Scottish Fold

Visão geral da raça

Introdução

O Scottish Fold cat stands out in the feline world due to a truly unique characteristic: its ears.  

Unlike other domestic cats, the Scottish Fold possesses ears that fold forward and downward, giving it an endearing, owl-like or teddy bear appearance.  

Isso distinctive feature, combined with a generally round body structure e olhos grandes e expressivos, creates a look that is instantly recognizable e widely adored.  

Beyond their captivating aesthetics, Scottish Folds are celebrated for their gentle and amiable personalities. They are known to be sociable, inteligentee remarkably adaptable, fitting seamlessly into various household dynamics.  

However, the very genetic mutation responsible for their charming folded ears also carries implications for their health, fazendo responsible ownership e informed care paramount for these beloved companions.  

Understanding both their delightful traits e seus specific care needs is essential for anyone considering welcoming a Scottish Fold into their home.

História da raça

The story of the Scottish Fold begins in 1961, on a farm near Coupar Angus no Tayside Region of Scotland.  

A local shepherd named William Ross discovered a white barn cat named Susie with an unusual trait: her ears were folded forward, covering the ear opening. Susie’s unique appearance was the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation.  

Intrigued by Susie’s distinctive ears, Ross acquired one of her kittens, a female named Snooks, who also exhibited the folded ear trait. Snooks became the foundation queen for the developing breed.  

To establish the breed and introduce genetic diversity, Snooks was bred with a Pelo curto britânico and other domestic cats. This early breeding program led to the development of what is now recognized as the Scottish Fold.  

A crucial aspect of the breed’s genetics is that the folded ear trait is caused by a dominant gene mutation (Fd). This means that only one parent needs to carry the gene for it to be passed on to offspring.  

Interestingly, all Scottish Fold kittens are born with straight ears; the characteristic fold typically develops within the first 18 to 24 days of their life, if they carry the gene. Kittens from Scottish Fold litters that do not develop the fold are known as Scottish Straights.  

While the breed quickly gained popularity, particularly in the USA, it faced initial skepticism and even rejection by some cat registries in the UK, como o Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).

Características físicas

O Scottish Fold’s most striking feature is, without a doubt, its ears. These small ears fold forward and downward, fitting snugly like a cap over their rounded head, contributing to their widely recognized “owl-like” or “teddy bear” appearance.

Isso fold can vary in intensity, categorized into three degrees: a single fold (a slight bend at the tips), a double fold (a more prominent bend involving about half the ear), and a triple fold (where the ear lies flat against the head, making the head appear even rounder).

Through selective breeding over the years, the sharper double and triple folds have become more common, particularly in show-quality cats.  

Beyond the ears, the Scottish Fold is characterized by a general roundness in its entire body structure. São eles medium to large-sized cats, typically standing 8 to 10 inches (20–25 cm) tall and measuring 14 to 16 inches (36–41 cm) in body length.

Suas heads are notably rounded com bochechas proeminentes, and they possess large, wide, round eyes that contribute to their “sweet expression”. O nose is short with a gentle curvee seus neck is typically short, blending into a well-rounded, padded body.

Suas legs are medium-to-short, yet strong and muscular, supporting a body that often feels well-padded. Suas tails are medium to long, proportionate to their bodies, com tapered or rounded tips.  

Scottish Folds come in two main coat varieties: pelo curto e longhair. Shorthaired Folds have a dense, plush, and soft coat, enquanto longhaired Folds (às vezes chamado de Highland Folds) possess medium to long fur isto é fuller on their britches, tails, toes, and ears, often featuring a visible “ruff” around their necks.

Comportamento e personalidade

Beyond their captivating looks, Scottish Folds are renowned for their delightful temperament e engaging personalities. Eles possuem um very even temperament, striking a balance between being energético and enjoying companhia tranquila.

São eles not abnormally active but are more playful than a typical lap cat, enjoying games, exploratione quality time com sua família humana.

These cats are remarkably sociable and friendly, quickly becoming an integrated and beloved member of any family.

Suas easygoing nature allows them to adapt well to new environments and get along famously with crianças e outros animais de estimação, including dogs, provided proper introductions are made.

Isso adaptabilidade suggests that they are not easily intimidated por noisy households ou new surroundings, which is a significant advantage for families with estilos de vida ativos.  

Scottish Folds are deeply affectionate and loyal, often forming laços fortes with one particular person, whom they may follow from room to room “like a loyal puppy”.

While they appreciate petting and cuddling, they are generally not overly demanding of attention, striking a pleasant balance entre independence and companionship.

Suas need for companionship significa que eles não se desenvolvem quando deixados sozinhos por longos períodos; some owners find that having two Scottish Folds pode fornecer mutual company, alleviating potential separation anxiety.

This highlights a crucial consideration for potential owners: these cats flourish in environments where they receive consistent interaction.  

Intelligence and curiosity are also hallmarks of the breed. Scottish Folds are described as smart and inquisitive, enjoying brinquedos de quebra-cabeça e laser pointers que challenge their minds.

Eles podem ser trained to do basic tricks and respond well to reforço positivo. Suas curiosidade often leads them to explore their surroundings, and they are quick to learn new behaviors.  

A charming quirk of the Scottish Fold is their tendency to strike unusual poses. They are famously known for sitting upright on their hind legs, resembling a prairie dog or an otter, to get a better vantage point when something new captures their attention.

They also frequently sit in a human-like posture, affectionately dubbed “The Buddha Sit” by their owners, or sleep sprawled out on their back or belly.

