- Playful and curious cat
- Friendly but independent cat
- Quiet cat
- Average build cat breed
- Requires grooming once a week
- Non hypoallergenic breed
- Indoor cat
- May require familiarisation before living with children
History and Origins
Country of Origin: Scotland
Named after its forward folding ears, the Scottish Fold cat breed was first seen as a natural mutation in Scotland in the 1960s. British cat show judges and numerous veterinary surgeons decided that the cat's folded ears were an undesirable deformity and would make it impossible for the cat to clean its ears. Deformities of the spine, hind legs and tail also appeared when folded-ear cats were bred to one another. Therefore, the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy in the UK decided against allowing the registration of the Scottish Fold cat. The breed is popular in the USA and elsewhere.
Scottish Fold cats can suffer from painful degenerative joint disease throughout their lives. This arises as the Scottish Fold cat mutation detrimentally affects cartilage, most obviously seen making the ear cartilage fold. As the disease progresses the joints stiffen, bones fuse and movement becomes more difficult and painful. Cats progress from slight lameness to reluctance to move.
Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.
The short dense coat of the Scottish Fold cat is easily cared for and needs no special grooming, though brushing helps remove dead hairs. The Scottish Fold's ears are difficult for the cat to clean itself, so owners need to remove any wax or dirt build up from the outer ear to prevent ear infection.
While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.
