Scottish Fold Cat

Charming appearance, friendly character, and high intelligence – all this is about Scottish Fold cats. Although the breed is relatively young, it quickly became famous and won love all over the world. And thanks to the main feature – folded ears – Scottish Folds, also known as Scottish Folds, are easily recognized even by those who are not very knowledgeable about cats.

Cat’s appearance

Despite its popularity, the Scottish Fold breed standard has not yet been accepted by some technological organizations, such as FIFe (international) and GCCF (English). The appearance standards of the Scottish Fold are determined by the following associations: WCF, TICA, and CFA.

Scottish Folds have a fairly muscular body. They are compact and not as large as Maine Coons, but larger and heavier than, for example, Siamese cats or Munchkins. Scottish Folds reach 55 cm in length (not counting the tail), and the height at the withers is about 30 cm. Female cats weigh 3-5 kg, and males – 4-5 kg, although some representatives of the breed gain up to 6-7 kg, which is also considered normal. The main growth of Scottish Fold cats ends by 8 months, although some animals continue to grow up to 1 year.

Softness and roundness of forms are the main general characteristics of the appearance of the Scottish Fold cat. All body lines must be smooth – no sharp angles. Even the tips of the paws of these cats are small, round, and neat.

The head of the Scottish Fold is often compared to an owl: it should also be of the correct round shape. The cheeks of the Scots are plump and quite noticeable. The nose is small, and a sharp transition from the forehead to the nose, or “stop,” is considered a flaw.

Scottish Folds have large, round eyes. Because of this, cats always look slightly surprised. The color of the pet’s eyes should match the color of its fur.

The ears are the most important characteristic feature of the Scottish Fold. The smaller they are, the better. According to the standards, they should fit into the general contour of the Scottish Fold’s head, that is, not violate the general proportions of the circle and not have sharp lines or sharp angles.

The tail is of medium length, tapering to the tip. It must be flexible and without defects. Deformation of the tail vertebrae, a slow-moving or short tail, is considered a fault of the Scottish. Such pets are not allowed to breed and do not take part in exhibitions.

The Scottish Fold’s fur is short, dense, and thick. This makes the pets seem plush. And not only do they seem, but they also feel like that. As for the color of the animal, it all depends on the standards of which feline association to focus on:

• WCF and TICA allow any coat color;
• CFA excludes chocolate, lilac, colorpoint, and their variations with white; other colors are acceptable.

In general, even an adult Scottish Fold cat should resemble a kitten in appearance. Small folded ears, wide large eyes, plump cheeks, short thick paws – all these features are characteristic of many cubs. And often, when describing Scottish Folds, there is even a special characteristic – baby face, or “baby face.”

It is also worth mentioning other varieties of the breed, such as Scottish straight, Highland Fold, and Highland straight. However, some limnologists do not classify them as variations of the Scottish Fold cat but as separate independent breeds.

• Scottish Straight, or Scottish Straight-eared. When crossing two Scottish Folds, the offspring often develops various pathologies. To avoid this, Scots began to be mated with representatives of other breeds, but this did not have a very good effect on the purity of their breed. Then, the lop-eared were crossed with the straight-eared. The offspring were healthy, but the breed qualities characteristic of the Scots remained. And the straight-eared kittens were separated into the Scottish Straight group.
• Highland Fold, or Scottish Longhair. These cats differ from Scottish Folds only in their long hair.
• Highland Straight, or, as you can guess from the name, a Scottish straight-eared longhair cat. Representatives of this breed variety are still quite rare but have already managed to become loved by some connoisseurs of Scots.

Scottish Fold Cat Personality

In addition to the cute appearance, the Scottish Fold cat also has a wonderful character. The Scottish Fold was originally bred exclusively as a domestic cat, so they turned out to be calm and affectionate pets who appreciate comfort and convenience. They will be quite comfortable in a city apartment. And the owners will not get tired of an overly energetic cat. The Scottish Fold will not arrange wild jumps around the rooms, running on tables, cabinets, and walls, but from time to time, it will not refuse to run after a bow.

