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Scottish Fold Cat: Breed Profile, Characteristics, and Care Guide

By:
| Updated: April 29, 2023
Scottish Fold Cat laying down

A cat that looks like a teddy bear, has a sweet expression, and loves to cuddle? Sounds like a Scottish Fold cat! This breed is known for its distinctive folded ears, giving it a unique and adorable appearance. But how much do you know about this rare cat breed? This article will tell you everything you need to know about the Scottish Fold cat, including its history, personality, health conditions, and care tips. We will also show you some pictures of these cute cats and answer common questions about them.

History of the Scottish Fold Cat

The Scottish Fold cat is a relatively new breed that originated in the United Kingdom in the 1960s. The first known Scottish Fold cat was a white barn cat named Susie, who lived on a farm near Coupar Angus in Scotland. Susie had an unusual ear mutation that caused her ears to fold forward and downward, giving her a round and owl-like face. She was discovered by a local shepherd named William Ross, who was fascinated by her appearance and decided to adopt one of her kittens, a female named Snooks.

Ross was interested in developing a new cat breed based on Susie’s ear mutation, so he contacted a geneticist named Pat Turner and started a breeding program with Snooks and other British Shorthairs. They soon discovered that the ear fold was caused by a dominant gene, which meant that only one parent had to have the trait for it to be passed on to the offspring. However, they also discovered that not all kittens born from folded-eared parents had folded ears; some had straight ears like their ancestors. These cats were called Scottish Straights and were considered part of the same breed as the Scottish Folds.

The new breed attracted much attention from cat lovers and breeders, who admired its unique look and personality. However, it also faced some opposition from animal welfare groups and veterinary associations, who claimed that the ear mutation harmed the cats’ health and welfare.

They argued that the ear fold was associated with a genetic condition called congenital osteochondrodysplasia (SFOCD), which affected the development of cartilage and bone in the cats’ bodies. This could lead to various health problems, such as arthritis, joint pain, stiff tails, and ear infections. They also warned that breeding two folded-eared cats together could result in homozygous folds, which had more severe symptoms of SFOCD than heterozygous folds.

Scottish Fold cat with a stern looking face
Photo: Pixabay

Due to these concerns, the Scottish Fold cat was banned from being registered or shown in some countries, such as the United Kingdom and Australia. However, other organizations still accepted and recognized it, such as the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA) in the United States. To prevent or reduce the risk of SFOCD in the breed, most reputable breeders follow the rule of only mating folded-eared cats with straight-eared cats, which ensures that all kittens are heterozygous for the ear gene.

The Scottish Fold cat has also been crossed with other breeds to create new varieties, such as the Highland Fold (a long-haired version of the Scottish Fold), the American Curl (a breed with curled ears), and the Munchkin (a breed with short legs). These hybrids are not recognized by all organizations. They may have different standards and health issues than the original Scottish Fold.

The appearance of the Scottish Fold Cat

The most distinctive feature of the Scottish Fold cat is, of course, its folded ears. The ears can have one, two, or three folds, which make them lie flat against the head. The ears should be small, rounded, and set well apart on the head. The ear fold can affect the shape of the head, making it appear rounder and more domed than other breeds. The eyes should be large, round, and wide-set and can be any color that matches the coat color. The nose should be short and straight, with a gentle curve at the tip. The chin should be firm and well-developed.

Scottish Fold cat side profile of folded ears
Photo: Pixabay

The Scottish Fold cat can have a short or a long coat, depending on the variety. The short-haired variety has a dense coat that stands away from the body, while the long-haired variety has a longer coat that is soft and silky. The coat can come in any color or pattern except for pointed colors (such as Siamese) or chocolate or lilac colors (such as Burmese). Some standard colors are white, black, blue, red, cream, silver, golden, tortoiseshell, tabby, and bicolor.

The Scottish Fold cat should have a medium to long tail that is proportionate to the body. The tail should taper with a rounded tip rather than a whippy appearance. The body should have a rounded appearance and should be well-padded. Males may be significantly larger than females. The legs should be medium in length and thickness, with round paws and tufted toes (in the long-haired variety). The weight range for this breed is between 6 to 13 pounds.

