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The Scottish Straight Shorthair is one of the four Scottish cat breeds, consisting of Scottish Straight Shorthairs and Longhairs and Scottish Fold Shorthairs and Longhairs. Interestingly, although they are different breeds, they all come from the same litter. The difference between Scottish Straights and Folds is that Straights do not have the gene mutation that Folds have, causing lop-sided ears. Therefore, Scottish Straights have normal pointed ears, although slightly smaller.
Differing further between the Scottish Straight Longhairs and Shorthairs, Shorthairs have a short coat of dense and plush hair that stands away from the body. On the other hand, Longhairs have long, fluffy coats with tufts of fur on certain parts. However, all four Scottish Breeds share the same loving nature and gentle disposition regardless of their physical characteristics.
Learn more about Scottish Straight Shorthair Breed
Meet the Scottish Straight Shorthair
The Scottish Straight Shorthair is a medium-sized cat that weighs between 6 to 12 pounds, depending on its gender and lifestyle. They have a rounded, medium boned structure where all body parts are well proportioned. Along with their rounded bodies, they have gorgeous round faces and wide circular eyes. This gives them an adorable appearance that makes you want to squeeze them like a teddy bear.
Their most distinctive facial feature is their straight ears that set them apart from their Scottish Fold siblings. Their eyes appear slightly small, are positioned wide on their head and have rounded tips. Their glistening round eyes can be any colour but are usually copper. Moreover, they have cute short noses, creating a sweet expression that matches their personality.
A great thing about this breed is that their short, plush coats can be almost any colour or pattern. What’s more, unlike their long-haired siblings, they don’t require much grooming. Once a week is sufficient as their fur does not tend to tangle or matt.
Another pro of the Scottish Straight Shorthair is that they do not carry the Scottish Fold’s gene mutation. This means their ear cartilage is not affected; thus, they have a much lower risk of developing osteochondrodysplasia. Moreover, as their ears do not fold, they are no more susceptible to ear infections than any other breed with straight ears.
The temperament of a Scottish Straight Shorthair cat
Short Haired Scottish Straights are best described as loving and loyal yet laid back. They feel a great deal of devotion to their owners and shower them with affection. However, they are not attention seekers and do not have extremely high social needs. Instead, they have an independent side where they enjoy spending time alone now and again.
Scottish Straights adore cuddles and snuggles on their owner’s lap and make one of the best lap cats. However, unlike docile breeds like Ragdolls, they do not appreciate being picked up or carried around. Every Scottish Straight owner should be aware of this as it causes feelings of restriction and can stress this kitty out.
Scottish Shorthair cats are intelligent and curious. They are aware of what’s happening in their environment, and they respond well to their owners’ attempts to teach them commands and tricks.
However, their high IQ means their brains need more stimulation than some breeds. While they don’t have high energy levels, interactive play sessions are beneficial to prevent boredom. In addition, having plenty of challenging cat toys around will help keep them entertained when you are not available.
10 reasons to add a Scottish Straight Shorthair kitten to your family
- They are low maintenance - In both the grooming and playing departments, a Scottish Straight Shorthair has minimal needs. You only need to brush them once a week, and their low energy levels mean they don’t need or want regular play sessions.
- They come in all colours - A litter of Scottish kittens is a pick and mix. They can be almost any colour or pattern, including less common ones.
- They have a unique appearance - Although their eyes may be normal, their round bodies, faces and eyes give them a truly unique and incredibly adorable look.
- They will fit into any home - A Scottish Straight will do well in an apartment, house, or other types of home as they adapt well to all environments.
- They are super affectionate - Shorthaired Scottish Folds are known to shower their owners with love with regular snuggle sessions.
- They are healthier than Scottish Folds - There is a lot of controversy around the Fold breed due to the gene mutation that causes their ears to fold. However, as straights don’t have this mutation, they are not at risk of the associated health problems.
- They are trainable - Scottish Straight Shorthairs are smart enough to learn commands and basic tricks without much effort.
- They are not attention seekers - Your Scottish Straight will probably follow you around. However, this is not to get attention from you, but to express their love and loyalty.
- They are not loud - Scottish Straights are a quiet breed. You won’t hear much from them, making them a peaceful companion.
- They are more affordable than Folds - Because Scottish Folds are highly desirable, they can be pretty expensive. However, Scottish Straights usually sell for a much lower price.
Best homes for a Scottish Straight Shorthair
The desirable temperament of the Scottish Straight Shorthair makes them a fabulous pet for most homes and families. They will adapt whether you live in a flat or house and if they have access to the outdoors or not. What’s more, as they do enjoy some alone time, many Shorthaired Straights will do fine left alone during the day if you’re out at work. However, be sure to enrich their environment if this is the case.
Their sweet and gentle disposition make them an ideal fit for families with young children, too. However, many Scottish Straights do not enjoy people picking them up. So if this is the case with yours, you’ll need to make sure the children understand and respect the cat’s boundaries. Finally, Scottish Straights typically get on well with other animals in the home, especially if they grow up with them.