Breed Guide

Scottish Fold

General Information

The Scottish Fold is a charming and distinctive breed, easily recognized by its unique folded ears. This breed is affectionate, calm, and sociable, forming strong bonds with its family members. Scottish Folds are playful yet adaptable, enjoying interactive toys, climbing, and exploring their surroundings. Their friendly and easygoing nature makes them excellent companions for families, singles, or seniors.

Physical:

Scottish Folds have a medium-sized, rounded body with well-proportioned limbs. Their most notable feature is the folded ears, which bend forward and downward, giving them a sweet, owl-like expression. They have large, round eyes and a rounded head. True Scottish Folds have a firm, muscular body and balanced proportions. The tail is medium-length, thick at the base, and tapers slightly. Their ears should fold naturally, distinguishing them from other cats with straight or artificially folded ears.

Personality:

Scottish Folds are affectionate, calm, and gentle. They are very loyal and enjoy spending time with their family members, often following them from room to room. While playful, they are not overly demanding and tend to get along well with children and other pets. Their adaptable and quiet nature makes them excellent companions in various living environments.

Health & Care:

Scottish Folds come in both short-haired and long-haired varieties. Their coat is dense, soft, and plush, requiring regular brushing to maintain its texture and remove loose hairs. Short-haired Folds are generally low-maintenance, while long-haired ones may require a bit more attention to prevent tangles.

Hygiene

Full baths are rarely necessary, only when the cat is visibly dirty, using a mild, cat-safe shampoo.

Nails should be trimmed every 2–3 weeks with a proper cat nail clipper.

Teeth should be brushed 2–3 times per week using a cat toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste—ask a vet to demonstrate proper technique if you’ve never done this before.

Ears should be checked weekly and cleaned gently with a cotton pad or a vet-recommended solution as needed.

Common Health Issues

Scottish Folds can be prone to osteochondrodysplasia, a genetic disorder affecting cartilage and bone development, which can cause joint problems. Other potential issues include arthritis, heart disease, and obesity if overfed. Regular vet check-ups and a controlled diet are crucial to ensure long-term health.

History:

Origin

The Scottish Fold originated in Scotland in the 1960s when a natural mutation produced a kitten with folded ears. Breeders developed the breed carefully to preserve the ear trait while maintaining good health. Recognized worldwide, Scottish Folds are valued for their unique appearance and gentle temperament.

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