Like the self-sufficient British, with whom they are sometimes confused, Scots can live with a person who works outside of the home on weekdays. However, pets should not be left alone for a long time because they become attached to their owner no less than to their place of residence. The owner needs to take this feature into account if he gets a Scottish kitten. A small pet, like no other, needs company for proper socialization. In addition, it is at this age that a kitten forms a strong bond with its owner, which will remain for life.

The Scottish Fold is a very sensitive cat. Even a simple rearrangement of furniture sometimes causes stress. And the owner’s stern look or his long absence can even lead to depression.

Owners of Scottish Folds say that representatives of this breed are very observant and cleverly use the information they receive from the outside world. For example, they understand that to attract attention to themselves, it is worth meowing – it is fast, simple, and always works. Therefore, cats are not shy about doing this. However, Scottish Folds cannot be called “chatty” either. By the way, the meowing of Scots is very peculiar, different from other breeds: it is quite creaky. But many owners even like it.

Scottish Folds are well suited for families with children. These cats are very patient and calm and usually do not release their claws, even if they do not like something. If someone becomes too annoying, Scottish Folds prefer to leave simply. In general, they love all family members very much.

The non-conflict and peaceful nature of the Scots has a positive effect on their relationships with other animals. They find it quite easy to get along with other animals in the house. This is partly due to the phlegmatic nature of the representatives of this breed, the Scottish Fold. But sometimes the Scottish Fold’s inner hunter awakens, and she happily joins in the game with her four-legged neighbors in the apartment.

What living conditions do Scottish Fold cats require?

The advantages of the Scottish Fold include unpretentiousness in care. However, there are very important basic things that owners of all cats should remember:

• The presence of the cat’s place or house. Despite all their sociability and love for the owner, Scots sometimes need to be alone, so they need to be allowed to retire. In addition, the pet should have a place where no one will disturb it and where it can always feel safe. To do this, you need to buy a bed for the cat or a house or make them yourself.
• A pet should have its toys. And it is good when the owner himself offers his cat some games and entertainment. Firstly, it improves the pet’s mood and improves the relationship with the person. Secondly, cats satisfy their need for physical activity, and they do not have the energy for various pranks at other times. In addition, this is an excellent way to prevent excess weight.
• Scottish Fold cats are incredibly clean. They need not only to be provided with a litter box but also to be constantly monitored to ensure that it is clean. In addition, many cats are picky eaters. If they do not like the filler or the place where the litter box is, they may even refuse to go there. So, a caring owner must provide their pet with a life so that it does not feel uncomfortable.
• Bowls are another important detail. The kitten should have separate dishes for food and water, preferably metal or ceramic. Plastic can heat up and release harmful substances into food, and over time, cracks appear in it, where food remains to get into and begin to rot.
• Placement of the water bowl near the food bowls is undesirable as well. Cats by nature choose to eat and drink in different areas.
• It continues the series of smell-related and visual humor when Hobson finally undergoes the necessary procedures: It is necessary to take a kitten to the vet regularly and administer all the necessary vaccinations on time. Regardless of its health status, it is easier to prevent the disease, as well as conduct a prophylactic check-up, on the animal. It is not only easier but also cheaper.
• You shouldn’t use physical punishment on a Scottish Fold cat: it perfectly picks up even the slightest changes in intonation. But, this does not signify that you permit the animal to act as it desires it to be involved in doing. Pets behave better if they are explained what is allowed and what is prohibited from the first days they live in the house, but it is necessary to talk calmly.

Scottish Fold Feeding Guidelines

• Those who are not so well versed in veterinary medicine and animal dietetics create a correct and balanced diet for a cat. Ready-made food already contains all the substances and microelements necessary for the health of the pet and the normal functioning of its body;
• Those who are very busy. Prepared food, if stored properly, remains fit for consumption much longer than natural products, which are not recommended to be stored for more than 24 hours. Also, you do not need to spend extra time cooking.

