Scottish Fold

Breed Description

Among the vast number of cat breeds, there is one that is distinguished not only by its character but also by its extraordinary appearance. The unusual shape of the ears has made the Scottish Fold one of the most beloved and popular cat breeds in the world. The name itself derives from the English words “Scottish,” referring to Scotland, and “fold,” meaning to bend. Here, it refers to the unique structure of the ears of the Scottish Fold. The most remarkable aspect is the breed’s age; the Scottish Fold was registered only in 1994. However, before that, specialists in England and the USA undertook significant work to create such cats. It all began in the 1960s. A stray cat in a farmyard gave birth in one of the barns, and among the kittens were some with folded ears. Later, she had another litter, and the story of the kittens’ ears repeated itself. A neighboring farmer, who had a particular fondness for mousers, took one of those kittens into his care. In 1966, he registered it in the GCCF breed book. Together with a well-known feline expert in the area, he began to breed the new breed while trying to stabilize the characteristic structure of their ear shel

Appearance

The rounded lines of the silhouette, along with the unusual shape of the ears, as well as the medium size of Scottish folds, are greatly appreciated by cat beauty enthusiasts. Interestingly, due to cartilage issues, these cats occasionally relieve pressure on their backs by standing upright. The dense fur is as appealing to owners as the folded ears of the Scottish fold breed. On average, they can live around 15 years, but special care often helps them live into their second decade.

Speaking of average sizes, this refers not only to a height of up to 30 cm at the shoulder but also to adults weighing between 4 to 6 kg.

A healthy adult cat typically weighs between 4 to 6 kilograms. The difference between males and females is noticeable: a grown male cat measures about 100 cm from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail, while females are significantly smaller. Even though allergy sufferers may not react well to their fur, these cats are highly recommended for families with children. Kids love to play with a cat that has the wide-eyed look of an owl and ears that fold forward. Scottish folds often seem heavier than they actually are, due to their fur giving them more volume. Moreover, genetics can yield kittens with either a larger skeletal structure or a less developed one. Unfortunately, Scottish folds often gain extra weight if they have been neutered or if their diet is not properly managed.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The shape is closer to a sphere than to a cone. The ears are folded forward like a headpiece pushed down. The bottom is slightly wider. There’s a strong chin and chubby cheeks, which in older cats can even sag a bit like jowls. A prominently large forehead is quite pronounced.

Морда

The distinctive expression characteristic of Scottish Fold faces is referred to as "child-like." It is also round, with smooth curves that extend to the whiskers. The nose is straight and wide, and fairly short. The color of the nose should match the coat color. The chin is robust but not "bulldog-like," so as not to lose the endearing expression.

Уши

The edges are rounded, small in size, with a wide base. A distinctive feature is the forward bend due to a special crease resulting from a mutation. There can even be several such creases. The structure is such that upon a general examination of the head, the roundness is not disrupted.

Глаза

Wide-set but not slanted. Large, round, with irises of amber, bright yellow, light blue, or deep green - it depends on the color of the fur. The childlike and pleading expression of the face comes precisely from the cat's eyes.

Зубы

Strong jaws, powerful, massive chin. Scissor or level bite. It is considered that a bite or weak chin is a defect. The canines are quite long. Adult Scotties normally have 30 teeth. An underbite is also considered a defect.

Корпус

Rather medium than large, although the coat gives a more massive appearance. The chest is well developed and wide. Muscular, and from a top view, it is broad. A defect is improper development of the ribcage and any spine issues, while dwarfism is grounds for disqualification.

Конечности

Мускулистые, достаточно плотные на вид, средние по размеру. Передние лапы с 5 пальцами, на задних по 4 пальца. Серповидные коготки в спокойном состоянии убираются в особые мешочки на подушечках лап. Эта особенность сохраняет их остроту долгое время. Недостатками являются коровий постав задних ног, несоответствие количества пальцев или если они растопырены.

Хвост

From medium to long. Proportional to the size of the cat's body. It should reach the withers, but not be shorter. Quite thick, yet agile, with a rounded tip. Preference is given to a long tail that tapers towards the end and is free of thickening along its entire length.

Шерсть

Short, but possibly slightly longer, very dense and similar to the feel of a plush toy. It fits snugly to the body. In different regions, there may be minor variations in texture. The same applies to the colors-each shade may be a bit softer or coarser.

