A Complete Guide to the Scottish Fold Cat Breed
Scottish fold cat is a breed that has made the cat lovers of the world fall in love with it. Scottish Folds are amazing pets that are recognized by their unique ears that are folded and soft in nature. You can read this guide whether you are thinking of owning a Scottish Fold kitten, or whether you already have one, because it will offer you important facts on how you can take care of this cat, what the characteristics of this cat are, and so on. It is time to learn all the useful information about the breed of the Scottish Fold cats. You may want to read about the other cat breeds you would love to adopt in the near future.
Overview of Scottish Fold
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight (Adult) | 6 to 13 pounds (2.7 to 5.9 kg) |
| Weight (Females) | 6 to 9 pounds (2.7 to 4.1 kg) |
| Weight (Males) | 9 to 13 pounds (4.1 to 5.9 kg) |
| Height | 9 to 11 inches (23 to 28 cm) at the shoulder |
| Body Type | Medium-sized, compact, muscular build |
| Coat Length | Short or semi-long (depending on the specific cat) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 to 15 years (can live longer with proper care) |
| Size | Medium size, not too large or small |
| Activity Level | Moderate (needs exercise but is not overly active) |
| Build | Sturdy and graceful, with a round face and large eyes |
Scottish Fold is a distinctive and lovable breed which began in Scotland a little during the 1960s. They are best known due to their ear mutation whereby their ears are folded forward and downwards making them look very cute and unique at the same time. This breed was actually discovered on a farm of the Scottish Highlands where a cat named Susie gave birth to kittens with folded ears.
The breed soon impounded itself in the United Kingdom and other areas. Ever since, the Scottish Fold up has become a favorite cat breed in every part of the world and many adorers are obsessed with the sweet and loving disposition and the sparkling look of these cats. You can learn a lot more about your pet by visiting our Pet Fresh Supplies.
Characetristics
The Scottish Fold also has one of the most striking features, which is their easy going and amicable nature. They are also considered peaceful, sweet and cuddly with their owners and tend to stick close to them, wanting people to pet them. They are too playful as well but are not likely to be very hyperactive as other breeds are, and would suit persons, who like a calmer pet. The Scottish Folds also happen to be good with children and other pets (dogs included). They are great pets and they are easy going. They are a very sociable cat and thus they will enjoy spending time in the company of their human relatives and will also socialize amongst the rest of the family.
Social Behavior and Intelligence
Scottish Folds are very intelligent cats. They are fast learners and it is easy to make them adapt to new settings and routines. Still, they are called the independent. Although they are companion animals, they do not generally require too much attention and thus the owner is able to complete his or her day without being disturbed.
A lot of the Scottish Fold cats are quiet in nature thus can be preferred pets to anyone living in an apartment or where there is less noise.
Special Characteristics of the Breed
The more noticeable characteristic of the Scottish Fold, of course, is their ears. The mutation of the gene leading to the folding of the ears is natural. These cartoon-like ears and their round faces coupled with large tribal-like eyes make them appear almost owl-like. Moreover, Scottish Folds are also endowed in different coat colors such as black Scottish Fold, grey Scottish Fold, and white Scottish Fold among others. This diversity causes every cat to be individually different about appearance and personality.
Appearance of the Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold cat is beautiful in its appearance. They have medium length bodies, sturdy but graceful and round faces which makes them very cute. Of course, their ears can be considered the most recognizable thing. These ears are normally folded forward and downwards making them almost baby faced. Some people may get confused with some other cat breeds like maine coon, Birman or the scottish fold appearance.
Distinctive Features of Scottish Folds
Folded Ears These are the most striking characteristic; these ears are folded forward and the appearance makes this breed different to other pets.
Round Faces: Their sweet disposition compliments round faces.
Large Eyes: Scottish Folds usually possess large expressive eyes resulting in them looking inquisitive and innocent.
Medium-sized Robust: Scottish Folds are neither huge nor tiny and have muscular, yet small body.
Colors: black, grey and white Scottish Folds
The Scottish Fold cat is totally different and can be found in either a wide range of color or pattern; however, black Scottish Fold, grey Scottish Fold as well as white Scottish Fold are some of the most attractive and common ones. Every colour is pretty:
Black Scottish Fold: This type of cat has sleek, shiny black coats that are more noticeable when they are contrasted with their folded ear shapes.
Grey Scottish Fold: The grey Scotties are usually smooth smoky grey, which complements perfectly their rounded face.
White Scottish Fold: White Scottish Folds are the most beautiful folds with snow white coats and their expressive eyes which are just mesmerizing.
The colours and expression of the eyes
Scottish Folds have large expressive eyes that are copper, green and gold in color depending on this coat. One of the most notable things one tends to see is their eyes; they are curious and interesting.
