The Scottish Fold is a medium-sized cat breed, immediately recognizable by their distinctive folded ears giving them a sweet, owl-like appearance. This trait is the result of a natural genetic mutation that affects the cartilage in their ears, causing them to fold forward and downward. Not all Scottish Folds have folded ears, however, as some kittens retain straight ears, though they share the same affectionate and gentle personality. Scottish Folds also have rounded heads, large expressive eyes, and a plush, dense coat that can be short or long. They come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Beyond their appearance, Scottish Folds are known for their calm and affectionate temperament, making them wonderful companions for families, singles, or seniors. They form strong bonds with their human families and are particularly fond of being involved in daily activities, often following their owners from room to room. Despite their love for companionship, they are not overly demanding of attention and are content to relax quietly nearby.
The Scottish Fold has gained significant popularity, particularly among celebrities, with one of its most famous admirers being singer Taylor Swift. Swift is known for her love of cats, and she has two Scottish Folds named Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson, who frequently appear in her social media posts and music videos. Their adorable looks and endearing personalities have helped elevate the breed’s profile, making Scottish Folds even more sought after as pets for cat lovers worldwide. Despite some concerns over the breed’s health, their unique appearance and loving nature continue to make them a favorite among cat enthusiasts.
Why are Scottish Folds banned?
Scottish Folds are banned in some countries, such as Scotland and parts of Europe, due to concerns over their health and welfare. The breed’s distinctive folded ears are caused by a genetic mutation that affects cartilage development, not just in the ears but throughout the body. This mutation can lead to a painful condition called osteochondrodysplasia, which causes joint abnormalities, stiffness, and arthritis. To prevent breeding practices that perpetuate these health issues, some regions have implemented bans or strict regulations on breeding Scottish Folds. Advocates argue that prioritizing the breed’s welfare over their unique appearance is essential for ethical pet ownership.
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Affectionate with Family
Some cat breeds are typically independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since kittenhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; cats who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
See Cats Less Affectionate with Family -
Amount of Shedding
If you’re going to share your home with a cat, you’ll need to deal with some level of cat hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary among the breeds. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. This furniture cover can make it easier to clean up cat hair and keep it off your sofa!
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General Health
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems. This doesn’t mean that every cat of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk. If you’re looking only for purebred cats or kittens, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in.
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Potential for Playfulness
Some cats are perpetual kittens—full of energy and mischief—while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful kitten sounds endearing, consider how many games of chase the mouse-toy you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other animals who can stand in as playmates. A classic wand cat toy like this one is perfect for playful felines!
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Tendency to Vocalize
Some breeds sound off more often than others with meows, yowls, and chattering. When choosing a breed, think about how the cat vocalizes and how often. If constant “conversation” drives you crazy, consider a kitty less likely to chat.
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Kid-Friendly
Being tolerant of children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a nonchalant attitude toward running, screaming youngsters are all traits that make a kid-friendly cat. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual cat will behave; cats from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences and personality.
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Friendly Toward Strangers
Stranger-friendly cats will greet guests with a curious glance or a playful approach; others are shy or indifferent, perhaps even hiding under furniture or skedaddling to another room. However, no matter what the breed, a cat who was exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a kitten will respond better to strangers as an adult.
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Easy to Groom
Some breeds require very little in the way of grooming; others require regular brushing to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a cat who needs daily brushing. You should definitely pick up this awesome de-shedding tool for cats of any hair length!
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Intelligence
Some cat breeds are reputed to be smarter than others. But all cats, if deprived the mental stimulation they need, will make their own busy work. Interactive cat toys are a good way to give a cat a brain workout and keep them out of mischief. This scratcher cat toy can keep your smart kitty busy even when you’re not home!
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Pet Friendly
Friendliness toward other household animals and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some cats are more likely than others to be accepting of other pets in the home.