Окрас

Any patterns and colors that contain any amount of white, as well as the Siamese color without white, are recognized. Moreover, there is a direct dependence established on genetic features. The top colors include blue and chocolate. There are also white, lavender, cream, black, red (ginger), dove, and cinnamon. Additionally, bicolor variations like shaded, tortoiseshell, harlequin, van, tabby, and color-point are equally interesting. Chinchilla, Abyssinian, and shaded colors are also allowed.

Character

Let’s start with the main point: the Scottish Fold fits almost perfectly into any family, whether it’s an elderly couple or a young family with small children. The aristocratic demeanor of the phlegmatic nature is characteristic of Folds, so concerns about deviant behavior can only arise for those who don’t treat the floppy-eared Scotsman properly. It’s essential to remember that what you have is not an object of decor but a living being that requires care, attention, and affection. In return, you will receive a wonderful family companion.

The focus on love and human attention is one of the breed’s main virtues. Within the family, the Scottish Fold chooses (the more precise term) a master and pours out all its tenderness and love onto them. Hoping to see them as often as possible, they will follow their favorite person like a shadow, communicating in their unique manner. Unlike other cats, Scottish Folds don’t meow; they make sounds similar to chirping. This can only be called intrusive with a stretch, as if the owner is home 24/7, the cat will still retreat from time to time, for instance, for a nap.

It is worth noting that during prolonged periods of solitude, Scottish Folds suffer quite significantly. A complete lack of toys during this time can sometimes even lead to depression. You can avoid this by getting a kitten from a breeder for companionship for your Scottish Fold. There’s no need to worry about them becoming enemies; experience shows that conflict is more likely to occur with rodents, fish, or feathered “friends,” which will inevitably become objects of hunting.

How do Scottish Folds get along with small children? Absolutely peacefully, without any signs of aggression. In fact, both kittens and adult cats love to play with children. However, it’s crucial to teach kids how to treat animals gently. This way, it will be much easier to avoid injuries. Even if a floppy-eared cat dislikes something, it is more likely to retreat to a safe zone, inaccessible to its small friends, than to scratch or bite them.

In Russia, there are excellent breeders, making it easy to find a Scottish Fold with a good pedigree. Usually, purebred animals have a stable psyche, so you won’t need to consult a veterinary psychologist.

They learn to use the litter box quite easily, and a scratching post can become a beloved accessory for your cat if placed in the right spot. As is known, the breed does not prefer heights, so owners need not worry about curtains or vases being knocked off the shelf.It cannot be said that Folds are lazy. Unlike luxurious Persians, they are ready for active play. This trait of their character can be utilized during training. Thus, our floppy-eared cat can learn the command “next to,” especially since the breed is quite tolerant of harnesses.

Care and Maintenance

The Scottish Fold is a short-haired breed that requires specific knowledge for proper care. One key aspect is the diet of the Scottish Fold cat. Unfortunately, these cats are prone to gaining weight due to overeating. Following a feeding schedule and strictly adhering to portion sizes can significantly help. Choosing a kitten from a cattery and then feeding it table scraps is unwise. A super-premium dry food or a holistic option is ideal for such an intelligent breed. Although the difference between these two types of food may not be immediately apparent, the end result is well worth it. Holistic food contains nearly 100% of all vitamins and microelements that your pet needs daily. The complete absence of harmful colorings and flavor enhancers, along with a wide range of selection criteria, greatly benefits the health of your Scottish Fold. There are foods specifically for neutered cats, senior cats, those with digestive issues, as well as low-fat options and formulas for kittens up to 4 months old. In other words, there are plenty of choices. And while the price of such food is significantly higher, treating a sick pet at a veterinary clinic is m
Those owners of Scottish Folds who prefer natural food should keep in mind that a deficiency or excess of calcium in the diet can lead to joint problems or kidney diseases.

How should one care for the coat of a Scottish Fold? During the active shedding season, grooming should be done three times a week, and at other times, once a week is sufficient. A massage brush works well for this purpose and will remove dead hair from the cat’s body. Brush in the direction of hair growth, toward the tail, and not against it.

Is it necessary to bathe a Scottish Fold? It can be done, but no more than once a month, and only in cases where the pet has gotten very dirty during a walk. For example, when going out of town (or if the cat lives outside and often enjoys fresh air). To avoid harming the cat’s health, everything should be prepared in advance, including a special cat shampoo that won’t damage the pet’s gastrointestinal tract if licked. The choice of shampoo and its category is up to the owner, and it’s best to consult directly at a pet store or when purchasing from a breeder. It is also advisable to postpone bathing if signs of a cold are present.