The personality of the Scottish Fold Cat

The Scottish Fold cat is not only cute but also very friendly and affectionate. They are known for being loyal, gentle, and adaptable to different environments and situations. They enjoy spending time with their human companions and following them around the house like little shadows. They are also very curious and playful and love to explore new things and places. They have a soft voice and rarely meow loudly or excessively.

The Scottish Fold cat is also very intelligent and quickly learns tricks and commands. They are often seen sitting or lying in unusual positions, such as on their back with their paws up in the air or on their side with their legs stretched out. They also like to perch on high places and watch what is happening around them. They are not very active or energetic cats, but they need some exercise and stimulation to keep them healthy and happy. They enjoy playing with toys, especially ones that make noise or move.

The Scottish Fold cat gets along well with other pets and children if appropriately introduced and treated with respect. They are not aggressive or territorial cats, but they appreciate some peace and quiet occasionally. They are not very demanding or needy cats, but they like receiving attention and affection from their owners.

Health Conditions of the Scottish Fold Cat

As mentioned earlier, the Scottish Fold cat is prone to some health problems due to its ear mutation. The most serious one is congenital osteochondrodysplasia (SFOCD), which affects the development of cartilage and bone in the cat’s body. This can cause various symptoms, such as arthritis, joint pain, stiff tails, and ear infections. SFOCD can be diagnosed by x-rays or genetic testing, but no cure exists. However, some treatments, such as painkillers, anti-inflammatories, supplements, and physiotherapy, can help manage the condition and improve the quality of life of the affected cats.

Another common health problem in this breed is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This heart disease causes the walls of the heart to thicken and reduce its function. HCM can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, lethargy, fainting, and sudden death. HCM can be diagnosed by echocardiography or genetic testing, and there is no cure for it. However, some treatments, such as medication, diet, and exercise, can help manage the condition and prolong the lifespan of the affected cats.

Other health problems that may affect this breed are polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which causes cysts to form in the kidneys and impair their function, and ear mites, parasites that can cause itching, inflammation, and infection in the ears. These conditions can be diagnosed by blood tests, urine tests, or ear swabs. They can be treated by medication or surgery.

Choosing a reputable breeder who tests their cats for genetic diseases and follows ethical breeding practices is essential to prevent or reduce the risk of these health problems. Spaying or neutering your cat is also advisable to avoid unwanted pregnancies and health complications. Additionally, you should provide your cat with regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite prevention.

Scottish Fold Kitten cute
Photo: Pixabay

Care Tips for the Scottish Fold Cat

The Scottish Fold cat is a low-maintenance breed that does not require much grooming or special care. However, there are some things you can do to keep your cat healthy and happy.

  • Brush your cat’s coat weekly. The Scottish Fold cat has a dense coat that may need brushing to help prevent hairballs. You can use a soft-bristled brush or a comb to gently remove any loose hair and dirt from your cat’s fur. This will also help distribute the natural oils and keep the coat shiny and healthy. If you have a long-haired variety, you may need to brush more often to prevent mats and tangles.
  • Trim your cat’s nails every couple of weeks. The Scottish Fold cat has round paws and tufted toes that can make its nails grow faster and sharper than other breeds. You should trim your cat’s nails every few weeks to prevent them from scratching themselves or others or getting caught on furniture or carpets. You can use a nail clipper or a file designed for cats to gently cut or smooth the tips of the nails. Be careful not to cut too close to the quick, the pink part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. If you are unsure how to do it, you can ask your veterinarian or a groomer to show you how.
  • Provide a scratching post. The Scottish Fold cat likes to scratch to mark their territory, stretch their muscles, and keep their nails healthy. You should provide your cat with a scratching post or a pad that they can use instead of your furniture or walls. You can choose a scratching post that is tall enough for your cat to stretch fully and has a sturdy base and a rough surface to dig their claws into. You can also sprinkle some catnip or spray some pheromones on the post to attract your cat’s attention and encourage them to use it.
  • Maintain good dental hygiene. The Scottish Fold cat is prone to dental problems such as plaque, tartar, gingivitis, and tooth decay. These problems can cause bad breath, pain, infection, and tooth loss in your cat. To prevent these problems, brush your cat’s teeth at least weekly. You can use a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for cats to gently clean your cat’s teeth and gums. You can also give your cat some dental treats or toys to help remove plaque and tartar from their teeth.
  • Clean your cat’s ears regularly. The Scottish Fold cat has folded ears that can trap dirt, wax, moisture, and parasites in its ear canal. This can cause itching, inflammation, and infection in their ears. To prevent these problems, regularly clean your cat’s ears with a cotton ball or a soft cloth moistened with a mild ear cleaner or warm water. You should gently wipe the outer part of the ear and avoid pushing anything into the ear canal. You should also check your cat’s ears for signs of redness, swelling, discharge, odor, or parasites. Also, consult your veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms.
  • Feed your cat a balanced diet. The Scottish Fold cat needs a high-quality diet that meets its nutritional needs and supports its health. You should feed your cat a commercial cat food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level and contains protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. You should avoid feeding your cat any human food or table scraps that can be harmful or toxic to them, such as chocolate, onion, garlic, grapes, raisins, or alcohol. You should also limit the treats or snacks you give your cat to avoid obesity and other health problems. You should always provide your cat with fresh water and change it daily.
  • Provide your cat with a comfortable environment. The Scottish Fold cat is an adaptable and easy-going breed that can live in any home with enough space and stimulation. You should provide your cat with a cozy bed or a blanket they can sleep on and some toys or puzzles they can play with. You should also provide your cat with some hiding places or perches that they can use to feel safe and secure. You should keep your cat indoors or in a fenced area to protect them from predators, diseases, traffic, and other dangers. You should also keep your cat away from extreme temperatures, loud noises, and stressful situations affecting their well-being.