Scottish Fold History
The creation of many cat breeds often stems from a natural genetic mutation that appears unexpectedly in an otherwise ordinary cat, and the Scottish Fold is no exception. The breed’s origins trace back to 1961 in Scotland’s Tayside region, where a white barn cat named Susie, known for her unusual folded ears, caught the attention of a shepherd named William Ross. Susie, a skilled mouser, might have remained unnoticed if not for Ross’s keen interest in cats. When Susie had kittens with a local tomcat, Ross acquired one of her offspring, a female named Snooks. From there, Snooks had kittens of her own, and one of her male kittens was bred to a British Shorthair, laying the foundation for what was initially called “lop-eared cats,” later renamed Scottish Folds in honor of their country of origin and their distinctive folded ears.
As more breeders became involved, they discovered that the fold gene was dominant, meaning that kittens would inherit folded ears if at least one parent carried the gene. Additionally, Susie passed on a gene for long hair to her descendants, leading to the development of a longhaired variety, known as the Highland Fold in some associations. Scottish Folds were introduced to the United States in 1971, where they quickly gained popularity. By the mid-1970s, they were recognized by most North American cat associations. To maintain genetic diversity, Scottish Folds can be outcrossed to British Shorthairs and American Shorthairs, producing kittens with the breed’s signature rounded appearance and sweet disposition.
Ironically, despite their worldwide acclaim, Scottish Folds are not recognized as a breed in their native Scotland due to concerns about potential health issues associated with the folded ear trait. Critics have raised concerns about the possibility of ear infections, deafness, and a cartilage condition known as osteochondrodysplasia, which can affect mobility and joint health. Despite these challenges, Scottish Folds have become one of the most beloved breeds globally, cherished for their unique looks and affectionate nature.
Scottish Fold Size
Overall, the Scottish Fold is a medium-sized cat with a compact build.
Females tend to be about six to nine pounds in weight, while males tend to be about nine to 13 pounds. Many cats may be smaller or larger than average.
Scottish Fold Personality
Scottish Fold Health
Scottish Folds are known for their adorable folded ears, but the genetic mutation responsible for this trait also predisposes them to several health conditions, particularly affecting their bones and joints. Key health issues include:
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Osteochondrodysplasia (OCD): This is a hereditary disorder affecting cartilage and bone development. It can cause joint abnormalities, stiffness, pain, and severe arthritis, often manifesting as difficulty moving or lameness.
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Degenerative Joint Disease: Scottish Folds are prone to developing arthritis at an early age, especially in the tail, ankles, and knees. This can lead to reduced mobility and chronic discomfort.
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Ear Infections: The folded ears can make it harder to maintain ear hygiene, increasing the risk of infections and wax buildup.
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Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): Like many cat breeds, Scottish Folds can be susceptible to HCM, a condition where the heart muscle thickens, potentially leading to heart failure.
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Obesity: Due to their often sedentary lifestyle, Scottish Folds are at risk of becoming overweight, which can exacerbate joint issues and lead to other health complications.
Scottish Fold Care
To maintain the health and appearance of a Scottish Fold, brush their coat weekly to remove dead hair and evenly distribute natural skin oils. Longhaired Folds may require grooming a couple of times a week to prevent tangling. Regular dental care is important to prevent periodontal disease; daily brushing is ideal, but brushing once a week is still beneficial. Trim their nails every couple of weeks, and gently wipe the corners of their eyes with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Use a separate section of the cloth for each eye to avoid spreading infection. Check their ears weekly, especially if they are tightly folded, and clean them with a cotton ball or soft cloth dampened with a 50-50 mixture of cider vinegar and warm water if they appear dirty. Avoid cotton swabs, as they can harm the ear’s interior.
Keep the litter box impeccably clean, as cats are very particular about bathroom hygiene, and a tidy box helps maintain their coat’s cleanliness. It’s recommended to keep Scottish Folds as indoor-only cats to protect them from outdoor dangers such as diseases, attacks from dogs or coyotes, and accidents like being hit by a car. Additionally, outdoor Folds are at risk of being stolen due to their status.
