The Scottish Fold reminds one of an owl, thanks to his unique folds. The ears are folded tightly and fit closely near the skull creating a cap-like impression. The head looks even more rounded due to the presence of big, button-like eyes.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: Scotland
Used for: Companion
Average Life Span: 11-14 years
Color: Almost all colors and patterns
Coat: Short or long
Average Height: Medium-sized
Average Weight: 5-13 pounds
History and Domestication
A shepherd named William Ross first spotted a white barn cat with ears folded forward and downward at his neighbor™s farm in the Tayside Region of Scotland in 1961. This cat looked like a cuddly owl and was named Susie. He then adopted a kitten from Susie™s litter and bred him to British shorthairs and other local farm cats. The subsequent litters laid the foundation of the Scottish Fold. This breed is recognized by CFA and was granted championship status in 1978. However Europe doesn’t recognize it as a breed due to Britain’s Governing Council of Cat Fancy’s (GCCF) concerns regarding ear health and deafness.
Standard Physical Characteristics
Due to his big, expressive eyes, folded back ears and a smiling grin, the Scottish Fold is often described as an “owl in cat suit”. They are basically round cats in almost every aspect from face to whisker pads. The medium-sized cat has a sturdy body covered with padding that gives him a solid feel. The coat is thick and resilient and comes in both lengths- short and long. Almost every color and pattern can be found on these cats. The kittens are born with straight ears and start folding within a month. The folded ears are due to the presence of an incompletely dominant gene responsible for folded ears.
Care, Grooming and Health
The longhaired Scottish Folds need to be combed four to five times a week to keep their coat mat-free and healthy. The shorthaired cats do not need a lot of brushing and combing. Their folded- ears tend to build up wax which has to be cleaned up at least twice a month.
Contrary to popular opinion, Scottish Folds do not suffer from deafness. They are however prone to degenerative heart disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Living Conditions
Scottish Folds are ideal for families with children and cat-friendly dogs. They would thrive in an active household that can provide them plenty of opportunities to play.
Temperament
Scottish Folds are intelligent and inquisitive cats and very loyal to their families. You will never find them sitting in a corner or hiding, but right behind you when you go from one room to next. They can be trained to play fetch while some will learn to open cabinet doors on their own. You can see the sitting like a prairie dog to look around if something catches their attention. They love drinking from running water and use their paws to eat and drink. You can also see them sitting like humans which has now been called ‘the Buddha sit’.
