The Scottish fold is affected by a dominant gene mutation that causes the cat's ears to fold forward.
It is illegal to breed a Scottish fold with another Scottish fold because it can result in genetic cartilage disorders.
History:
In 1961, a white barn cat with folded ears, named Susie in Perthshire, Scotland, on a farm near a town called Coupar Angus gave birth to a litter of kittens.
Two out of an unknown number of the kittens had the same folded ears as their mother.
One of the kittens was acquired by a neighbor named William Ross, who registered the cat with the GCCF (Governing Council of the Cat Fancy) in the UK.
Scottish folds were originally called, 'lops', after the lop-eared rabbit breeds. Their name was changed in 1966.
Cat fanciers breed Scottish folds with British shorthairs together because of their resemblance in appearance.
The first known mention of a cat with folded ears dates back to 1796 in China.
Appearance:
The Scottish fold is a medium-sized cat. Males generally weigh from 9-13 pounds (4-6 kg), and females weigh between 6 and 9 pounds (2.7-4 kg).
The breed is typically well-rounded. They possess a round head, big round eyes, a short neck, and a short muzzle.
The Scottish fold can be both longhair and shorthaired. Longhaired varieties are basically a breed of their own. They have several different names, such as Highland fold, Coupari, Scottish fold longhair, and longhair fold.
The breed comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
Some say that Scottish folds resemble an owl because of their round faces and folded ears.
Scottish fold kittens aren't born with folded ears, they begin to curl forwards at about 3-4 weeks after birth. Those that never develop folded ears are considered, 'Scottish straights'.
Personality:
Scottish folds are calm, laid-back, sweet-natured, friendly, intelligent, and loyal.
The breed is affectionate on their own terms. They aren't usually lap-cats, as they prefer to sit beside their owner.
They are a playful breed, even on into adulthood.
The Scottish fold easily adapts to new situations thanks to their easy-going temperament.
They are good with dogs, other cats, and children.
Folds enjoy the outdoors but must be supervised at all times.
Health & Care:
The breed is fairly low-maintenance. They require minimal grooming. Longhaired versions should be groomed 3-4 days a week, and shorthairs once a week.
Just like purebreds and moggies a-like, their teeth should be brushed daily.
The ears and tail should be handled gently.
Scottish folds aren't more prone to ear infections or ear mites but are more susceptible to wax build-up than other cats.
The breed is fairly healthy but is still prone to cardiomyopathy, polycystic kidney disease, and degenerative joint disease.
Works Cited
"Highland Fold Cat Breed, " Hill's Pet,
Jimerson, Doug, and Guthrie Claudia, "Scottish Fold (Highland Fold) Cat Breed Information & Characteristics," Daily Paws, 21, December 2021,
"Scottish Fold Cat Breed Profile," Petfinder,
"Scottish Fold--The Cat Fanciers' Association," CFA,
"Scottish Fold--Wikipedia," Wikipedia,
I did not know this. Good information.
Man, why is everything Scottish cute or cool?