As confirmed with ASPCA Pet Insurance, Scottish Fold cats are medium-sized, typically weighing 6-13 pounds (2.7-5.9 kg) when fully grown. The height of a Scottish Fold at the shoulder can vary from 9-11 inches (23-28 cm), and their length from head to tail can reach around 10-11 inches (25-28 cm) for males and 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) for females.
Facts About Scottish Fold Cat
History
The Scottish fold cat is a breed of cat with folded ear tips. The folded ear tips are a result of selective breeding. The breed’s origins date back to the 1960s.
These unique feline creatures have folded ear tips, making them look like ears folded inward. Their folded ear tips also make them more resistant to the harshness of the elements and less inclined to get ear infections. They have long snouts and rounded bodies, making them look like barnyard fowl or bantams.
Coat
Scottish Fold cats have a variety of coat types, depending on the breeding lines. They can have short, medium, or long coats. The most common coat type for Scottish Folds is a short, dense coat that is soft to the touch.
The coat color can also vary, and Scottish Folds can come in a wide range of colors, including white, black, blue, cream, silver, red, and many variations of these colors, such as tabby, calico, bicolor, and more. Some Scottish Fold cats may have unique coat patterns, such as marble or spotted.
Scottish Folds have an undercoat that is soft and short, so they do not require a lot of grooming. Instead, you can groom them with a soft brush or comb once or twice weekly to remove loose hair and prevent matting.
Eye Color
Scottish Fold cats can have a variety of eye colors, depending on their coat color. The most common eye color for Scottish Folds is a bright, round, and expressive blue, however, Scottish Folds with a white coat often have blue eyes, but some may have one blue eye and one amber or green eye, which is known as being “odd-eyed.”
Scottish Folds with darker coat colors, such as black or chocolate, often have a yellow or green eye color. Some Scottish Folds with a red or cream coat may have a copper or amber eye color.
Scottish Fold Cats have a long lifespan of 12 to 15 years. However, some Scottish Fold cats may live longer with proper care and medical attention. Genetics, diet, and overall health can also affect a Scottish Fold’s lifespan.
Temperament
Scottish fold cats are gentle and loving creatures but require a lot of attention and care. These feline companions are known for their sweet personalities, libido, and intelligence. They are gentle with children and other household pets, making them ideal family pets.
These cats are active and playful indoors but can sit and relax without complaint. They enjoy snuggling with their owners and love to be involved in daily activities. However, they need regular exercise outdoors in ample open spaces to stay healthy and happy.
Also, Scottish fold cats don’t like being scolded or picked up by the scruff of the neck and will instinctively try to avoid these actions. Their loving nature makes them good with children, but they should be supervised as they can become mischievous if given too much freedom.
Living Needs
Scottish Fold cats are known to be relatively low maintenance in terms of their living needs. They are generally indoor cats and do not require a lot of space. They are also known to be relatively low energy and do not require much exercise. However, they enjoy playing and interacting with their owners, so providing them with plenty of toys and attention is essential.
They require regular grooming to maintain their distinctive folded ears and keep them clean and healthy. They have a short, dense coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. They are not heavy shedders, but they do shed, so regular grooming is essential.
Care
- Grooming: As mentioned earlier, Scottish Folds have a short, dense coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. They are not heavy shedders, but they do shed, so regular grooming is essential. They also need to have their ears cleaned regularly to prevent infections.
- Diet: Provide them with a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. You can give wet or dry food, but choosing a high-quality brand formulated for cats is crucial, and avoiding table scraps is crucial. They should have access to fresh water at all times.
- Exercise: Scottish Folds are relatively low-energy cats but enjoy playing and interacting with their owners. Please provide them with plenty of toys and play with them daily.
- Medical: Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to ensure your Scottish Fold is healthy and up to date on vaccinations. It’s also essential to look for signs of illness, such as weight loss, lack of appetite, and unusual behavior.
Shedding
Scottish Fold cats shed, but they are considered a low-shedding breed. Their short, dense coat requires regular grooming to keep them clean and healthy. Brushing their coat once or twice a week will help remove any loose hair, reducing shedding and preventing matting and tangling.
It’s worth noting that while they may shed less than other breeds, it doesn’t mean they shed any hair at all. All cats will shed to some degree, but with regular grooming and a healthy diet, you can minimize shedding and help keep your Scottish Fold’s coat shiny and healthy.
Not Hypoallergenic
Scottish Fold cats are not considered to be hypoallergenic. While some people may be less allergic to specific breeds of cats, there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic cat. Instead, all cats produce a protein called Fel d 1 in their skin and saliva, which causes most cat allergies.
While Scottish Folds are considered a low-shedding breed, they still produce the same allergens as other cats, so they may not be a good choice for people with severe cat allergies. So if you’re considering getting a Scottish Fold and you have allergies, it may be a good idea to spend some time around the breed before committing, or consider visiting a veterinarian to see if you have an allergy to cats.