How to Raise a Scottish Cat
When you opt to introduce a Scottish Fold kitten in your household, you have to consider getting a reliable breeder who deals in the breed. Make sure that you seek breeders that are knowledgeable on the health and nature of the breed. The kittens should be bred in a safe and affectionate environment and health certifications should always be checked.
When you are browsing through the Scottish Fold Cats sold, think about adopting a breeder that brings up kittens in the social conditions, as it will help them to be typecast and easy to be around people and with other animals.
Keep the Best Atmosphere
Scottish Folds can well adjust to various living conditions no matter whether you are an apartment owner or a house owner. They usually do not need a lot of space, however, they do like space where they can explore e.g. a perch, a cat tree. You need to make sure that your living place is cat-proof and there are no poisonous plants and hazardous items available.
Socialization Element
Scottish Folds are laid-back cats, and they are born nice and eager to be members of a family. They do get along with other pets and kids. One of the way to make them feel at home is to gently introduce them to new people and other pets. Take your time and wait before they get used to it.
Care and Training Tips
Scottish Folds are not very demanding in their grooming needs, however, they do enjoy being brushed regularly especially those with long hair. Frequent brushing prevents them from getting matted up and keeps their hair lustrous. In the case of the black Scottish fold cats, when they are regularly brushed, they will maintain a smooth and a shiny coat.
Health Care Guide
Scottish Folds, just like other cats will also need some veterinary checkup. Their combined fitness is vital to examine since they might have some issues in connection to the cartilage as their special feature the ear fold gene is associated with osteochondrodysplasia. This condition holds the joints and may render a cat with stiffness or pain in the movement.
Once you realize that your cat is behaving differently, you for sure need to approach your vet.
Litter Training
Scottish Folds are smart and fast learners. They also do not resist when they are treated with positive reinforcement and can be trained to adopt litter box, basic orders, and shun out destructive tendencies. The only way to train any cat is to be patient and consistent.
Dealing with Sensitivity to Touch
Scottish Folds are also sensitive as they are sensitive towards their ears. Even though they are usually friendly, they need to be handled with care, especially the ears. Note the amount you touch them especially when they are sensitive to touch.
Scottish Fold Diet and Nutrition
Scottish Folds completely depend on a well-balanced nutrient diet. Choose quality food that a cat needs good stuff such as protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals in the dry kibble or wet food. Their food should also ensure that it contains omega-3 fatty acid in order to prevent joint health since they are likely to develop joint problems.
Nutrition for Scottish Fold Kittens
When the kitten is coming up as a Scottish Fold, make sure that you feed it on kitten formulated food. Kittens require special nutrients compared to adult cats hence it is vital to feed them with a balance of nutrients that are necessary in their growth and development.
Diet Plan to a Healthy Lifestyle
As a kitten, feed your Scottish Fold three to four times a day, as an adult, feed twice a day. Do not overfeed them since they get easily overweight. Freshwater should always be provided to them and fed together with the food.
Longevity of the Scottish Fold
Scottish Fold average life span is between 12 to 15 years but can live up to more years once taken care of. Their life expectancy may depend on various means like genetics, diet and their overall health.
Factors Affecting their Life expectancy
The greatest factor that determines their life span is health. Regular checkups at the vet, good nutrition and good physical exercise will ensure you get a long lasting enjoyable life with your Scottish Fold. You can know more about this breed at hillspet.com.
Conclusion
In order to make your Scottish Fold live to the fullest, remember to feed your cat properly, exercise them and make sure they can stay busy by keeping their minds occupied. You should also always be vigilant of any change in their behaviour and refer to your vet whenever they are required. Read more about pets if you are interested in knowing about the dog breeds. You can visit PetMD.
Caring of a Scottish Fold Cat Tips
Veterinary Visits: Do not also forget to take your Scottish fold to be examined by the vet regularly to determine their condition.
Feeding: A healthy nutritious diet should be given to them so that they stay bright and healthy at good health, weight and well being.
Killing Shoulders: Do not treat their ears roughly and also assume them to be delicate on the touch.
Upon interactive toys, scratching systems, and playing them to amuse a cat, or the latter will prevent the problem of boredom.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)
- Do the Scottish Fold cats have hypoallergenicity?
Scottish folds do not make hypo-allergenic cats. They shed their hair and their fur can cause allergies to allergic individuals.
- How much do the Scottish fold kittens cost?
Kitten prices in Scottish Fold could vary based on such features as the color of the coat or pedigree. They are as low as 800 dollars to 2000 dollars or even more with averages.
- Do Scottish Fold cats pose as healthy cats due to either the folding of their ears?
Yes, it is possible to develop the common problems due to the gene that causes them to develop the ear bend.
- Scottish Folds cats Do they participate in any family?
Yes, Scottish Fold cats are independent cats which do not require much attention even for a long time.
