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Scottish Fold Shorthairs are extraordinary cats indeed. Despite their adorable folded ears, these kitties are incredibly affectionate, cuddly, and mellow. This breed occurred naturally in the early 1960s when a barn cat in Scotland was discovered with folded ears from a gene mutation.
As a new breed, there is still much to learn about these owl-like felines, and there is some concern over how this genetic mutation may affect these kitties’ health. As a result, GCCF do not recognise this breed, contrary to TICA and CFA.
Learn more about Scottish Fold Shorthair Breed
Meet the Scottish Fold Shorthair
Scottish Fold Shorthairs are medium-sized cats with a rounded body and head structure. Their legs are slightly shorter than average, giving them a stocky look. Males are usually larger, weighing 9 to 13 lbs and females are noticeably smaller at 6 to 9 lbs. The second most distinctive facial feature of a Scottish Shorthair is their large, round eyes. You will also notice how the top of their head has a dome shape, and their necks are very short.
Interestingly, Scottish Fold Shorthairs are not born with folded ears. Instead, their ears are straight for the first month before they gradually drop due to the dominant gene that affects the ear cartilage. Also, the original Scottish Fold Shorthairs only had one crease in their ears. Now, because of selective breeding, most have a double or triple fold, making them appear completely flat.
Scottish Fold Shorthairs have a thick but short coat that feels soft to the touch. They can come in almost any colour and have a solid shade or a combination of tones. Popular colours are silver-blue, Calcio, or Tabby. Their short coat is super easy to care for, requiring virtually no maintenance.
One grooming requirement that every Scottish Fold has, though, is regular ear cleaning. Their lop-sided ears build up wax quickly and are more prone to mites and infections than other breeds. Therefore you will need to clean them once a week. If you create this habit while they are a kitten, they will adapt quickly to the regime and enjoy the quality time with you that it brings.
The temperament of a Scottish Fold Shorthair
Scottish Fold Shorthairs are an extremely affectionate breed with a peaceful and gentle temperament. They are calm, yet they can have very playful outbursts and love to explore. These curious kitties find everything exciting and love to play games, use their scratch posts, and “play prey” with their toy mice.
They also have an ideal balance between social interaction and independence. While Scottish Folds love to be around their humans and make excellent lap cats, they are also happy to chill alone if you work during the day. Their laid-back nature makes them a brilliant addition to all types of family homes, including those with children and other pets, as they adapt very well to changes.
Scottish Fold Shorthairs are generally pretty quiet, and when they do meow, it’s a gentle sounding voice that you will hear. They are not needy cats nor require lots of exercise, but a couple of short, interactive play sessions will help keep them both happy and in shape. As their ancestors were barn cats, these animals also enjoy playing outside.
10 reasons to add a Scottish Fold Shorthair to your family
- They are quirky - Scottish Folds have many adorable personality quirks. Two of the most popular are laying on their back and sitting in a Buddha position with their legs stretched out in front and paws resting on their belly.
- They love to cuddle - These kitties love attention and touch, which is lucky considering every time you look at their sweet face, you’ll want to cuddle them!
- They are not needy - While they are highly affectionate, a Scottish Fold Shorthair will never demand your attention. This makes them an easy feline to live with and a joy to have around.
- They get on with everyone - Scottish Folds are super laid back and will happily coexist with any other pet. Likewise, they have no issue being around small children either.
- They adapt well to change - While some cats get anxious from a house move or a significant change to their environment, Scottish Folds take everything in their stride.
- They are quiet - You’ll never hear a Scottish Fold before you see them as they have a tranquil nature. They will walk over to you and perch on your lap, with the only sound being their lovely deep purr.
- Their fur does not matt - Their short coat practically takes care of itself and is not prone to matting nor need regular brushing.
- They are smart - While they may have a physical deformity, their genetic mutation does not affect their brain. They are highly intelligent and can even pick up on your emotions and comfort you when you are down.
- Celebrities love them - These kitties have recently risen to fame thanks to pop stars like Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran opting for this adorable feline.
- They have a unique and cute look - Scottish Fold Shorthairs are certainly an aesthetically distinct breed. Their floppy ears and large eyes prove irresistible to many cat lovers.
Best homes for a Scottish Fold Shorthair
Scottish Fold Shorthairs are easy-going and adaptable, so they suit most family environments. Unlike some breeds, a Scottish Fold Shorthair does not mind staying at home alone. They have medium energy levels, so providing you leave plenty of stimulation, they will not display signs of distress.
However, they are still social animals, so if you work away from home, be sure to shower them with affection before and after your return. Scottish Fold Shorthairs love to cuddle on the couch, so if you like to settle down for an evening of Netflix, this kitty will be the perfect companion for you.
This breed is also great with other children, thanks to their gentle nature. They will not lash out, but of course, it’s always wise to supervise young children around any cat. Scottish Fold Shorthairs also adore being around other animals. So, if you work out of the house, we recommend getting your furry owl a friend to play with while you’re away.