Scottish Straights are known to be amiable, engaging, delightful and sweet. They are smart, curious and very loyal to their families. You will frequently see them following a family member from room to room, checking what their human companion is doing and seeking to participate in whatever it is.
The Scottish Straights ā long haired or short haired, are part of the Scottish Breed Group along with the Scottish Folds ā short haired or long haired. These lovable cats are all born in the same litter and have identical structural features and personalities. The only noticeable difference is their ears. The Scottish Straights have normal, erect ears, while the Scottish Foldsā ears are folded forward and down.
This cat breed boasts a round face, round eyes, and rounded body, making them really endearing and adorable. Their body is medium-sized and medium-boned.
Scottish Straights love to eat; but, they are not as active as other cat breeds. Because of this, they are inclined to gain extra weight, especially on their bellies. Thatās why it is recommended that this cat breed is regularly encouraged to keep active. Thankfully, because of their love for interaction and attention, you can easily keep them occupied with interactive play.
These lively and inquisitive felines are also very bright. You can keep their brain stimulated by teaching them games, commands and provide them with puzzle toys to challenge their cleverness.
Scottish Straights have an independent side and like to do their own thing. Even so, they much prefer the company of their families, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs rather than being alone for long periods. This cat breed gets along excellent with both children and other pets, making them a fab family pet.
Breed Information
- Grooming: Everyday 10/10
- Shedding: Medium 6/10
- Hypoallergenic: Low 2/10
- Activity Level: Medium 6/10
- Playfulness: Medium 6/10
- Friendliness to other pets: High 10/10
- Friendliness to children: High 10/10
- Affection towards itās owners: High 10/10
- Vocality: Low 2/10
- Intelligence: Medium 6/10
- Independence: Medium 6/10
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 Suzieās ancestry was never identified, her mother was known as a straight, white-haired cat.
William Rossā fascination with Suzie led him to buy a kitten from Suzieās succeeding litter. This particular kitten had its motherās physical characteristics, so William Ross decided to start a breeding program with his cat, Snooks.He named this cat breed ālop-earedā 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" ā rounded face, round body, and round whisker pads, even the tips of their ears are rounded too. Scottish Straightsā 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. Still, this is not known for sure.
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. DNA testing checks if the gene that causes the Scottish Fold deformities is present in the particular Scottish Straight kitten you are interested in buying.
Children & Other Pets
The easygoing and loving Scottish Straight loves to interact and play. Thatās 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.
