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Scottish Fold Kittens & Cats History, Description and Temperament
Origin
The original Scottish Fold was a white barn cat named Susie, who was found at a farm near Coupar Angus in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1961. Susie’s ears had an unusual fold in their middle, making her resemble an owl. When Susie had kittens, two of them were born with folded ears, and one was acquired by William Ross, a neighboring farmer and cat fancier. Ross registered the breed with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in the United Kingdom in 1966 and started to breed Scottish Fold kittens with the help of geneticist Pat Turner. The breeding program produced 76 kittens in the first three years – 42 with folded ears and 34 with straight ears. The conclusion from this was that the ear mutation is due to a simple dominant gene. Susie’s only reproducing offspring was a female Fold named Snooks, who was also white; a second kitten was neutered shortly after birth. Three months after Snook’s birth, Susie was killed by a car. All Scottish Fold cats share a common ancestry to Susie.
Susie’s only reproducing offspring was a female Fold named Snooks who was also white; a second kitten was neutered shortly after birth. Three months after Snook’s birth, Susie was killed by a car. All Scottish Fold cats share a common ancestry to Susie.
DESCRIPTION
The Scottish Fold is a breed of domestic cat with a natural dominant gene mutation that affects cartilage throughout the body, causing the ears to “fold”, bending forward and down towards the front of the head, which gives the cat what is often described as an “owl-like” appearance. Originally called lop-eared or lops after the lop-eared rabbit, the Scottish Fold became the breed’s name in 1966. Depending on registries, longhaired Scottish Folds are variously known as Highland Fold, Scottish Fold Longhair, Longhair Fold, and Coupari. Scottish Fold kittens that do not develop folded ears are known as Scottish Straights. The original cats only had one fold in their ears, but due to selective breeding, breeders have increased the fold to a double or triple crease that causes the ear to lie totally flat against the head.
BODY
The Scottish Fold is a medium to large-sized cat, which can come in any color, even calico. Males typically weigh 4–6 kg (8.8–13.2 lb.), and females weigh 2.7–4 kg (6.0–8.8 lb.). The Fold’s entire body structure, especially the head and face, is generally rounded, and the eyes are large and round. The nose is short with a gentle curve, and the cat’s body is well-rounded with a padded look and medium-to-short legs. The head is domed at the top, and the neck is very short. The broadly-spaced eyes give the Scottish Fold a “sweet expression.” The Scottish Fold’s ears are folded hence the name “Scottish Fold.”
COAT
Scottish Folds can be either long- or short-haired, and they may have nearly any coat color or combination of colors (including white). Shorthair Scottish Folds have thick and soft fur, with longhair Folds having longer and exceptionally dense fur around their upper thighs, toes, ears, and tail.
TEMPERAMENT
Scottish Folds, whether with folded ears or with normal ears, are typically good-natured and placid and adjust to other animals within a household extremely well. They tend to become very attached to their human caregivers and are by nature quite affectionate. Folds also receive high marks for playfulness, grooming, and intelligence. Scottish Folds like to be outdoors and enjoy outdoor games and activities. Loneliness is something they heavily dislike.
HABITS
Folds are also known for sleeping on their backs. Scottish Folds typically have soft voices and display a complex repertoire of meows and purrs not found in better-known breeds. Folds are also known for sitting with their legs stretched out and their paws on their belly. This position is called the “Buddha Position.”
1 “Scottish Fold Cat Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts”. CatTime. Retrieved 7 July 2018.
2 “Scottish Fold Profile – History, Appearance & Temperament – Cat World”. www.cat-world.com.au. 26 February 2017. Retrieved 7 July 2018.
3 “Scottish Fold FAQ”. Fanciers.com. 30 November 1971. Retrieved 3 October 2009.
4 Grace Sutton (31 May 1999). “Breed article: Scottish Folds”. Cat Fanciers’ Association. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
5 “Choosing a Scottish Fold”. Pet Place. Retrieved 3 October 2009.
6 “Scottish Fold FAQ”. Fanciers.com. 30 November 1971. Retrieved 3 October 2009.