Hazel Muffins
Scottish Fold
About Scottish Cat
There is nothing a Scottish Fold–named for their folded ears–likes better than to be with their people, participating in whatever they are doing.
These cats are sensitive, expressive, and active. They love to play and are not the best cats to leave home alone. They prefer a companion–even another cat–to keep them company. If you can provide this loving feline with the attention they crave and keep up with their needs, they just might be the new furry family member you’re looking for.
History of the Breed
As the name implies, Scottish Folds come from Scotland, and they can all trace their ancestry back to a barn cat named Susie who had folded ears and worked as a mouser in Coupar Angus, Scotland in 1961. Often, the creation of a new cat breed hinges on a natural genetic mutation that occurs unexpectedly in an otherwise ordinary cat. Such was the case with the Scottish Fold. Susie’s ears had a distinctive fold that made them look cropped or cupped, which drew the attention of local farmer and cat fancier, William Ross. Ross adopted one of Susie’s kittens and, working with a geneticist, began to crossbreed that animal with British shorthair cats to produce the Scottish Fold. A gene for long hair was another gift Susie passed on to her descendants. The longhaired variety is known as a Highland Fold. By the 1970s Scottish Folds were being bred successfully in the US and have since become a popular breed worldwide.
Characteristics of the Breed
The most obvious defining feature of the Scottish Fold is its unusual ears, which are characterized by one or more distinct creases that cause the ears to lie close to the head. Kittens are born with straight ears, which may or may not fold when they are about three weeks old. Combined with their wide eyes and rounded head, the folded ears give the breed an owl-like appearance. Those that lack the ear mutation are referred to as “straights.” Scottish Fold is a medium-sized cat. Females tend to be about six to nine pounds in weight, while males tend to be about nine to 13 pounds. They may have either a long or short coat of very dense fur. The Fold possesses a rounded body and head, a short neck, and medium to short legs, giving it an almost toy-like appearance. The Scottish Fold comes in a variety of colors and patterns, including solid, tabby, gold, silver, white, bicolor, and particolor. Eye color depends on coat color, blue, copper, green, gold (amber).
Personality
After their ears, the first thing you will notice about a Scottish Fold is their habit of posing in odd positions—flat out on the floor like a little frog, sitting up for all the world as if they were a meerkat on a nature program, or lying on their back, paws up in the air.
This is a smart, moderately active cat. The Scottish Fold enjoys teaser toys that test their agility and puzzle toys that challenge their intelligence. Their favorite activities include anything that involves human interaction.
There is nothing a Scottish Fold likes better than to be with their people, participating in whatever they are doing. They're a sweet cat who enjoys attention. The last thing they want is to be left alone for hours on end, so they're not the best choice unless someone is home during the day or you can give them the company of another cat.
Rest assured, however, that they will expect you to play with them when you get home from work or school--or at least sit down so they can get in a little lap time or curl up next to you while you watch television.
Grooming and Care
Comb the Scottish Fold’s coat weekly. A longhaired Fold may need to be groomed a couple of times a week to ensure that tangles don't develop.
Brush the teeth to prevent periodontal disease. Daily dental hygiene is best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing. Trim the nails every couple of weeks.
Wipe the corners of the eyes with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Use a separate area of the cloth for each eye.
Check the ears weekly, especially if they are tightly folded. If they look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball or soft damp cloth. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can damage the interior of the ear.
Keep the Scottish Fold's litter box spotlessly clean. Folds are fastidious about the state of their litter pans, so daily scooping and weekly litter replacement are musts.
Keep Scottish Fold as an indoor-only cat to protect them from diseases spread by other cats, attacks by dogs or coyotes, and the other dangers that face cats who go outdoors. Scottish Folds who go outdoors also run the risk of being stolen by someone who would like to have such a beautiful cat without paying for it.
Children and other Pets
The friendly, laidback Scottish Fold is a perfect choice for families with children and cat-friendly dogs. They love the attention they receive from children who treat them politely and with respect, and they like to play and are capable of learning tricks.
They're happy to live with cat-friendly dogs, too, thanks to their amiable disposition. Introduce pets slowly and in controlled circumstances to ensure that they learn to get along together.