Scottish Straight Shorthair Cat Breed

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

History

This cat breed was found unintentionally in 1961 by a Scottish farmer named William Ross. He saw a white cat named Suzie on his neighbour’s farm in the Tayside Region of Scotland, with unique folded ears. Suzie’s ancestry was not identified; however, her mother was known to be a straight, white-haired cat.

William Ross was so charmed by this cat that he bought a kitten from Suzie’s subsequent litter who had its mother’s physical characteristics. He then started a breeding program with his cat, Snooks, and began attending various cat shows.

William Ross named the cat breed “lop-eared” after the rabbit. He registered the new cat breed with the GCCF or the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy in 1966, where the breed was later renamed to Scottish Fold. Sadly, in the early 1970s, the GCCF stopped recognizing the cat breed due to concerns over ear disorders like mites, infections, and hearing problems.

In the same litter, these kittens can have straight or folded ears. While the Scottish Fold breed is the most desirable among breeders and cat lovers, the straight ear kittens have lately become their own cat breed known as the Scottish Straight. While Scottish Straights are not eligible for the show ring, they make wonderful pets nonetheless.

Every Scottish Fold and Scottish Straight alive and thriving today can trace their ancestry back to the original cat, Susie. Today, To promote genetic diversity, The International Cat Association permits Scottish Fold and Scottish Straight breeders to use British Shorthairs and American Shorthairs in their breeding programs.

Appearance

Scottish Straights are medium-sized cats with medium boning. They are characterised as generally "round" – rounded body, round face, and round whisker pads. The tips of their ears are rounded too. Scottish Straight cat's ears are straight and continue that way to adulthood, rather than bending downward and forward like their Scottish Fold siblings.

Their eyes are round and widely spaced, which combined with their domed head and straight ears give them an amazingly appealing and open look. Scottish Straights have short legs and a very compact body, adding to their distinctive appearance that has been compared to an owl or a teddy bear. They maintain their "kittenish" expression well into adulthood.

The short haired Scottish Straight boasts dense, plush hair with a super soft texture that stands away from the body. This cat breed comes in a wide array of patterns and colours, including bicolour, particolour, tabby and white, tabby, and solid. Also, every eye colour is possible; however, copper is the most common. Their eye shade is usually determined by their coat colour.

Personality

Scottish Straight cats, like the Scottish Folds, are best known for their curiosity, intelligence, and loyalty. These cats are not naturally shy, as they would choose to always be around their human companion, perhaps even following them from one room to the next.

Despite loving family interaction, these fantastic cats generally do not like being carried or picked up. They do have a little bit of an independent side that makes them comfortable and content being near their human companion but still being able to do their own thing.

Thus, they are not typically lap cats but will always be in close sight. Because of this, Scottish Straight cats make excellent pets for those searching for a cat that will be loyal without being too dependent and clingy to their human family.

These cats are very bright, so you can train them to do many things like play fetch or do tricks. They are also very skilled with using their paws, from opening cupboards to turning on the kitchen faucet. In addition to their playfulness, they are also known for being quiet and easygoing.

These beautiful cats are very adaptable and can adjust to most types of environments. They are typically more comfortable travelling than other cat breeds so they are a good choice if you’re looking for a road trip buddy. They also get along well with other pets and with children.

Trainability

These laid back and friendly felines are intelligent and curious cats, and they adore human interaction, which is why they are easy to train and learn tricks and games.

You can challenge their intelligence and keep their minds busy by teaching them tricks and games. Also be sure to provide them plenty of puzzle and interactive toys which they can play alternately. Also as they gain extra weight because of their appetite, it is best to encourage them to stay active.

When a Scottish Straight cat is properly socialised and trained during their kittenhood, they will thrive on being a well-rounded and well-mannered feline companion.

Coat & Care

Short Haired Scottish Straights could benefit from a simple weekly brushing or combing to avoid hairballs and lessen shedding. Bathing them once a month will help them eliminate loose hair and keep and maintain their coat clean and healthy but is not mandatory.

Brushing their teeth daily is best; however, weekly brushing is enough to keep them free from tooth and gum diseases. Keep their nails clean by trimming them twice a month or when needed. For their eyes, you can wipe the corners with a clean, soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Just make sure to use a different part of the cloth for each eye to prevent any eye infection spreading.

To keep their ears in great condition, check them weekly for dirt, debris and wax. Wipe them out with a clean cotton ball or soft damp cloth moistened with a vet-approved ear cleanser. If you notice any foul odour, immediately contact your vet for treatment.

Health

Veterinary research has found that Scottish straight cats with the N/N genotype cannot transmit the fold variant to their offspring. It is also believed that they are not at risk of developing osteochondrodysplasia—an abnormality that affects cartilage and bone development, like their Scottish Fold siblings are.

We recommend only getting a Scottish Straight from a reputable, registered breeder who runs DNA health checks on their kittens.

Children & Other Pets

The laidback and affectionate Scottish Straight loves playing. That’s why they are an excellent choice for families with children. They learn tricks easily and love the attention they get from children who treat them with respect and politeness. However, always supervise younger kids to avoid accidents that may hurt the cat like pulling their fur or twisting their tail. Remember, Scottish Straights are not fond of being picked up.

Scottish Straights are happy to live with other cats and cat-friendly dogs. But as always, it is best to introduce pets gradually and in controlled environments to ensure that they will get along well together.