Everything about the Scottish Fold cat: character, nutrition, care

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Everything about character, nutrition, proper care and conditions of detention.

general information

• Breed name: Scottish fold cat (Scottish fold).
• Country of origin: Scotland / UK.
• The weight: 4-5 kg.
• Height at withers: up to 30 cm.
• Average life expectancy: up to 15 years old.
• Average price: 5-20 thousand rubles.

What a Scottish Fold cat looks like

Representatives of this breed have a squat body with well-developed muscles. Feet are strong and not too long. The neck is short, the head is rather large and rounded, with a strong chin and round mustache pads. The tail is usually medium or long, pointed towards the end.

The Scottish coat is short, straight, thick and soft. Various colors - solid (for example, cream, white, black, blue), two-color, tabby, tortoiseshell, smoky and others.

A characteristic feature of Scottish folds are small ears pressed to the head, which are bent forward and droop slightly. This difference is caused by a gene mutation, as a result of which the cartilage, including the ear, becomes softer.

What is the character of a Scottish Fold cat

Scottish Folds are characterized by a kind, calm and balanced character. Their lifestyle is quite measured, hyperactivity is usually not peculiar to them. You are unlikely to find such a pet constantly trying to climb on the closet and over the curtains or just briskly scurrying around the rooms. But this does not mean at all that Scottish Fold cats are completely passive and behave like plush toys. They are naturally curious enough and enthusiastically explore everything that surrounds them.

How Scottish Fold cats get along with adults

Representatives of this breed are very loyal and sincerely attached to people. It is believed that they choose one object of adoration, but this is not always the case. Many Scots treat all family members equally warmly and singles out someone especially because of their mood.

Scottish Folds willingly show their emotions, love to communicate with meows and purrs. Demonstrating affection, they can literally follow on the heels of a person throughout the apartment. And in attempts to grab attention, they often show persistence and willfulness.

Most Scottish Fold cats are not very fond of being squeezed and picked up. Although the mood may well purr on their knees. Stroking and other caresses usually do not mind.

How Scottish Fold cats get along with children

Purrs are patient and calm when dealing with children. Aggression is rarely shown, and in order to provoke it, you need to try very hard. Too funny and noisy games are not always to their liking, so the cats try to avoid such activities and sit on the sidelines.

How Scottish Fold cats get along with other pets

Scottish Folds coexist quite comfortably with dogs and other cats. At the same time, they emphatically observe neutrality and do not try to impose their superiority in an aggressive manner. But their hunting instinct can interfere with making friends with a hamster or a parrot.

What conditions are required for Scottish Fold cats?

Representatives of this breed will be quite comfortable within the walls of an ordinary apartment. The main thing is to give them their own secluded place where the cat can spend time alone with itself. In this case, the couch must be located away from drafts that are dangerous for Scottish Folds.

For the safety of the animal, it is advisable to install special protective screens on the windows. If they are not there, the cat may fall out of the window while trying to catch a bird or a falling leaf.

It is worth taking care of the cat's leisure time. In addition to a bed and a tray, the Scotsman definitely needs a scratching post. With its help, he will be able to put his paws in order and will not encroach on your furniture.

Balls, mice and other toys will help diversify the life of a Scottish Fold cat. You can also install a whole play center, which will also provide additional physical activity for cats and keep them in shape.

Scots can be called stay-at-home cats. Although if the cat feels calm and comfortable in the fresh air, take him on short promenades or let him out into his own garden. At the same time, walking Scottish Folds cannot be left unattended for a long time.

How to feed Scottish Fold cats

The easiest way to stay on ready-made wet and dry food. It is better to choose from the lines of proven brands, because only high-quality complete feeds provide the animal with all the necessary proteins, fats, carbohydrates, trace elements and vitamins. In addition, you can sometimes give healthy treats, which not only help to diversify the menu, but also, for example, help to clean the teeth of the animal.

Choose a ready-made diet, taking into account the characteristics of the animal - age, health status and the presence of chronic diseases, sterilization, pregnancy and lactation.

Another option is natural products such as meat and offal, cereals. But ordinary food from the human table is forbidden for the Scots. It simply does not provide the body of cats with everything necessary, and sometimes it can even pose a danger to their lives.

When deciding what to feed a Scottish Fold, consider what kind of food he was used to while living with a breeder. A sudden change will not benefit the animal, besides, the kitten may simply refuse to eat unusual food. Even if you decide to change your diet, you need to do it gradually.

Often, representatives of this breed are prone to obesity. This must be taken into account when drawing up a diet. Do not overfeed your pet, as obesity can lead to a number of health problems.

How to care for a Scottish Fold cat

The thick coat of these animals requires constant and careful care. You need to comb the cats at least a couple of times a week. During the periods of spring and autumn molting, it is advisable to do this every day.

Another important point is ear care. Due to the unusual structure, a lot of sulfur accumulates in the auricles. You can remove it with cotton swabs and special lotions sold at pet stores. This procedure should be carried out on average once a week or two.

Also Scottish Folds need to trim their nails regularly, about once a month.

As for bathing, only pets need to arrange a bath day once every six months or even less, and for those who like to take a walk - every couple of months.

What are Scottish Fold cats sick with?

Scottish Folds are quite healthy. However, there are several diseases that are genetically specific to this breed.

• Osteochondrodysplasia (OCD) is a malformation of cartilage and bone tissue, which leads to a slowdown in their growth. This disease is considered incurable, so only supportive therapy is prescribed for it.
• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a disease in which many fluid-filled, hollow tumors (cysts) form in the kidneys. As a result, the affected organs do not fully fulfill their function.
• Cardiomyopathy is a disease in which the normal functioning of the heart muscle is disrupted.

Also, Scottish Fold cats can suffer from diseases that are typical for most purring pets. These include problems with the genitourinary system, skin and other diseases.

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What to look for when buying a Scottish Fold cat

You can buy a Scottish Fold through ad sites, at an exhibition or in a certified nursery.

The price of a kitten depends on many factors, including the region (in the capital, the cost is often higher), pedigree. The class of the animal also significantly affects. So, "pet" is a cat for the soul, which does not shine an exhibition career or participation in breeding. The price of such animals is lower, while they are usually neutered. The next class is the "breed". These cats are potential sires from whom you can expect worthwhile offspring. And, finally, the most expensive class is “show”. These animals have every chance to compete for prizes at exhibitions. Moreover, such a high status should be confirmed not just by words, but by exhibition certificates.

Another important point is the health of the future pet. Therefore, when choosing, you should carefully examine the kitten. Severe thinness, bald patches, fleas, a too swollen abdomen may indicate improper care and dishonesty of the breeder. In addition, some of the behavioral features of Scottish Folds can be signs of a genetic disorder that affects bone and cartilage tissue. So, if the legs and tail are inactive, and the kitten itself cannot run and jump normally, it is better to refrain from buying.

Pay attention to your parents too. One of them, and possibly both, should be straight (Scottish straight). If both the cat and the cat have hanging ears, their offspring are almost guaranteed to turn out to be unhealthy.

As for the documents, when buying, you must be given a sales contract, a veterinary passport with vaccination marks and a metric. Based on the latter, the pedigree can be drawn up independently.

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