They are very loyal and tend to bond with one person in the household. While they will usually allow others to cuddle and pet them, their primary attachment becomes quickly clear as they single out their chosen humans. They thrive on attention, but it must be on their own terms. Despite their devotion, they are not clingy, demanding cats and usually prefer to be near you rather than on your lap. They enjoy a good game of fetch now and then as well, and keep their playful side well into adulthood. Despite the breeding and health difficulties, Folds have certainly earned their standing in the cat fancy.

Coat

Scottish Folds can be either long- or short-haired, and they may have nearly any coat color or combination of colours (including white).[3] Short hair Scottish Folds have thick and soft fur, with long hair Folds having longer and exceptionally dense fur around their upper thighs, toes, ears, and tail.

Grooming

Groom a shorthaired Scottish Fold weekly to keep his coat shiny and healthy. A Highland Fold should be combed twice a week to prevent or remove mats and tangles. The only other grooming the Scottish Fold needs is regular nail trimming, usually weekly, and ear cleaning only if the ears look dirty. Use a gentle ear cleanser recommended by your veterinarian. Brush the teeth frequently with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath. Start nail trimming and teeth brushing early so your kitten becomes accepting of this activity.

Health

This breed can suffer from health problems, especially due to faulty breeding as crossing within the same breed can often causes deformities. Folds that inherit the folded ear gene from both parents (homozygous Folds) are much more likely to develop congenital osteodystrophy – a genetic condition which causes the bones to distort and enlarge. Early warning signs include a thickness or lack of mobility of the legs or tail.

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