It could just be us here at IndulgeYourPet, but every time we look at a Scottish Fold, we’re reminded of the movie Keanu. In the movie Keanu, the main character, a tiny kitten named Keanu, always seems to have a hat on for some reason. This makes us think of the Scottish Fold because it almost seems like these cats are wearing ski beanies!
But don’t get us wrong…
Because while the movie Keanu will generally only “appeal” to a specific demographic, the cat breed it reminds us of won’t. Few can argue that these can’t aren’t awesome regarding the Scottish Fold cat breed! This is why, in this article, we wanted to take a moment and discuss what it might be like to own one of these unique little creatures so that if you’re ever allowed to own one, you’ll know right away if it’s a good idea or not!
So, without further ado, let’s dive right in.
Scottish Fold Cat Breed Fast Facts
Country of Origin: Scottish
Size: Medium
Weight: 10 to 12 pounds
Eyes: Large round eyes
Shape of Head: Round
Lifespan: Approximately 15 years
Origin of the Scottish Fold cat breed
The origin of the Scottish Fold cat breed can be traced back to a modest beginning when a random shepherd named William Ross just happened to stumble across a stray cat named Susi, who lived in a Scottish barn in 1961. Unsurprisingly, William found Suzie’s unique ears quite attractive, so he adopted one of Suzie’s kittens named Snooks. From there, Williams’s natural curiosity and interest in cats took over, causing him to begin cross-breeding his find with several British short-haired cats, ultimately leading to the creation of the breed that we now refer to as the Scottish Fold.
Soon after that…
More breeders got involved, and it was then decided the gene mutation responsible for the “fold” was a completely dominant gene. This means even if only one parent had the gene for the folded ears and the other didn’t, all the kittens would still have the folded ear feature. Then, in 1971, the Scottish fold breed was brought into the United States, where they instantly became a hit and were quickly “officially” recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association in 1973.
Physical Characteristics
The Scottish Fold cat breed is a medium-sized cat with an overall “rounded” appearance. They have rounded heads, somewhat rounded compact bodies, and large round eyes, making them look a little like an owl! They also have thick, dense coats of fur, which can be quite a challenge when long, like in the Highland Fold variety of the Scottish Fold. Regarding coat “coloring,” pretty much any color or pattern is acceptable; you’ll also find cats belonging to this breed that do not have folded ears either.
This is because…
Bering two Scottish Fold cats with the “folded” trait are generally frowned upon because this can lead to increased risks for hereditary conditions, which we will discuss later.
Care and maintenance
The Scottish fold cats need their coat brushed weekly to distribute the skin oils and help to rid excess hair that can cause furballs. Tangles can develop in the long-haired breed, so be sure to touch them a few times a week to avoid the traps and the need to be cut out.
Sometimes these cats…
They can get build-up in the corner of their eyes, which can be wiped away with a warm cloth or cotton ball. Use a clean cotton ball each time to avoid spreading any infection. Additionally, the Scottish Fold’s ears need to be checked regularly. If dirty, wipe out the same as you do with the eyes but using a mixture of cider vinegar and water in half amounts.
Personality and Temperament
Scottish Folds tend to show off a bit. They love to pose and have a habit of posing in the most unusual positions, like sitting on the floor like a frog or sitting up high like a meerkat on patrol. And while people tend to think the cat’s ears being folded are less mobile, this is incorrect. The cats use them to interact exceptionally well with their sweet little voice when hungry.
They’re also…
Very active and very intelligent. They enjoy playing with toys just like a dog would and are pretty good at working with puzzle toys; they want a challenge. They thrive on human interaction, so being able to sit the cat in your lap, interact with it, and be affectionate is a must for these breeds. They enjoy the attention. They are not fussy about how they get it, whether it be a rub from the bottom of your shoes while you are working on the computer or lying beside you while reading a book. They are not a wise choice if you cannot be home often. These cats hate being left alone, but having another cat with them for company will be okay.
This is also why…
We here at IndulgeYourPet will often recommend this breed to families looking for an unusual cat to get for their kids because their natural love for play and their desire to interact with people of all ages make them ideal for families with kids of any age.
Potential Health Concerns
The pedigree breed, as well as the mixed breed, can have a few health problems that most likely are genetic. They have a few issues that may arise, such as:
- A joint disease that affects the tail, ankle, and knee joints. This can cause poor mobility and constant pain for the cat. Check with the vet if your cat seems to have a stiff tail. This is a common sign of degenerative joint disease.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, heart disease, can affect these cats, but there is no proof that the cause is related to genetics.
This is why we here at IndulgeYourPet always advise any new pet owner to take a moment and see what it might cost to purchase a pet insurance policy for their new loved one. If they ever become sick or injured in the future, you won’t be on the “hook” for 100% of the cost of treatment.
For more information on who we “feel” currently offers some of the “best” pet insurance policies on the market, check out our Best Pet Insurance Companies article.
