The Scottish Fold is one of the most desired breeds of cats. It is an endearing but rare feline breed that is easy to care for and is comfortable with everyone in the family.
Scottish Fold Cats are renowned for their folded ears; however, they exhibit many other features that make them a lovely pet. Owl-like appearance (due to a round face and folded ears), fluffy tail, and widely spaced eyes give them their distinctive sweet look.
It isn’t easy to come across an incredible cat breed with a distinct characteristic like The Scottish Fold Cats. These cats are intelligent, social and, unlike most cat breeds, prefer the companionship of other cats. They enjoy sharing their time and space with their friends.
You are in the right place if you want to know more about “The Scottish Fold Cats.” We have listed nine amazing Scottish Fold facts that will surely surprise you.
1. Susie (The Ancestor)
Although cats with folded ears are not new, many came from China, dating back to the early 1700s. Like Scottish fold cat breeds, they’ve never been developed into a breed.
In 1961 at a farm in Perthshire (Scotland), a typical cat (with straight ears) gave birth to a kitten with unique-looking ears compared to littermates and his parents. That kitten was named Susie.
The unique kitten looked pretty cool, and a local farmer and cat fancier, Mr. William Ross, adopted that kitten.
William Rose decided to preserve the genetic trait and, with the help of a geneticist Pat Turner, crossed the “Susie” with British Shorthair cats and some other local cats. That led to the sweet cat we all know and love today.
So we can indeed conclude that the “Scottish Fold cats” we see and admire today are descendants of an old white barn cat, “Susie.”
2. Result Of Natural Mutation
A Scottish Fold cat’s most distinctive feature is its ears, and they are bent forward and “fold” tightly over the head of the cat. This feature often leads individuals to draw comparisons between the cat’s appearance to an owl and the appearance of a teddy bear.
The cat’s ears are folded forward because her ear’s cartilage is not sufficiently rigid to keep ears straight. And experts believe that this is due to the natural mutation (genetic changes), in the genes controlling the development of cartilages in the body, at the time of embryonic development.
Although cartilage weakness is visible (in the form of folds), other body cartilages are also affected. Scottish Fold cats have a bit more cartilage issues than other cats.
3. Still Not Accepted As Breed in Europe & Scotland
Surprisingly, Scottish Fold cats are recognized as a distinct breed in the United States of America but are not considered an official cat breed in their homeland, Scotland.
The European Cat Fanciers’ Association authorities think that the mutated cats with folded ears may develop several physical problems and limitations, including a higher tendency towards ear infections, hearing problems, or deafness.
4. Folded Ears Are Not Present By Birth
Astonishing, isn’t it? But it’s a fact that the most striking feature of Scottish Folds Cats, “the ear folds,” is not present at the time of birth.
The Scottish Fold kittens have straight ears like all other breeds at the time of birth. When the kittens are at age of 15 to 28 days, the ear folds develop and become more prominent as the kitten grows.
5. Not All Kittens Have Folds
Another fantastic “Scottish Fold fact” is that all newborn kittens will not develop ear folds. Only those kittens with the desired genetic mutation at the time of embryonic development will develop ear folds.
In general, 50% of the litter with a Scottish fold mother will be born with the desired mutation to have ear folds while the rest of the kittens do not.
Such kittens whose ears remain straight are referred to as Scottish shorthairs. However, such kittens with straight ears are not allowed to appear in shows such as “Scottish Fold Cat.”
6. Don’t Breed Scottish Fold Male & Female Together
Generally, in the case of all other purebred animals or breeds, the purebred offsprings come from pedigree parents. That is not the case with Scottish fold cats. Experts don’t allow breeding a Scottish fold male cat with a Scottish fold female cat on technical and ethical grounds.
Experts and breeders believe that the kittens from both Scottish fold parents will have overly folded ears and excessively weak joint cartilages. It would also make them more prone to ear-related issues, like ear infections, deafness.
Therefore, Scottish fold cats are mostly crossed with American shorthair cats or British shorthair cats to get the cats with ear folds that we know.
The breed is so rare because when a Scottish fold cat is crossed with another cat of some other breed, all the kittens will not have folded ears.
7. Tails (Handle Carefully)
As discussed above, the genetic mutation that gives Scottish fold cats their most appealing trait also makes them more prone to joint-related issues.
The tail is the most sensitive part of the body of a Scottish fold cat, and arthritis can develop in the tail even at a very young age. It’s a harsh condition.
Therefore, the experts recommend taking extra care of the tail while handling and grooming your Scottish fold cat.
8. Always On Lazy Mode
Although it is an accepted truth that cats are lovers of comfort and spend most of their time sleeping or sitting in the window (seeing the outside world).
However, Scottish Fold cats are genetically lazy. They’re so calm, peaceful, and quiet. Scottish Fold is just too sluggish to walk. However, a pet lover will gladly carry a massive ball of fur.
9. Folds Categorization
Initially, the ears of Scottish Folds were not as wrinkled as they are today. Today these cats are categorized as single, double, or triple folds. The years of selective breeding are responsible for developing double or triple folds on the ears of today’s modern Scottish Fold cats.
Conclusion
The Scottish Folds are one of the rare breeds of cats; however, if you are looking for a relaxed and calm companion with low maintenance, these cats are the best option. We have compiled some fantastic facts about Scottish Fold cats. Hopefully, this article has added to your knowledge about Scottish Fold cats.
We want to hear about their personality if you’ve got a Scottish Fold kitty at home! Share your story in the comments below – do they love playing outside? Do you think he could beat up all the other neighborhood cats? Let us know!
I don’t know the story of the dearest Scottish Fold, who is my companion now, before buying her out from owner who was prepared to leave Ukraine because of the war and to leave the cat on the street. The veterinar has checked her for chip – there was none. Checked her age – approximately 3 or 4 (or 5 by now). Registered new chip and passport for her, with hers new name. I’ve been concerned, that the full-grown feline would not accept me – but I was wrong. She is genuinely gentle (despite sharp nails), very smart, loves company and playing games. Even when she is being washed or carried, she is not making anything, to complicate process. I’m very glad, that I met Trix)))