Scottish Folds -- Taking A Close Look

You may want to check out the cuddly Scottish Fold cat breed, especially if you have a fondness for teddy bears. The unique looking Scottish Fold breed came into existence in the 1960s when a Scotsman, who saw a kitten with its ears folded down and forward resting against his head, bred this kitten to a British Shorthair cat.

Crippling Deformities

While the Cat Fancier's Association recognizes the Scottish Fold as a member of the Championship Class, British cat breed associations will not recognize these cats as a breed, and for good reason. Although the Fold is absolutely adorable to look at, hereditary bone and joint problems can cripple these cats or even cause them to grow in a deformed way by the time they are six months old.

Check For Deformity

Before you buy a cat from this breed, be sure to check for signs of this deformity. Gently feel the kitten's tail to see if it is thicker than those of the other kittens in the litter. Next, carefully try to bend the tail to be sure it is flexible. Under no circumstances should you force the cat's tail to bend if it is not flexible. This inability to bend is a sign of bone deformity.

Beauty And The Little Beast

Scottish Folds can be beautiful if they haven’t inherited the crippling bone and joint problems mentioned above. With a very round face, round eyes, and cuddly appearance Folds look like a gentle little teddy bear. However, they have a powerful body with a long tail that tapers to a graceful tip. Since the gene for folded ears is not completely dominant, some Folds have straight ears.

Short And Longhaired

Shorthairs are most common, since this breed is frequently out crossed to the British Shorthair and the American Shorthair in an attempt to make it healthier and stronger. However, there are occasionally longhairs, as well. The shorthair has a thick coat, while the longhair has medium length hair that sticks out from its body instead of lying flat against the cat's skin. The longhair's tail is quite bushy. You can find this cat breed in any color or pattern, although cats that are marked improperly are disqualified from being shown.

Cuddly Kitty

The Scottish Fold is a gentle cat, but is not actually as cuddly as it appears to be. These cats are actually a bit reserved and self contained. Since this breed does not need a lot of attention and affection, the Fold is an ideal choice for people who don't spend a lot of time at home. Of course, this doesn't mean that these cats mind having their owners in the house.

Easy Grooming

While shorthair Scottish Folds need very little grooming, you should plan to comb out your longhair's coat at least once a week to keep it free of tangles, especially in the winter months, when this breed has a much thicker coat.

The Right Cat Breed For You?

Interested in owning a cuddly cat that doesn’t require a lot of attention? If so, you might want to take a close look at the Scottish Fold cat breed.