El Scottish Fold It is a very particular breed of cat, which stands out for its ears folded forward, which gives it an adorable, almost stuffed animal appearance. Its origin and characteristics are interesting both for its history and for the impact of genetics on its physiognomy.
Origin of the Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold have their origin in Scotland, specifically in the 60s. The first known Scottish Fold was a cat named Susie, whose particularity was its ears folded forward, the result of a genetic mutation. From this mutation, farmers in the area began to breed cats with this peculiarity, giving rise to the breed.
In the first crosses, they were mainly made with cats. British Shorthair, which also influenced the robust and corpulent shape of these cats. However, this breeding was not free of genetic problems; many offspring presented bone malformations, such as stiff tails or deformities in the legs.
Physical Characteristics of the Scottish Fold
El Scottish Fold It is a medium-sized cat, with a robust and muscular structure. Its head is round and, of course, what distinguishes it most are its ears, which are folded forward due to a genetic mutation called folded ears (folded ears).
The Scottish Fold's coat is also quite distinctive: It can be short or semi-long, the latter type being a variant called Highland FoldTheir fur is soft and dense, which contributes to their cuddly appearance. Coat colors vary widely, from gray to chocolate, white, blue, and brindle or bicolor shades.
Types of Scottish Fold according to the coat
There are two main varieties according to the type of hair of the Scottish Fold:
- Scottish Fold Shorthair: Very soft to the touch and dense.
- Scottish Fold semi-longhaired o Highland Fold: With similar characteristics, but with longer fur.
Both varieties are equally appreciated, although the Highland Fold may require a little more maintenance in terms of brushing.
Behavior and Character of the Scottish Fold
El Scottish Fold It is characterized by having a temperament calm, friendly and affectionateThey are cats that enjoy the company of people and tend to be very sociable, making them an excellent choice for families with children or other pets. Unlike other more independent breeds, the Scottish Fold enjoy the interaction with its owners, although it can also spend time alone without problems.
They are very intelligent cats and tend to sense people's moods. In addition, their meow is soft and they are usually silent, which makes them ideal cats to live in apartments or in quiet environments.
Scottish Fold Health
One of the main concerns of the owners of a Scottish Fold is their health, since the genetic mutation which causes folded ears is also related to some hereditary medical problems, such as osteochondrodysplasia.
- Osteochondrodysplasia: It is a hereditary disease that affects the bones and joints, causing stiffness and pain. Severe cases can lead to malformations or even paralysis.
- Otitis: Due to the peculiar shape of their ears, Scottish Folds are prone to developing ear infections if they are not properly cared for. Regular cleaning is essential and a visit to the vet is recommended at the slightest sign of ear discomfort.
Specific Care for the Scottish Fold
At the level of care, the Scottish Fold require special attention with respect to their ears y fur:
- Ear care: Due to the folded position of the ears, it is important to clean them regularly to prevent the accumulation of dirt and the subsequent appearance of infections. Use products recommended by the veterinarian.
- Fur: Brushing the coat weekly is essential to avoid tangles, especially in the semi-long-haired variant (Highland Fold). During shedding periods, brushing should be done daily.
As for the eating, it is important to offer a balanced diet adjusted to the age of the cat. Also, Scottish Folds may have a tendency to overweight, so it is advisable to encourage daily physical exercise through interactive toys.
Scottish Fold Feeding
A good nutrition is crucial to keeping your Scottish Fold healthy. Kittens need a high-protein diet to promote their growth, while adults require a balanced diet to maintain their muscles and prevent them from becoming overweight.
In adulthood and senior years, it is advisable to include Specific feed for sterilized cats or with a tendency to a sedentary lifestyle, in order to avoid excessive weight gain. It is vital that the diet includes essential fatty acids to keep the coat shiny and the immune system in optimal condition.
Living with a Scottish Fold is a rewarding experience due to its calm and affectionate nature. Although they require certain special care, especially regarding hearing, these cats are usually excellent companions for any home.