But whether the owner wants his pet to be on wet or dry foods, it is important that he should not intermingle the two at all. Otherwise, this will cause different issues in the GIT and put an extra load on the kittens’ gastrointestinal system. Please do not forget the pet must be provided with clean fresh water at all times in the bowl.

The number of feedings for a Scottish Fold depends on its age. The figures for both commercial and natural food are given below:

• From 1 month to 2 months – 7 times a day;
• From 2 months to 3 – 6 times a day;
• From 3 months to 4 – 5-6 times a day;
• From 4 to 6 months – 4 times a day;
• From six months to a year – 4 times a day;
• An adult animal is fed twice a day.

Some owners practice feeding the Scottish Fold dry food ad libitum at will. In this case, the quantity served is quickly reformulated into the cat’s bowl and the pet is able to access the food as often and in any quantity it desires. To determine the daily norm, it is recommended to follow the instructions on the package. It also outlines feeding guidelines which tell the owner how much food to feed the pet depending on its age and level of activity. This will also prevent common issues with either weight gain or with the pet being hungry during the day.

How to Groom a Scottish Fold Cat

How to care for a cat’s fur. It is recommended to comb representatives of this breed once a week. This must be done with a specialized brush, which is, however obtainable easily in any pet shop and near the market. During shedding, you may also roll a damp glove over the body of the animal in the direction of the fur growth. A rubber glove is also used to remove fallen hair. It is customary to first comb the back, then the sides, chest, and stomach, and then move on to the paws. A slicker brush is not suitable for Scottish Fold cats.

How to care for claws. To ensure that you can trim the claws of your cat, you need to learn to do so from the time your kitten is young. In the future, the frequency of this procedure will depend on the individual characteristics of each pet: some grow slower, and others grow faster. Some have claws shorter than others some have claws longer than others. Moreover, some pets can easily grind their claws on their own if their owners have taken care of it and bought a scratching post.

Let the owner take care of the claws of his pet on his own; it is necessary to know that there is a “living tissue” in the claw; if it is touched, the cat can feel pain and start bleeding. In order to avoid this kind of scenario, you have to be very selective and extra careful while choosing the part of the claw that requires to be trimmed off, and this should be done only with the help of a specialized claw cutter. This tool is also easy to find in pet stores, and it has a special limiter.

How to care for teeth. Taking care of the teeth of the Scottish Fold cat does not need a lot of effort from the owner. An owner has to look into the pet’s mouth at the vet at least two times a year. In case of some issues, the specialist will explain how to brush your cat’s teeth, as well as what hygiene products should be used.
The animal’s proper nutrition should also be maintained a close watch because much significance is attached on this. Pets need solid food for “natural” teeth cleaning and tartar prevention. However, the diet should, without any doubt, contain calcium and phosphorus useful for the strengthening of teeth and bones. There are also foods and treats which if given to the cats can help in avoiding oral problems.

How to care for eyes. Scots often have watery eyes. The brown liquid secreted oxidizes, forms streaks, and is a “magnet” for dirt. To avert such issues, one has to have the surrounding region of the eyes washed and treated with specific sorts of drops.
If the liquid that is being discharged is not clear, it is white or green, then it is advisable to take your pet to the vet may be suffering from conjunctivitis.

If the cat does not have discharge from the eyes, then no additional treatment is required.

The ears are the pride and distinctive feature of Scottish Folds. However, due to their unusual structure, they require special care. First of all, they need to be inspected regularly – at least once every 10 days. To do this, the owner should gently fix the animal, then carefully bend the tips of the ears and check them for cleanliness.

If the ears are dirty, you need to put a special hygienic lotion on them, then lower the tips of the ears and gently massage them. The special product softens and removes lumps of sulfur and dirt. It is not recommended to use a cotton swab, as this can lead to:

a) to push the sulfur even further;

b) to inflammation if cotton wool fibers remain in the ears.

