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The Scottish Fold: A Comprehensive Guide to its Origins, Characteristics, Care and Pricing

The Scottish Fold, or simply the 'Fold', is an adorable breed of cat with a unique biological trait; its ears fold forward and downward, giving it a distinctive and charming appearance. This breed originated in Scotland and has since captured the hearts of cat lovers worldwide. With their sweet faces and affectionate nature, it's no wonder that people are eager to learn more about their history, care, and availability. This introduction aims to provide a glimpse into the world of the Scottish Fold, offering insight into their origins, the specific care they require, and the process of welcoming one of these captivating cats into your home.

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13 July, 2024

If you’re a cat lover, you can’t miss the adorable Scottish Fold cat breed. They are one of the most popular cat breeds today. Let’s explore more about this fascinating breed with Bach Hoa XANH!

1 All About Scottish Fold Cats

Origin of Scottish Fold Cats

In 1960, the first Scottish Fold cat with folded ears was discovered on a farm in Scotland, named Susie. Many people were surprised and intrigued by this unique breed. Researchers have proven that Susie’s folded ears were a natural genetic variation.

Today, Scottish Fold cats have become popular pets not only in the US but also in other countries, including Vietnam. This breed is characterized by its folded ears that bend forward and down towards the head, giving them a cute and quirky appearance. This unique feature has made Scottish Fold cats a favorite among pet owners.

Classification of Scottish Fold Cats

Scottish Fold with Folded Ears

These cats have a small, compact body that resembles a soft ball of fur. With their round physique, large round eyes, and short legs, they have captured the hearts of countless cat lovers.

Within the Scottish Fold family, there are four distinct types, each with its own unique characteristics.

Single Easy Fold: This type has a slight variation in ear shape, with ears that are slightly curved and angled, forming an “L” shape due to a cartilage fold. The folded appearance is less prominent, and they are often teased for having “faulty” folded ears.
Single Fold: These cats have a cartilage fold in their ears that creates a “V” shape, making their ears fold closer to the head compared to the Single Easy Fold. These cats can be bred with Scottish Fold cats to produce Double or Triple Ford offspring.
Double Fold: This type of Scottish Fold will have “W” shaped ears, with the ears folding very close to the head and almost invisible.
Triple Fold: Similar to the Double Ford, this type also has “W” shaped ears, but the ears are folded to the maximum extent, making them completely invisible.

Adorable Scottish Fold with Folded Ears

Scottish Straight Cats

The Scottish Straight, or Scottish Fold with straight ears, also originates from Scotland. As the name suggests, these cats have straight ears that stand upright.

In 2005, it was confirmed that Scottish Straight cats are related to their folded-ear cousins.

Scottish Straight cats can also have long or short hair.

Scottish Straight Cat with Upright Ears

Common Coat Colors of Scottish Fold Cats

Scottish Fold cats come in a variety of coat colors, with popular colors including black, white, red, and chocolate.

Physical Characteristics of Scottish Fold Cats

The Scottish Fold is a unique breed that owes its appearance to a natural genetic variation. Their distinctive features include folded ears that hug their head, short legs, and a round body shape. These traits set them apart from other cat breeds.

Nutritious Food for a Scottish Fold Cat

Nutritional Requirements at Different Life Stages

0 – 4 weeks old: The kitten’s sole source of nutrition should be its mother’s milk. Do not introduce any external food during this period.
5 – 10 weeks old: Introduce soft or finely ground food. Encourage the kitten to chew by offering food that requires tearing and biting. Divide meals into 5-6 smaller portions throughout the day.
10 – 15 weeks old: It is recommended to feed the kitten 4 meals per day.
From 15 weeks old onwards: Reduce the number of meals to 3 per day, but continue providing sufficient nutrition.

Grooming and Hygiene for Scottish Fold Cats

Brush your Scottish Fold’s coat once a day to remove loose hair and prevent matting.
Bathe your cat 2-3 times a month to ensure their coat is free from dirt and bacteria.

Common Health Issues in Scottish Fold Cats

Scottish Fold cats with folded ears are prone to cartilage and joint problems. This condition can lead to stiff tail, leg deformities, and an increased risk of arthritis. Additionally, Scottish Folds may be susceptible to kidney and heart-related issues.

Important Considerations When Caring for a Scottish Fold Cat

Ensure your cat is up to date with vaccinations and deworming. Schedule regular veterinary check-ups every 6 or 12 months. Only purchase cats from reputable sources, ensuring they are free from genetic issues. It is recommended to bring your cat home when they are at least 2 months old and have received their initial vaccinations. If you do not intend to breed, consider spaying or neutering your cat around 5 months of age to prolong their lifespan.

3 Tips for Buying a Scottish Fold Cat

Price Range of Scottish Fold Cats

Below $200: These are typically mixed breeds, such as crosses between Scottish Fold and other popular breeds like British Shorthair, Persian, Siamese, or even local cats.
$300 – $400: You can find relatively good-quality Scottish Fold cats within this price range. These cats are usually a mix of Scottish Fold and British Shorthair. To improve the quality of the litter, breeders may also import Scottish Fold cats from Thailand to mate with local folded-ear cats.
$400 – $1,000: This price range mostly includes imported Scottish Fold cats from Thailand. For Scottish Fold cats with complete documentation, the price typically falls between $600 – $1,000.
Above $1,000: This premium range features Scottish Fold cats imported from Europe or the US, with registration from renowned organizations like The International Cat Association (TICA) or The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA).

Important Considerations When Buying a Scottish Fold Cat

Buy from reputable sources and avoid online scams.
Thoroughly examine the cat’s physical condition, health, and appearance before purchasing. Also, don’t forget to inquire about the price.
When purchasing a folded-ear Scottish Fold, it is advisable to bring along an experienced person to assess the cat’s age accurately. To avoid paying the price of a folded-ear Scottish Fold for a straight-ear cat, choose a kitten that is at least 5 weeks old, as the ear shape will be more apparent by then.

Scottish Fold Cats as Beloved Pets

Now you know all about Scottish Fold cats! Go ahead and bring home your very own furry friend.

Frequently asked questions

The Scottish Fold cat breed originated in Scotland in the 1960s and is known for its distinctive folded ears, which are caused by a dominant gene mutation.

Scottish Folds are medium-sized cats with a sturdy build. They have round heads, expressive eyes, and their most notable feature, folded ears that give them a unique and adorable appearance. Their fur can come in a variety of colors and patterns, including solid colors, tabby, tortoiseshell, and calico.

Scottish Folds are known for their friendly, affectionate, and playful personalities. They are highly intelligent and curious, enjoying interactive games and puzzles. These cats are also quite adaptable and get along well with children, other pets, and even strangers.

The price of a Scottish Fold cat can vary depending on several factors such as the breeder’s location, the cat’s pedigree, and the quality of the breed. On average, you can expect to pay between $1000 to $1500 for a well-bred Scottish Fold kitten from a reputable breeder.

Due to their folded ears, Scottish Folds require regular ear cleaning and checking to prevent infections. They may also be prone to joint problems and osteochondrodysplasia, so it’s important to provide them with appropriate nutrition and regular veterinary check-ups. Additionally, Scottish Folds are indoor cats and should be kept as such to ensure their safety and well-being.