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The Scottish Straight Longhair is one of the lesser-known Scottish breeds and the sibling of the controversial Scottish Fold. In fact, these two breeds are almost the same and even born into the same litters. The difference is that Scottish Straight Longhairs have upright ears rather than folded ears like their Scottish Fold siblings.
Scottish Straights came about as the selective breeding program for Scottish Folds includes one parent with natural straight ears. This means that the parents do not produce all lop-eared kittens. Scottish Straight Longhairs have full coats with fluffy tails and tufts between their toes and by their ears. These boast a sweet, relaxed nature and are adaptable yet loyal felines.
Learn more about Scottish Straight Longhair Breed
Meet the Scottish Straight Longhair
Scottish Fold Longhairs are medium-sized cats with round features and long hair that gives them a solid structure. They typically stand between 8 and 10 inches tall and weigh anywhere between 6 and 14 lbs. They have well-balanced and aligned features creating a gorgeous appearance.
Along with their round bodies are round heads and eyes. They have broad, short noses and straight, small ears with rounded tips, set wide. They can have any eye colour, but copper is most common, and they can also come in various patterns and colours. These include tabby, bicolour, white, and solid. Therefore, just as breeders cannot predict how many Scottish Folds and Scottish Straights they will get from a litter, the colours are a mystery, too.
Because of their long hair, you’ll need to brush your Scottish Straight regularly (multiple times a week) to prevent tangling or matting. However, as they do not carry the gene mutation that affects their ear cartilage, they are less prone to osteochoendrodysplasia and ear infections than Scottish Folds.
The temperament of a Scottish Straight Longhair
Scottish Straight Long Hairs are chilled lap cats that love spending time with their owners. They are sweet, loyal, and gentle and will lovingly follow their owners around the house. They have relatively low energy levels and prefer snuggling on their owner’s lap rather than running around, but they still love to play nonetheless.
Scottish Straight Longhairs are also very curious and intelligent. They want to know about everything you are doing and need sufficient mental stimulation to prevent boredom. While interactive play sessions are best, supplying lots of interactive toys like puzzle feeders is vital for keeping them occupied when you are out. You’ll know if your Scottish Straight is not getting the mental activity they need as they will become lethargic and appear depressed.
One thing to note about Scottish Straight Longhairs is that they do not like to be picked up or held. They love staying close and will happily climb onto your lap, but they feel restrained if you pick them up. Although Scottish Straights love their humans, they have an independent streak, so they do not like to be in a situation where there is no feeling of control.
Scottish Straights are adaptable felines and have the right balance between being devoted to their owners but not clingy. Furthermore, if they receive sufficient socialisation as kittens, they will not be shy around strangers and other animals. However, if they did not meet various people while young, they may be more timid and wary around people they meet for the first time.
10 reasons to add a Scottish Straight Longhair to your family
- There is a Scottish Straight for everyone - As they come in all colours and patterns, you can find your new Scottish Straight Longhair in your favourite shade.
- They are incredibly adorable - Their round bodies and heads combined with their lusciously long coats give them a super cute teddy-like appearance.
- They are loyal but not needy - If you want a cat that will shower you with affection but is happy to spend time alone too, a Scottish Straight is ideal.
- They are quiet and laid back - Scottish Straight Long Hairs may follow you around, but they are pretty silent and will not whine or meow endlessly at you for attention. They are reserved and laidback, especially if all their needs are met.
- They learn quickly - Thanks to their intelligent nature, A Scottish Straight Longhair can learn basic tricks and even fetch a ball.
- They are an adaptable breed - A Scottish Fold Longhair kitten will adapt quickly to their new home and family, including any new furry siblings. Plus, they tend to adapt well to changes throughout their lives, like moving houses.
- They have cute quirks - Like Scottish Folds, Straights do a range of funny things, from splashing in their water bowls to sitting in a Buddha position.
- They are well accustomed to British and Northern European climates - The breed originates from a barn cat in Scotland. Plus, they boast warm, long fur, making them well suited to the cold temperatures of the UK and parts of Europe.
- They are a healthier alternative to Scottish Folds - If you’re worried about the potential health issues of Scottish Folds, we recommend getting a Scottish Straight instead. As they do not have the gene which causes osteochondrodysplasia, Scottish Straights are a much healthier breed.
- They are usually cheaper, too - Scottish Folds are the most desirable of the Scottish cat breeds, despite the health disposition. So Scottish Straights are healthier and generally more affordable as they are less in demand.
Best homes for a Scottish Straight Longhair
Scottish Straight Longhairs seem to adapt well to most types of home environments. Providing they receive plenty of interaction with their owners and have an enriched environment, they will generally be happy cats.
Scottish Straights are playful but gentle, making them an ideal cat for families with children and other animals. However, if you’re bringing a Scottish Straight into a home with young kids, they must know not to pick up the kitty or carry it around. Moreover, getting a Scottish Straight as a kitten is ideal if you already have other pets. They will accept them immediately and likely grow up to be best friends.