Introducing the Scottish Fold
Find out everything you need to know about the Scottish Fold: its characteristics, its behaviour, its training and how much one costs.
The Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold, a display of unique charm
The Scottish Fold is a cat breed like no other. This enchanting breed hails from Scotland, where a farm cat named Susie, boasting peculiar folded ears, became the cornerstone of this breed. The unique folding of the ears, which gives the breed its name, is a result of a genetic mutation. This feature, combined with a round face and large eyes, gives the Scottish Fold a look of eternal kittenhood, softening the hearts of many.
Known for their calm nature, Scottish Folds are adaptable, comfortably balancing playfulness and lounging. Ideal for various households, their unique charm in appearance and temperament offers delightful companionship.
SCOTTISH FOLD FACT FILE
This selection outlines the unique features of the Scottish Fold breed of cat.
Size
The Scottish Fold is a medium-sized cat, standing at around 10-12 inches tall and typically weighing between 6 and 14 pounds.
Coat length
Scottish Folds have a dense and plush coat that comes in both long and short lengths. It’s soft to the touch and requires regular grooming to maintain its lustrous appearance.
Allergies
The Scottish Fold is not hypoallergenic. If you are allergic or sensitive to cats, you might consider a different breed.
Coat Colour
Scottish Folds come in a wide variety of coat colors and patterns. The breed includes solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, and even colorpoint variants.
Living Environment
Scottish Folds adapt well to various living environments, be it an apartment or a house with a garden. These cats enjoy both quiet relaxation and engaging playtime.
Sociability
Scottish Folds are sociable, friendly cats. They are known to get along well with adults, children, and other animals. This breed is also usually not afraid of strangers.
Health
The Scottish Fold is generally healthy, but it's important to be aware of specific genetic conditions associated with the breed, like osteochondrodysplasia - a condition affecting the development of bones and cartilage.
Training
Scottish Folds are known for their intelligence and their easygoing nature. Training should be a process of communication and play, promoting a positive interaction between the owner and the cat.
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PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The Scottish Fold, known for its unique ears
The Scottish Fold stands out with its unique ear shape. Its folded ears give it the distinctive look of an "owl in a cat's body".
Size and weight of the Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold is a medium-sized cat, usually standing at a height of about 10-12 inches, with the body length proportionate to its height. The males of this breed are generally bulkier than the females, with females typically weighing between 6 to 9 pounds, and males reaching up to 14 pounds.
Scottish Folds, similar to British Shorthairs, are also slow growers and typically reach their full size and weight around the age of 3 to 4 years. Apart from their folded ears, they are known for their round bodies, muscular build, and a medium-length tail.
The Scottish Fold Coat
Coat length
The Scottish Fold is known for its plush, medium-length coat that has a texture akin to a teddy bear. The density of the coat provides the Scottish Fold with ample protection against the elements, making it resilient to varying temperatures.
The Scottish Fold is not considered to be a hypoallergenic breed; people with sensitivities or allergies may have reactions to its hair.
Coat colour
The Scottish Fold is known for its diverse palette of coat colors. This breed can be seen in a variety of hues such as solid white, black, blue, red, cream, and shades of these colors. They can also come in different patterns like tortoiseshell, calico, tabby, and colorpoint. Therefore, this breed is quite a spectacle with its multitude of coat colors and patterns.
Other characteristics of the Scottish Fold
Other physical characteristics
The Scottish Fold is easily recognizable for its unique features. Its size is medium with a well-rounded physique and robust bones. The breed has a particular grace, thanks to the gentle curves throughout its body. The ears, which are the breed's hallmark, are folded forward and down, giving the head a unique "owl-like" appearance.
They possess expressive, large, round eyes that are typically bright and wide open, coming in a variety of colors depending on their coat. All these physical features distinguish the Scottish Fold as a truly unique cat breed.
Grooming
The Scottish Fold benefits from a weekly brushing routine to remove dead hair and distribute skin oils. During the shedding seasons, usually spring and fall, the frequency of brushing may need to increase to help manage hair loss.
While cats are excellent groomers themselves, an occasional bath could be beneficial, especially if the cat has a longer coat. Make sure to use a cat-friendly shampoo. Despite their folded ears, their ear care is similar to other breeds—regular checking and cleaning as necessary to prevent any buildup of wax or dirt.
TEMPERAMENT & BEHAVIOUR
What is the temperament of the Scottish Fold?
The Scottish Fold is recognized for its gentle, sweet, and playful disposition. They're an excellent choice for a calm, loving pet.
Scottish Fold Sociability
A sociable companion
The Scottish Fold is a sociable breed that appreciates human company and bonds deeply with their owners. They are known to follow their humans from room to room, eager to be involved in whatever activity is happening. These cats are quite affectionate and enjoy cuddling sessions as much as they love their playtime.
They communicate with soft chirps, purrs, and meows, letting you know when they need your attention. A Scottish Fold demands a devoted owner who is willing to provide them with the affection they need.
