The Scottish Fold is a charming breed known for its unique folded ears, a result of a natural mutation. This fold causes the ears to bend forward and down, giving the cat an adorable, owl-like appearance. The breed originated in 1961 when a white barn cat named Susie, with unusual folded ears, was discovered in Scotland. Susie’s kittens inherited her folded ears, and one was acquired by cat enthusiast William Ross, who began breeding Scottish Folds with the help of a geneticist. It was determined that the ear fold comes from a dominant gene, meaning if one parent has folded ears, there’s a good chance the kittens will as well.
Scottish Folds can have short or long coats and come in a wide variety of colours and patterns, though pointed patterns like those of Siamese cats are generally not accepted for showing. The breed’s distinct look has evolved over time, with selective breeding increasing the fold to a double or triple crease, making the ears lie flat against the head.
While Scottish Folds have a sweet, mellow temperament, potential owners should be aware of health issues related to their ear cartilage. Breeding two Folds together can lead to a painful joint disease that affects the tail, ankles, and knees. Reputable breeders only pair folded-ear cats with straight-ear ones to avoid this condition. It’s important for buyers to discuss health guarantees with breeders, as issues like stiff tails can indicate cartilage problems.
Scottish Folds are not just known for their ears but also for their rounded faces and large, expressive eyes that give them an irresistibly cute expression. They are medium-sized cats, with males typically weighing 9 to 13 pounds and females 6 to 9 pounds. Their bodies are well-rounded, and they have plush whisker pads and a slightly curved, "smiling" mouth.
In addition to their unique look, Scottish Folds have a playful and affectionate personality. They’re known to sit or lie in quirky positions, such as on their backs or in a "Buddha" posture. While they have soft voices and aren’t overly vocal, they have a variety of chirps and sounds. They make excellent companions, adapting well to indoor life.
Overall, the Scottish Fold is a delightful breed, loved for its distinctive folded ears, affectionate nature, and sweet demeanour.