The first clues about the Scottish Fold date back to 1897, when Professor Charles Cornevin wrote in his Treatise on General Zootechnics about some short-haired cats with drooping ears, which were fattened for domestic consumption in China, as dictated by the -terrible- culture of the time.
Years later, a spontaneous mutation was observed for the first time in Scotland that caused the cats' ear pinnae to fold forward. This mutation came to be called “Folder ear” (folded ear) and subsequently gave the breed its name. This mutation was associated with certain genetic abnormalities in the limbs and tail, so breeding slowed down and attempts were made to mitigate it by crossing the cats with other breeds.
These problems still occur today. And they are already accepted by American organizations such as TICA or CFA. In fact, in the United States, crossing the Scottish Fold with the Persian made it possible to create a semi-long-haired variety called the Highlands Fold or Scottish Fold Longhair. In Europe, however, FIFE and GCCF do not recognize the Scottish Fold. That is why it is a popular cat in the United States, but relatively rare on our continent. That is why we want to give you the opportunity to get to know them better.
What are Scottish Folds like?
The Scottish Fold is a sturdy, muscular cat with a plump appearance, a round and compact head, and a slightly curved profile. Adult males may have somewhat drooping cheeks.
Their most distinctive feature is their ears, which are small and charmingly and strangely folded forward, as if they were wearing a cap. This undoubtedly adds to the uniqueness of this beautiful ARISTOCAT.
Kittens with straight ears, rather than folded ones, may also be born in litters of this breed. These cats are essential for breeding and the survival of the breed, since two folded-ear cats cannot be bred with each other because this only causes more severe genetic deformities.
Scottish Folds have large, round eyes, set fairly far apart. Their coat may be short or semi-long (Highlands Fold), but it is always thick, close-lying, and very dense, while also being soft. Petting them is a delight! They come in every color, except chocolate or the Siamese pattern.
What are Scottish Folds like temperamentally?
Scottish Folds are calm and sociable, both with other cats and with other animals. In general, they are sweet, affectionate, very playful, family-oriented, discreet, and not very dominant. They adapt easily to new environments and have complete trust in humans. Their meow is almost as soft as their coat. For that reason, and because they are adorable, a Scottish Fold can be a perfect lifelong companion.
How should you care for Scottish Folds?
The distinctive feature of their ears is also what requires the most attention and care. The fold means they need to be monitored more closely than a normal cat, as they face a greater risk of infections and inflammation. At the slightest concern, it is best to seek a diagnosis from a trusted veterinarian.
As we mentioned earlier, two folded-ear Scottish Folds should not be bred together. Crosses should be carried out with Scottish Folds with erect ears. The ears begin to fold from the third or fourth week of life, and the degree of folding becomes evident from the fifth or sixth week.
Apart from that, thanks to their extraordinary temperament, making sure this ARISTOCAT is happy and feels balanced is easy. All you need to do is give it plenty of affection and enrich the home environment, as we explain here.
We hope that after getting to know Scottish Folds, you will like them as much as we do. If you would like to meet more ARISTOCATS, we present the Ragdoll and the Maine Coon.