Purrfect pets: The Scottish Fold Cat
May 17, 2022Purrfect pets: The Scottish Fold Cat
The Scottish fold cat is one of Scotland’s most loved breeds, famous for its squished and folded ears. The Scottish fold cat is well sought after worldwide for its unique look and loving personality, and celebrities like Taylor Swift have added demand for them by posting adorable snaps of the pets. However, many don’t appreciate the history and background of the breed. Here’s all you need to know about the Scottish Fold Cat.
History of Scottish Folds Cat
The history of the Scottish Fold Cat can be traced back to the first-ever cat born with folded ears, a farm cat called Susie. In 1961, Susie was born in Perthshire, Scotland, with an unusual fold in her ears. People were fascinated with Susie who was reported to resemble an owl, and her kittens went on to be born with the same genetic mutation. Susie’s owner registered the kittens as a new breed with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy and went on to breed the kittens on a larger level. 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. From then until the present day, all Scottish Fold Cats share a common ancestry with Susie.Are Scottish fold cats healthy?
Many people have concerns that the Scottish Fold Cat is a healthy breed, due to their genetic mutation. Whilst the Scottish fold cat is mostly reported to be a healthy breed, they do have a history of some genetic health conditions.Scottish fold cats can be born with abnormalities in joints and bone growth that can lead to arthritis (painful, swollen joints), short, abnormally thick and inflexible tails, spinal abnormalities and short, stiff legs. The welfare impacts are severe in terms of pain and inability to perform natural behaviours, as these cats can be lame, walk with an abnormal gait, can be reluctant to engage in normal movements such as walking or jumping, and can even become completely crippled. Many believe the only way to prevent these illnesses in the cats is to prevent breeding them, making them a controversial cat and topic for debate.
in the early 1970s, the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy stopped registering folds because of concerns about ear disorders and hearing problems.
How long do Scottish fold cats live?
Despite the health concerns, the Scottish Fold Cat has a life expectancy of around 15 years. This number can be affected by many factors such as your cat's living environment, their daily health and exercise routine, and whether they have any pre-existing health conditions. It is advised if you are looking to adopt a Scottish fold that you have good access to a vet and pet insurance due to their health problems.
Are Scottish fold cats good family pets?
These cats are loving, social, and smart, so they make a great addition to families of all sizes and ages. Just remember, it's important to teach children how to handle and respect their four-legged family members properly. This will help ensure that your pet stays happy and healthy and your child stays safe from any unwanted scratches or bites.
Because the Scottish Fold personality is so sociable, these cats do not do well being left alone for long periods. Some Scottish Fold parents have discovered that by adopting two Scottish Folds, they can help keep each other company, and the cats will consequently not be bothered with being left home alone. No matter how long you leave your feline friend, the chances are that when you return home, they will want to sit in your lap for some quality cuddle time.