General description of the breed, character
Scottish fold is one of the most interesting and charming representatives of the cat’s family. No doubt there are adherents of other equally exotic breeds, but this one – with fascinating-cute owl face, with huge eyes and a naive infant look will not leave indifferent any person, who even has not been interested in the cats earlier. No other cat, without exaggeration, meant to circumvent Scottish fold in grace, multiplied by its sweet aristocracy, manifested in all its behavior.
Scottish foldIt is known that lop-eared cats existed on the East even several centuries ago. However, the Scottish fold cat is a fairly young breed. In 1961, on one of the farms in Scotland, in the ordinary cat litter there was born a kitten with an unusual shape of the ears that were deployed forward, and the tips looked down. This phenomenon was caused by a genetic mutation, however, looked very cute and original. A Scotsman named William Ross bought from the farmer the fold kitten, which actually ushered in a new breed. In the formation of the breed Scottish fold was also involved American and British Shorthair cats.
Modern Scottish fold is a cat of a medium size, fairly dense and well-proportioned. Aspects of Scottish fold cats characterized by smooth, soft shapes. The most remarkable part of the body, the Scottish fold ears, which are located far from each other and like hanging down, hiding the ear hole. The color of Scottish fold cats can be almost any — solid, multi-color, striped, etc.
An interesting fact is that kittens of Scottish fold cats are born with straight ears also. After three or four weeks from birth some kittens’ ears shape into the desired position. However, some kittens’ ears remain straight (they are called Scottish straight). Scottish straights are necessary for further breeding because to make cross of fold cats to each other is impossible (very high risk of hereditary diseases).
The nature of the Scottish fold cats is fully corresponds to their angelic appearance. They love to be near people, but will forgive you and quietly take care of themselves, if you cannot give them your attention at the moment. Scots, Scottish fold or Scottish straight, short-haired or long-haired, love children and have fun playing with them. They are the perfect family cats. The Scots are easily trained. They are sociable and get along well with other animals. Owners say that the Scottish folds are amazingly easy, from the young age they learn to go “where they should to” and are careful of the owner’s furniture, preferring it to the scratching post.
Standards and varieties
There are four varieties of Scottish cats:
- Scottish fold (Shorthair Scottish fold and Scottish straight (Scottish straight Shorthair)
- Highland fold (longhair Scottish fold and highland straight (Scottish straight longhair)
Externally Scottish is a medium size, muscle-bound animal. These cats have strong, medium length limbs, a short neck, la ong or medium length, conical, tapering to the tip, movable tail.
The distinctive feature of “Scots” — the round head, smooth profile, with well-developed chin and vibrissae. The representatives of this breed have large, expressive eyes, giving to the snout of the animal its characteristic “baby” look. Scottish fold cats come in different colors. Despite the fact that according to the standard the color can be any color, actually certain colors of eyes, nose and paw pads should match to each color.
The fold representatives have small, tightly pressed, directed downward and forward ears. The Scottish straight, have ears which are small, upright, broad at the base, set high (the tips should be slightly apart).
A choice of Scottish cats
So, you dream that one day the kitten of Scottish breed will appear in your house. Where to start the search of your future pet? Of course, start visiting specialized exhibitions. The exhibition is a place where you will be able not only to get acquainted with the breed, but also to collect information about breeders and nurseries.
We strongly do not recommend you to look for a pure breed kitten at the pet market – there is a great risk to deal with fraud. The Sellers from the pet market disappear from your life immediately after sale of the animal, and if you encounter any problems, it is difficult to imagine you will be able to count on their support. At the same time, a good breeder is always trying to trace the fate of their “graduates”, and, if necessary, is always ready to assist you.
Before you go to the nursery, we recommend that you carefully weigh all the “pros” and “cons” and in advance decide the fate of your future pet. What does it mean? This means that you must decide and plan your animal show career. If you do not want to participate in exhibitions and breeding, then your choice can safely be guided by a sense of sympathy and intuition. If you are dreaming of championship titles and plan to breed, in order to choose promising kitten, you will need a special knowledge and experience. Be sure to review the existing standards, consult with an expert of the breed.
Thus, before buying you have to decide with the sex of the animal, “class” and the preferred type (straight or fold, longhair or Shorthair). It depends solely on your personal preference, however you need to understand that the Scottish fold are more expensive than the Scottish straights. Besides, this breed has a huge variety of colors.
You should also evaluate your future pet from the point of view of physical health. If something makes you doubt (for example, the kitten looks exhausted, it has runny nose or eyes, flaky skin), you should refuse from the purchase. The ideal age to buy a kitten is 3.5 months. To this age all the vaccinations must be done.
The features of nursing, care and health
The regular care of the Scottish cat includes: periodic combing of its wool, inspection and cleaning of ears and teeth, hygienic wiping of the eyes with a damp cloth.
Long-haired cats should be combed daily, Shorthaired could be combed once a week. Twice a year (spring and autumn) “the Scots” molt, and during this period the procedure of combing should be done more often (to help the cat get rid of dead skin wool).
The comb should also be chosen depending on the type of wool: if you have a short-haired animal, get the brush with frequent, small teeth, and if long-hair — long and rare. It is best to choose brushes with natural bristles (not electrified). With regard to water treatment, bathing of “the Scots” should be made prior to the show or as needed
The features of Scottish cats mating
As have already been mentioned, there are four varieties of this breed: they differ by the shape of ears and coat length. It is interesting that in some cases, in one litter of kittens can be born the representatives of all four varieties. However, this does not mean that all Scottish cats can interbreed among themselves.
You should know that it is forbidden mating two fold individuals, as this can lead to bone abnormalities. Thus, this breed is built on copulation of folds with straights. At the same time to predict the final result is not possible: the ratio of fold and Scottish straight kittens in a litter can be any, to the extent that in one litter will be born only folds and in the other – only straights. On practice, there are fewer folds than straights. To distinguish the characteristic of fold ears of the kitten usually is possible at the three weeks age.
As for the varieties of wool, then you should know that long-haired “Scots” (highland) can be born not only from long-haired parents, but also from short-haired, if they have the recessive gene of long hair.
In any case, before you decide to mate your cat, you should contact the appropriate club or kennel. Here they will not only tell you about the features of Scottish cats mating, but also will assist you in selecting the best pair for your pet.