A patient homebody
Scottish Folds, known for their easygoing and patient demeanor, are perfect for families, children, and other pets, thanks to their social nature. When they feel overwhelmed or their tolerance is reached, these cats tend not to react with aggression. Instead, they choose to retreat to a quiet spot for some alone time to relax.
This breed is not particularly active or sporty, but they do enjoy some playtime and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Living environment of the Scottish Fold
An adaptable cat
The Scottish Fold is quite an adaptable breed that can comfortably acclimatize to diverse environments, whether it's a bustling city apartment or a quiet country house. The presence of their human companions matters significantly to them, making them very suitable as indoor pets.
However, they do require some space for their activity needs, being relatively playful cats, so an environment that allows for movement and play is desirable. If you're worried about losing track of him, you can fit him with a GPS collar so you can track his movements and locate him if he escapes.
A cat that craves tranquility
The Scottish Fold is not just a picture-perfect breed with its distinctive folded ears; it's a cat that relishes calm and serenity. Even though this breed is fond of playful activities and interactive games, it is also vital to provide them with a peaceful retreat for rest and rejuvenation. An excessive amount of boredom could lead to destructive behaviors, which underlines the importance of a balanced environment - one that facilitates both play and tranquility.
Training the Scottish Fold
Initiating training from an early age is pivotal for Scottish Folds, as it lays the foundation for future behaviors and interactions. Training this breed should be rooted in principles such as kindness, attentiveness, reward, and firmness. Consistency plays a critical role in their learning process; good behaviors established at the outset can significantly benefit their lifetime behavior.
Utilizing play as a form of education is an effective approach with Scottish Folds; it stimulates their mental agility while preventing the manifestation of undesired behaviors.
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HEALTH & NUTRITION
How to take care of the Scottish Fold ?
The Scottish Fold is a charming cat breed known for its serene and relaxed temperament. While they are generally healthy and robust, this breed does have a few health considerations to be aware of.
Health of the Scottish Fold
Health concerns
The Scottish Fold is a sturdy and generally healthy breed, but it is not entirely free from the possibility of hereditary health issues. Like many cats, Scottish Folds could potentially be prone to specific genetic diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease.
It is possible to conduct DNA tests to identify these diseases and mitigate their transmission. Regular veterinary visits are essential to ensure the Scottish Fold's good health. During these check-ups, your vet will administer vaccinations against common diseases such as feline distemper and rabies, ensuring the well-being of your Scottish Fold.
Feeding the Scottish Fold
Quality is key
The Scottish Fold is a medium-sized cat with a muscular physique. To keep your Scottish Fold in good shape and health, a quality diet is crucial. A base diet of high-quality, nutritionally balanced kibble is recommended for this breed.
Complementing this with water-rich green vegetables can enhance the overall nutrition, and support the cat's renal system.
A balanced diet for growth
The Scottish Fold experiences a moderate growth rate, achieving its full body mass at about 3-4 years of age. Due to this particular growth pattern, the diet of a Scottish Fold should be suitably adapted and carefully managed. It's advisable to maintain the same brand of kibble for consistency in the cat's diet, and feeding should be at fixed times to avoid digestive upsets.
Activity level and diet
The Scottish Fold is known for its tranquil nature. They often prefer lounging indoors over intense physical activities. Consequently, without a carefully monitored diet and adequate exercise, Scottish Folds may have a tendency to gain weight, which can lead to health issues.
To prevent this, it's essential to engage your Scottish Fold in regular physical activity. Training them to play, run, and jump can keep their weight in check and promote overall health. Interactive play sessions with their owners can offer both fun and physical stimulation for this lovely breed.
BREEDING OR ADOPTION & COST
How much does a Scottish Fold cost?
The Scottish Fold is a cherished breed with many admirers. There is a considerable number of breeders for this particular breed. It's important to take into account a few factors before proceeding with adoption.
Choosing the right Scottish Fold
Finding the right breeder
Pedigree cats such as Scottish Folds are often bred by professional breeders or in catteries. Prior to adoption, it's crucial to visit the breeding facility to assess the living conditions and ascertain their quality.
From June 10, 2024 you must have your cat microchipped by the age of 20 weeks old and register its details in a relevant database such as Petlog or The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF). This is a legal requirement in Britain, and failure to comply could result in a fine of
.
It's also important to ensure that health check-ups and DNA tests have been conducted on the kitten and its parents to identify potential hereditary health issues.
The price of a Scottish Fold
The cost of acquiring a Scottish Fold can fluctuate depending on various factors such as lineage, pedigree, the breeder's reputation, and the age of the cat. You might expect to pay anywhere between
and
for a Scottish Fold kitten. However, this range may vary. Additionally, it's important to understand that maintaining this breed involves ongoing costs. The estimated annual cost associated with the upkeep of a Scottish Fold cat, including food, healthcare, and grooming, might range from
to
.
Scottish Fold has an average life expectancy of 13 to 15 years. So it's a long-term commitment that deserves careful consideration.
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