Scottish Fold

What to Know About Scottish Fold Cats

The Scottish fold cat is a short-haired, sweet-tempered breed with folded ears and a cute round face. The cat has a distinctive face that nearly looks like an owl because of its tiny ears, which fold forward and downward.

A Scottish barn cat gave birth to the breed, which immediately became well-known for its adorable appearance and gentle disposition. Due to their propensity for adapting quickly and developing close relationships with their owners, Scottish Folds are ideal for households with multiple pets, families, and single people.

What Is a Scottish Fold Cat

Scottish folds are renowned for their gregarious nature and laid-back disposition. They typically adapt well to houses with many pets and get along well with other cats and dogs that are cat-friendly. The Scottish Fold cat, whose loving nature is reassuring and charming to people of all ages, will quickly become friends with children who are old enough to appreciate this cat and not treat them forcefully.

Scottish kittens do not have folded ears at birth. Around day 21, the ears of the kittens with the gene start to fold, beginning at the base of the ear near the outer edge. An imperfect autosomal dominant gene, the fold gene influences how bone and cartilage grow throughout the cat's body.

Heterozygous cats only carry one copy of the gene. They should be a little healthier but still exhibit the folded ear trait. Although arthritis can strike them, it usually does so later in life. The question of whether these round-faced feline breeds' curled ears cause them discomfort or a high quality of life is up for debate.

Where the Breed Comes From

The origin of this cat can be found in its name. The breed's distinctive forward-folding ears are the source of its Scottish origin. Although cats with folded ears have existed since the 1700s, the first deliberate attempt to breed cats with this characteristic started in the 1960s.

A Scottish shepherd was drawn to a kitten with folded ears amid a litter of calm companion cats without folds in 1961. He chose to adopt the kitten and breed her with a British Shorthair, naming her Susie. As a result, we now have the cute folded-ear cat breed that we adore! The fact that all Scottish Folds can trace their pedigree back to Susie the cat is another intriguing feline tidbit about this breed.

Essential Care Tips for Scottish Folds

Generally low-maintenance, Scottish fold cats want to spend time with their owners. They require the same quantity of exercise and play as regular calm companion cats.

Grooming

Scottish Folds need a lot of upkeep to remain happy and healthy because of their double coat. You will need to dedicate yourself to a consistent grooming routine if you choose to adopt this breed. Grooming a long-haired cat should be done at least twice a week, preferably on different days. Weekly grooming sessions are beneficial for a feline with shorter fur.

Round-faced feline breeds have to have their ears examined once a week and cleaned every so often because of their folded ears. Remember to keep up with other necessary cat care, such brushing your cat's teeth and clipping their claws.

Feeding

It's critical to feed these unique ear cat breeds a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates in order to maintain the health of their joints. Additionally, this breed is prone to gaining weight. Make sure you feed your cat on a regular basis and limit treats to prevent an overweight cat.

Stimulation

A reasonable level of daily stimulation and activity is necessary for Scottish Folds. On their own, this breed struggles. Similar round-faced feline breeds will become bored and possibly depressed if left alone for an extended period of time. Therefore, it's crucial to schedule multiple playtimes with your cat throughout the day. It is advantageous for Scottish Folds to have access to a secure garden area because they love being outside and like to climb and jump!

Final Thoughts on Living With a Scottish Fold

Scottish Fold cats are renowned for their peaceful disposition, loving nature, and enticingly sweet looks. Families, couples, or anyone looking for a devoted feline friend will find these kind and playful companions to be perfect because they quickly develop close bonds with their humans.

All of the Scottish Fold kittens at Happy Paws are from ethical, experienced breeders who place a high value on each kitten's temperament, health, and appropriate socialization. Scottish Folds add coziness, warmth, and charm to any home when they are raised with love and care. A Scottish Fold might be the ideal choice for you if you're searching for a devoted, kind cat with a distinctive appearance and a loving disposition.