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Scottish Fold

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Coat:

Folds come in two coat types: shorthair, which is short, dense and plush; and longhair, which is medium to long.

Colors:

Folds come in many colors and markings, including white, black, blue, red, cream, chinchilla silver, black smoke, tabby and calico.

Special considerations:

A medium-sized cat with a large round head and a small folded ear.

History:

In 1961 in a farmyard in Perthshire, Scotland, a Mr. William Ross noticed an unusual white cat with folded ears and a short, thickened tail. Her name was Susie, and Mr. Ross asked Susie's owner for any kittens she produced with the same type of ears. He acquired one of Susie's kittens with the folded ears and named her Denisla Snooks. He then mated her with a British Shorthair named Rylands Regal Gent, and this pairing produced Denisla Hester of Mini. Denisla Hester of Mini was imported to the United States by Lyn Lamoureux, who became a major figure in promoting the Fold in America. Hester was leased to other breeds, and so the Scottish Fold was developed from the Denisla lineage. It is necessary to mate a Fold with a nonFold to prevent genetic problems, so US breeders began crossing Folds with American Shorthairs, Exotic Shorthairs and possibly other shorthaired breeds. Today, the only outcrossings accepted by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA)are to British Shorthairs and American Shorthairs. On January 1, 1976, Scottish Folds were accepted for registration by the CFA. In the 1980s, a longhaired variety of Scottish Fold was developed. The Scottish Fold is one of the most popular cat breeds in the U.S. but is not recognized by many European cat associations.

Personality:

Scottish Folds have a special charm that derives from the very best of the temperaments of their ancestors - the British and American Shorthairs. Folds are mellow and gentle, with a relaxed attitude. They are stoic but not unemotional - they're just more reserved, with displays of gentle, consistent affection. Although they are intelligent, they are not one of the more trainable breeds - they have a been there, done that, attitude and see no reason to impress anyone with their smarts.

At home:

Folds are very adaptable and can fit into many types of homes. They have a contemplative nature and love to sit quietly watching everything going on around them. They are not overly active and prefer to conserve their energy for important things like leaping in their owner's lap for attention or running into the kitchen when they hear the sound of a can opener. They do enjoy short games with cat toys.

Feeding:

Feed a high-quality diet. Folds usually prefer to eat a little bit often rather than consume one large meal a day.

Compatibility:

Folds get along with just about anyone - adults, children, other cats and other pets.

Health:

Scottish Folds can live up to 14 years. Scottish Folds may be prone to polycystic kidney disease (PKD). If two Folds are mated to each other, genetic problems can occur, including a short, thick tail; thickened leg cartilage, which can lead to lameness or an inability to walk; and swollen feet. This is the reason that two Folds should never be mated.

Fun fact:

The probability of getting a Fold kitten from the mating of a Fold to a nonFold is 50 percent.

Grooming blurb:

Shorthaired Folds do not need much grooming - just a weekly going-over with a medium-bristle brush. The Longhaired variety needs more attention - at least twice-weekly brushings with a bristle brush and medium-toothed comb.

Disclaimer:

This document has been published with the intent to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter within. While every reasonable precaution has been taken in preparation of this document, the author and publisher expressly disclaim responsibility for any errors, omissions, or adverse effects arising from the use or application of the information contained herein. The techniques and suggestions are used at the reader's discretion.