How often should one trim the nails of a Scottish Fold? Approximately once a week is recommended. Exact guidelines are hard to provide, as the rate of nail growth is individual and depends not only on diet but also on the frequency of walks, during which the nails naturally wear down. Nail clippers or regular manicure scissors are sufficient for this purpose, although there are also special nail trimmers that are much easier to use. It’s best to start getting them accustomed to nail trimming from the first weeks of life.

Should the “soft paw” surgery be performed? It’s up to you. This procedure has become popular in many countries since it completely removes the cat’s claws, which seems convenient for many. However, there is also a substantial number of opponents to such transformations. Onychectomy was originally performed only for medical reasons, but some advanced cat owners decided to use it for their own interests. There are certainly some advantages, but whether it is humane is for you to decide.Once a week, carefully inspect the inner part of the folded ears of the Scottish Fold. Clean the inner surface and check for sensitivity by gently pressing the outer ear. If any signs of pain appear, visit a veterinarian immediately for further examination.

Training and Education

You cannot expect a Scottish Fold cat to follow commands like a dog. Even choosing a kitten from a cattery does not guarantee that it will grow into a performing circus cat. However, it is both possible and necessary to develop the abilities and preferences of your plush kitty. This requires patience and creativity.

The nature of these cats is such that they won’t do anything without some benefit. Therefore, when playing, pay close attention to their tendencies regarding certain “tricks” and reward them with kind words, petting, and sometimes treats. Just be careful not to overfeed them, as this breed is prone to gaining excess weight.

Some cats constantly carry toys around with them, while others play with their tails. These cats can be trained to fetch a ball or another toy by saying the command “Fetch!” each time.

Scottish Folds are particularly good at mastering prohibitive commands like “No!”, “Stop!”, and “Leave it!”. The owner should say these with a firm tone, but without yelling. Use them each time the pet tries to break house rules, such as biting your hand, jumping on the table, begging, or playing with shoelaces.

For inexperienced owners, there are currently courses available for training and educating cats. To make it easier for users, these can be taken in a distance learning format, which is very convenient.

Choosing the right time for training is crucial. If the cat has just eaten or clearly wants to settle down for a nap, training will yield no results. The best time is after a nap and before a meal, as the animal’s motivation is much higher during these periods. Additionally, the environment plays a significant role. If it’s noisy, no amount of rewards will work, as the cat will be frightened. The same goes for thunderstorms; flashes of lightning can distract them and disrupt their focus.Over time, each owner intuitively begins to understand their pet. Therefore, training can continue throughout their shared life.

How to Choose a Kitten

Scottish Fold is among the top 10 most popular cat breeds in the world. Therefore, ads for selling Scottish Fold kittens are quite common. So, what factors influence the price of a purebred kitten? Firstly, the class of the kitten. The lower the class, the lower the price. Secondly, the coat color of the Scottish Fold.

Breed-class kittens are often given with the note “for a good home” because these cats are not suitable for breeding and are intended solely as companions. However, they are not inherently sick and may even have better health than higher-class kittens. Breed-class kittens can be used for breeding but are not considered standard animals due to some deviations from breed standards. Their price is already higher. Finally, show-class kittens are deemed the most expensive and are sold only through reputable catteries with excellent reputations. They are completely healthy and meet breed standards to the highest degree.

Pay attention not only to the class of the pet and its color but also to the conditions in which the animals are kept at the cattery. Furthermore, a legally formalized transaction will help protect you from dishonest breeders.

During the inspection of the litter, choose the most active and clean kitten that closely conforms to the standards and has no coat issues.

Health and Diseases

If you choose a kitten from a breeder, the likelihood of genetic diseases is minimized. Scottish Folds are generally a healthy breed. Cats often surpass the age of 15, but the owner’s efforts can significantly ease the pet’s life and further extend its lifespan. This requires timely vaccinations and adherence to feeding recommendations.

The folded ear of a Scottish Fold cat is essentially cartilage. Thus, a mutation in the gene affects not just the ears, but also the cartilage tissue in all joints. As a result, arthritis is common among Scottish Folds. Preventive measures, as advised by a veterinarian, can help mitigate their effects. Regular weight control, active playtime with the pet, and a well-balanced diet are key factors in this.

Kidney issues or cardiovascular diseases are also seen in many other breeds. However, Scottish Folds cannot be termed the leaders in this regard.

In addition to the recommendations mentioned, don’t forget about deworming. Timely deworming resolves a multitude of health problems that may not be immediately visible.