Most cats have pointed ears that stick up straight from their foreheads. The Scottish Fold is unique for ears that droop down and fold over, hence the name. This gives the ears a rounded look that makes Scottish Folds look a bit like living teddy bears.
Their unique looks and their sweet personalities make them popular pets, and that has led to some controversy because the genetic mutation that gives them their distinctive ears can also cause musculoskeletal complaints. In some countries, the Scottish Fold breed is no longer officially recognized and their breeding is discouraged. Folds remain popular in the United States, but obtaining one from a reputable breeder is crucial to ensure good health.
History
First bred in 1961, the Scottish Fold has humble origins. The progenitor of all Scottish Folds alive today was a white barn cat named Susie who lived on a farm in Scotland's Tayside Region. When William Ross, a shepherd and breeder of British Shorthair cats, saw Susie, he was taken by her unique folded ears. Susie had recently given birth to a litter of kittens, about half of which showed the same distinctive feature. Ross asked Susie's owners for one of her kittens, a female that he called Snooks. Working with a geneticist, he crossbred Snooks with his British Shorthairs until he had created a new breed of cats with folded ears. Alternatively known as Flops or Lop-ears, the breed officially became known as the Scottish Fold in 1966. It was officially recognized by the American Cat Fanciers' Association in 1978.
Ears
Scottish Fold kittens are all born with straight ears. Not all the kittens' ears fold, but if they are going to, they start to do so at age 3 weeks. There are three degrees of ear folding in Scottish Folds: single, double, and triple. The more degrees of fold, the closer the tips of the cat's ears are to the head. Triple-folded ears are rare and seem to almost disappear into the head, giving the cat an owlish look.
The ear fold occurs due to a genetic mutation. This causes a defect in the cartilage of the ears that makes them weaker. Unfortunately, the same mutation can affect cartilage elsewhere in the body and cause painful musculoskeletal conditions. For this reason, it is really important that breeders pair folded-ear cats only with straight-eared partners so the kittens don't receive two copies of the mutated gene.
Appearance
The ears are the Scottish Fold's most recognizable feature, but it also has other distinctive traits. Scottish Folds have big, round eyes that contribute to their owlish appearance. Their noses are short and the whisker pads around their mouths are rounded, giving them a chubby-cheeked appearance.
Personality
Scottish Folds thrive on interaction with humans. They love to be cuddled like the teddy bears they so resemble. They are outgoing and friendly with everyone, though they usually pick one special person in the household to follow around and offer their affection to. At the same time, Scottish Folds do not demand attention. Whether sitting on your lap or snuggling next to you on the couch, it is enough for them just to be near you. They generally tolerate children and other pets well, but pets still need proper introductions, and children need to be taught to interact appropriately with cats.
Scottish Folds are calm and easy-going. They don't get rattled by noisy environments. For this reason, they often go out into the public as goodwill ambassadors. Some Scottish Folds have become celebrities as a result.
Behavior
Scottish Folds have quirky sleep positions, most notably the Buddha pose. They sit on their hindquarters with their back legs sticking straight out and their front legs resting on their tummies. When awake, Scottish Folds tend not to be very active. They need exercise like any other cat, and because of their barn-cat origins, they like interactive toys that they can chase and pounce on.
Scottish Folds are quiet cats. They rarely vocalize, and when they do, their voices are soft and gentle. This along with their moderate activity level makes them good apartment cats.
Grooming
Scottish Folds can be either short-haired or long-haired. The latter cats are sometimes referred to as Highland Folds. Short-haired Folds should be brushed or combed with a steel comb about once a week. Long-haired folds may need to be brushed more often.
Folded ears do not seem to increase susceptibility to ear mites or infection. Nevertheless, you should inspect your cat's ears often to check for wax buildup or any other unusual signs.
Health Concerns
The biggest health concern with Scottish Folds is osteochondrodysplasia, a disorder of the cartilage that can cause skeletal deformities and degenerative joint disease. This can be more severe when a cat has two copies of the folded-ear gene instead of one, which is why responsible breeding is so important. One way to tell whether a Scottish Fold kitten has osteochondritis is by its tail. A healthy cat has a flexible tail, so if the tail is stiff, something is wrong.
The cartilage defect that gives the Scottish Fold their ears can also lead to arthritis, especially as your cat gets older. Monitor your cat's behavior for changes, such as decreased activity, abnormal posture, or unusual gait. Tell your vet about these changes and discuss possible treatment options. Dietary supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, can help relieve arthritis pain in cats. Scottish Folds are also prone to other health conditions, such as cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease.
If you would like a Scottish Fold cat but aren't sure about the ethics of breeding, you may consider adopting one from a breed-specific rescue.
