Scottish fold kittens are great cats for those considering purchasing a feline companion. Scottish fold cats are highly prized cats for their distinctive folded back ears, and chubby makeup. They are loyal, friendly, and cute little bundles of fur that just beg you to take them home. In this article we will discuss the traits of Scottish fold cats, and why you should consider one for a pet.
But just why should one consider a Scottish fold cat? For one, Scottish fold cats are absolutely adorable. With their wide-set faces and sluggish personality, these cats are practically the sloths of the cat world. However, there is one overriding feature of the Scottish fold cat: their ears. Scottish fold cats are named so for their distinctive folded back ears. With their wide eyed expressions, they are often compared to owls.
The earliest recorded Scottish fold cat was a cat discovered in Scotland in 1961. Dubbed Susie, it was noted for its distinctive folded ears. Susie gave birth to kittens, and the breed was registered in 1966. Their ears are typically the result of a gene, or more specifically the “fold gene.” All Scottish fold kittens are born with unfolded straight ears. However, their ears will slowly begin to fold once they hit the age of 21 days. As the cats get older, another or even a third crease may form, causing the ears to lie flat against the head. Believe it or not however, not all Scottish fold cat’s ears fold, Known as “straights,” these cat’s ears never actually fold and remain upright just like other cat’s. There is always a chance for either in Scottish fold cats, as the folded ear is the result of a spontaneous mutation. Scottish fold cats were originally white, but have been bred in a variety of colors as the years have gone on.
Scottish fold cats have an extremely mild temperament. They tend to sleep a lot, and are more sedentary than other breeds of cats. It’s not uncommon for them to be seen lounging around for most of the day. They are also extremely friendly, and become attached to their human owners very easily. Because they are sedentary but also very friendly, these are the perfect cats to snuggle up with, as they absolutely love the warmth.
Scottish fold cats have an average lifespan of around 15 years, which is excellent if they are kept in good health. Scottish fold cats do have some common health problems however. Scottish fold cats are commonly afflicted with osteochondrodysplasia, a condition that affects cartilage and bone development in the cat’s body. This common condition can result in a lot of pain for the cat, and slow degeneration. The early warning signs of this condition are the cat having difficulty in maintaining mobility, and thicker than usual limbs. If you feel that your cat may have osteochondrodysplasia, take your cat to a veterinarian immediately for a checkup. This step is crucial to ensuring your pet’s overall health.