Fun Facts About the Scottish Fold Cat

The Scottish Fold cat is a fascinating and adorable breed with some interesting facts and trivia. Here are some of them:

  • They all have one common ancestor: Susie. While cats with folded ears date back to the 1700s, Scottish Fold cats are traced back to a white barn cat named Susie, born in Scotland in 1961. She was the first cat to have the ear mutation that gave rise to the breed.
  • The fold is due to a mutation. While the most apparent impact of this mutation is the fold, it can also affect cartilage and bone development in other parts of the body, such as the tail, legs, and joints. This can cause health problems such as SFOCD, which is why breeding two folded-eared cats together is discouraged.
  • They are born with straight ears. The ear fold does not appear until the kittens are about three to four weeks old. The fold can have one, two, or three creases, which determines how flat the ears are. The more creases, the flatter the ears.
  • They are very expressive and communicative. The Scottish Fold cat has a soft voice and rarely meows loudly or excessively. However, they are very expressive and communicative with their body language and facial expressions. They can convey their mood and feelings with their eyes, ears, tail, and posture. They also like to make chirping or cooing sounds when they are happy or excited.
  • They like to sit in unusual positions. The Scottish Fold cat is often seen sitting or lying in unusual positions, such as on their back with their paws up in the air or on their side with their legs stretched out. These positions are sometimes called “the Buddha position” or “the frog position.” They also like to perch on high places and watch what is happening around them.
Scottish Fold cat sitting in the buddah position on a table
Scottish Fold sitting in the “buddah” position. Photo: Pixabay

Conclusion

The Scottish Fold cat is a rare and adorable breed with a lot of charm and personality. They are well known for their distinctive folded ears, which give them a unique and cute appearance. They are also very friendly and affectionate and love to spend time with their human companions. However, they are also prone to some health problems due to their ear mutation, which can affect their cartilage and bone development. Therefore, they need regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite prevention. They also need some basic care such as brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, dental hygiene, and feeding. If you are looking for a cat that looks like a teddy bear, has a sweet expression, and loves to cuddle, consider the Scottish Fold cat.

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FAQ

How much does a Scottish Fold cat cost?

The price of a Scottish Fold cat can vary depending on the breeder, the location, the quality, the color, and the pedigree of the cat. Generally, a Scottish Fold kitten can cost between $800 to $3000.

How long does a Scottish Fold cat live? 

The lifespan of a Scottish Fold cat can vary depending on its genetics, health, diet, and care. Generally, a Scottish Fold cat is expected to live up to 15 years.

Is a Scottish Fold cat hypoallergenic?

No, a Scottish Fold cat is not hypoallergenic. In fact, no cat is truly hypoallergenic, as all cats produce some allergens in their saliva, urine, and dander. However, some cats may produce fewer allergens than others or shed less hair, making them more suitable for people with mild allergies. The Scottish Fold cat is not one of these cats, as they have a dense coat that sheds moderately and may trigger allergic reactions in some people.

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