Scottish Straight Longhair Cat Breed

Registration: TICA, CFA
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Size: Medium
Coat: Long
Colours: Variety
Temperament: Sweet, Curious, Affectionate, Fun-Loving, Laidback, Sociable

History

In 1961, this cat breed was unintentionally found by a Scottish farmer named William Ross. He came across Suzie, a white cat with unique folded ears living on his neighbour's farm near Coupar Angus in Scotland. While Suzie’s ancestry was never identified, her mother was known as a straight, white-haired cat.

William Ross’ fascination with Suzie led him to buy a kitten from Suzie’s succeeding litter. This particular kitten had its mother’s physical characteristics, so William Ross decided to start a breeding program with his cat, Snooks.He named this cat breed “lop-eared” after the rabbit variety.

Mr. Ross registered this new cat breed with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy in 1966, where the cat breed was later renamed to Scottish Fold. However, due to concerns over ear disorders like mites, infections, and hearing problems in the early 1970s, the GCCF stopped recognizing the cat breed.

The straight ear kittens born in the same litter have become their own breed known as the Scottish Straight. Every Scottish Fold and Straight thriving today can trace their lineage back to the original cat, Susie. Today, The International Cat Association allows breeders to use the British Shorthairs and the American Shorthairs in their breeding programs to promote genetic diversity.

Appearance

Scottish Straights are medium-sized cats with medium boning. They are described as generally "round" – rounded face, round body, and round whisker pads, even the tips of their ears are rounded too. Scottish Straights’ ears are straight and remain that way until they mature, rather than bending down and forward like their Scottish Fold siblings.

Their round eyes are widely spaced, which together with their domed head and their straight ears, gives them a remarkably appealing and open look. Scottish Straights have a very compact body and short legs. This adds to their unique look that has been compared to an owl or a cuddly teddy bear. Moreover, they keep their "kittenish" expression even until adulthood.

This adorable cat breed comes in a wide range of colours and patterns, such as solid, bicolour, particolour, tabby, and tabby and white. In addition, every eye colour is possible to this cat breed; however, copper is the most common.

Personality

The Scottish Straights, similar to their Scottish Fold siblings, are well-known for their inquisitiveness, intelligence, and devotion. These loyal cats are not naturally wary of strangers and they prefer being around their human companion. They thrive from company so much that you will often see them following their human companion from one room to the next.

While they love being around their families, these wonderful cats typically do not like being carried or held up. In this sense, Scottish Straights do enjoy a little bit of independence. They are relaxed and content being close to their human companion but not directly on their lap.

Because of these traits, Scottish Straights make outstanding feline companions for those who are looking for a feline companion that will be devoted without being too dependent and clingy to their human family.

Scottish Straights are very bright. You can train them to play fetch, follow commands or do tricks. In addition to being high spirited, this amazing cat breed is known for being soft and laidback. These lovely feline companions will even get along well with children and with other pets in the household.

Trainability

These easygoing and amiable cats are smart and curious cats. And because they adore human interaction and attention, it is easy to train them and have them learn tricks and games.

You can challenge their bright minds by teaching them commands, tricks and games. You can also provide plenty of puzzle and interactive toys that they can play with interchangeably. And because they can gain extra weight due to their good appetite, it is recommended to encourage them to get active through regular cat to human play sessions.

When this intelligent cat is appropriately socialised and trained at an early stage, they will thrive on being a well-rounded and well-mannered cat companion.

Coat & Care

Long Haired Scottish Straights may need brushing or combing a number of times a week, but depending on the volume of undercoat, it may be less. Bathing them once a month is also recommended as it will eliminate loose hair and keep their coat clean and healthy.

Brushing their teeth every day is best; but, weekly brushing is sufficient to keep tooth and gum diseases at bay. In addition, keep their nails healthy by trimming them twice a month or when needed. For their beautiful eyes, clean them by wiping the corners of their eyes with a clean, soft, damp cloth to eliminate any discharge.

To keep their ears clean, check them once a week for dirt, debris and wax. Wipe their ears with a clean cotton ball or soft damp cloth moistened with a vet-approved ear cleanser. If you smell any foul odour, contact your vet for treatment.

Their litter boxes must always be clean, not only because they are specific about bathroom hygiene, but this will help keep their long coat clean while they do their business. If it is left unclean, dirt and debris may cling to their coat and cause matting and tangle. Moreover, they tend to use other places in the house if their litter boxes are dirty.

Health

According to veterinary research by UC Davis, Scottish straight cats with the N/N genotype cannot transmit the fold variant to their offspring. Some people believe this means they are not at risk of developing osteochondrodysplasia or progressive joint disease, like their Scottish Fold siblings.

Osteochondrodysplasia is an abnormality that affects development of the cartilage and bone, particularly in the tail, ankles, or feet and can be very painful.

Because of this, we recommend only buying a Scottish Straight from a registered and reputable breeder who runs DNA tests on all their kittens.

Children & Other Pets

The easygoing and loving Scottish Straight loves to interact and play. That’s why they are an outstanding choice for families with children. They can learn tricks easily and will keep the whole family entertained for hours.

Scottish Straights love the attention and affection they get from children who treat them with care and respect. Nonetheless, always supervise younger kids to ensure no one gets hurt. Remember, Scottish Straights do not like being carried or picked up.

As they adore company, most Scottish Straights will be delighted to live with other cats and cat-friendly dogs. But as always, introduce pets gradually and in controlled environments to ensure that they learn to get along great together.