How to wash a Scottish Fold cat.

If the cat does not participate in exhibitions, then you should bathe the pet only as its fur gets dirty or if it is unable to lick itself. This can only be done using special professional shampoos that will not harm the pet. Due to their quality and good concentration, they last a long time.
Washing a cat occurs in several stages:

Wetting the animal’s fur. To do this, cats are placed in a filled bathtub (the water should not rise above the pet’s chest), or warm water is poured from a ladle from above. It is important to ensure that it does not get into their ears.

Applying shampoo. Do this with massaging movements on the cat’s wet fur until it becomes foamy, distributing it evenly over the entire body;

Wiping the muzzle with a damp cloth or sponge.

Rinse off the shampoo. This should be done with warm water. If necessary, you can use conditioner.

Drying your pet. To do this, you need to blot it with a dry towel several times (or several, if necessary). It does not matter in which part of the show; at no point should the substitution be skipped because the animal can easily catch a cold.

There are pet must-have tips, however, if your pet is used to a hair dryer, you could use it. The first time you do it, be sure that your pet is not frightened in any way. You should accustom it gradually. Remember that a hair dryer can dry out the fur and skin.

Combing the cat is the final stage.

Health and diseases of cat breeds

The traditional claw-like shape of Scottish Fold’s ears develops from a purely genetic defect. They occur from mutations in a gene that influences cartilage formation in all parts of the body. Therefore, with improper breeding (for example, when crossing two Scottish Folds and not a Scottish Fold and a Scottish Straight), representatives of this breed have health problems. One of the most common is various joint diseases.

In general, Scottish Folds are distinguished by good health, and many representatives of the breed cross the threshold of 15 years, which is already considered a long life among cats.

How to Choose a Scottish Fold Kitten

If the future owner of a cat has chosen this breed, he should remember the following things:

• You have to purchase a future ‘fur-kid’ from a reputable breeder. However, if a person is heartless or else has no knowledge, some possibilities can get a baby from both Scottish Fold parents. This is fraught with a large number of genetic diseases and other problems.
• You should not take a lop-eared kitten home before it is 3 months old. By this time, they will not only start eating independently but will also be accustomed to the litter box and will learn the basic rules of life in the house. In addition, a responsible breeder will give the babies their first vaccinations.
• The tail of a Scottish kitten should be mobile, flexible, medium, or long, without kinks. If it is short, “flaccid”, with thickenings, then it is better to refrain from buying such a kitten.
• The kitten’s behavior is also an important indicator of the pet’s health. Like most babies, Scottish kittens should be active and inquisitive. It is better to give preference to bold and self-confident kittens. Of course, we must not forget about the individual character and preferences of the owner, but the chance that a perky kitten will also be healthy is still higher.
• The kitten’s tail should be dry and clean. It is already old enough to take care of itself. If not, then the problem may not be just its uncleanliness but illness.
• The kitten’s mouth should not smell bad. The animal’s eyes and ears should also be clean, without discharge or strong odor.
• You should also look at the kitten’s parents. This will not only help to ensure that the litter is a cross between Scottish Folds and Scottish Straights (unless, of course, the breeder is trying to deceive the potential owner and buyer) but will also give more information about what traits the baby could have inherited.
• It is worth asking the breeder in detail about the kitten’s feeding, its behavior, communication with brothers and sisters, vaccinations, character, and so on.

The Scottish Fold is an ideal breed of cat to keep at home. The Scottish Fold will suit families with children, working middle-aged people, and the elderly. It is cozy to read books in the evening with this cat and no less fun to play active games. It will find something to do in the owner’s absence, but at the same time, it will not destroy the entire apartment. The Scotsman will spend time with other pets with no less joy. The Scottish Fold will bring its owner hundreds of previously unforgettable joyful minutes and many years of a happy life together.

Fun fact: Special attention must be paid to the cat’s diet because of their special requirements for some amino acids and taurine.