Guia de cuidados

Dieta

Scottish Folds, like all cats, are carnívoros obrigatórios, meaning their bodies are biologically adapted to require a meat-based diet.

An ideal feline diet closely mimics that of their natural prey, consisting of approximately 52% protein, 46% fate 2% or less carbohydrates.

This dietary composition is essential for maintaining muscle tone, supporting overall healthe managing their weight, which is particularly important given their predisposition to joint issues.  

Most adult Scottish Folds benefit from two meals a day com controlled portion sizes para prevenir a obesidade. Free-feeding, especially for indoor cats, should be avoided.

Exercício

While Scottish Folds are not considered hyperactive, they do possess a nível moderado de energia and require regular exercise and mental stimulation para maintain a healthy weight e evitar o tédio.

Suas playful nature means they enjoy interactive activities that engage their hunting instincts.  

Daily play sessions are crucial. Interactive toys such as feather wands, laser pointerse alimentadores de quebra-cabeça are excellent choices to keep them physically active and mentally engaged.

Scratching posts or pads are also essential, not only for maintaining healthy claws but also as a natural outlet for their energy e para prevent furniture damage.

Regular, moderate exercise helps to reduce stress on their joints, which is a key consideration dado seu predisposition to osteochondrodysplasia.

Meio ambiente e enriquecimento

Scottish Folds are adaptable cats that thrive in várias situações de vida, including apartments, as they are generally homebodies.

It is generally recommended to keep them as indoor cats to protect them from outdoor dangers tais como accidents, diseasese predators.

However, an indoor environment must be rich and stimulating para evitar o tédio and ensure their mental well-being.  

Dada sua natureza social, a household that provides consistent attention and companionship is ideal. They are known to form strong bonds with their human companions and may experience ansiedade de separação se deixados sozinhos por longos períodos.

Providing them with a rotina consistente e um peaceful home environment contributes significantly to their overall happiness e sensação de segurança.

The emphasis on an enriched indoor environment directly addresses their social needs e intelligent nature, preventing problemas comportamentais that can arise from subestimulação.  

Limpeza

O grooming needs of a Scottish Fold vary slightly depending on their coat length, mas consistent care é vital for their health and comfort.

Shorthaired Scottish Folds have dense, plush coats that benefit from escovação semanal para remover pelos soltos and prevent shedding and matting.

Longhaired Folds, with their longer fur and tufts, require more frequent brushing—two to three times a week—to prevent tangles and mats from forming.

Special attention must be paid to their unique folded ears. Due to their shape, Scottish Folds are more prone to wax buildup and ear infections because of reduced airflow.

Os proprietários devem check their ears weekly e gently clean them every two weeks com um damp cotton ball ou um vet-approved ear-cleaning solution. Care should be taken not to insert anything too deeply into the ear canal.

Estimulação mental

Scottish Folds are intelligent and curious cats que exigem estimulação mental consistente to remain engaged and happy.

Physical exercise alone is often not enough to satisfy their inquisitive mindse um lack of mental enrichment pode levar a tédio e potencialmente comportamentos indesejáveis.  

Interactive play is a cornerstone of estimulação mental for this breed. Toys that mimetizar a presacomo, por exemplo feather wands, laser pointerse small, lightweight toys they can wrestle with, are excellent for engaging their hunting instincts.

Beyond toys, regular social interaction with their human companions is a significant form of enriquecimento mental. Scottish Folds enjoy being involved in household activities and will often follow their owners, engaging in quiet, polite “conversations”.

São eles quick to learn tricks and respond well to reforço positivo, fazendo training sessions another avenue for engajamento mental.

Fornecendo um variety of textures and new experiences, even within an indoor environment, can also keep their minds stimulated.

Preocupações com a saúde

Essa raça é ideal para você?

PERGUNTAS FREQUENTES

Are Scottish Folds inherently in pain, and what is OCD? 

No, Scottish Folds are not inherently in pain by default. However, the genetic mutation responsible for their folded ears is directly linked to a condition called Osteochondrodysplasia (OCD).

This disorder affects cartilage and bone development throughout the body, which pode lead to painful joint issues, stiffness, and skeletal deformities in some cats. The severity varies, but all folded-ear Folds are affected to some degree.  

Why can’t Scottish Folds be bred fold-to-fold? 

Breeding two Scottish Folds together (fold-to-fold) is strongly discouraged and prohibited by responsible breeders and cat registries due to severe health risks. This type of breeding significantly increases the likelihood and severity of Osteochondrodysplasia (OCD) in the offspring, leading to more painful and debilitating bone and joint issues.

To safeguard the health of the cats, Scottish Folds are typically bred with non-folded cats, such as Scottish Straights or British Shorthairs.  

Why do Scottish Straights exist? 

Scottish Straights are the straight-eared siblings of Scottish Folds, born from the same gene pool but without inheriting the folded ear trait. They exist to maintain genetic diversity within the breed and are crucial for ethical breeding programs. By outcrossing Scottish Folds with Scottish Straights, breeders can reduce the risk of severe genetic health issues like OCD while still preserving the unique characteristics of the Scottish Fold lineage.  

Can Scottish Fold ears unfold? 

Once a Scottish Fold’s ears have developed their fold, they typically do not unfold permanently. However, the tightness of the fold can vary, and in some female Scottish Folds, their ears might temporarily “go up” when they are in heat. Ear infections or other health issues could also cause the ears to appear differently.  

Are Scottish Folds banned in the USA? 

No, Scottish Folds are not banned in the USA. While The International Cat Association (TICA) initially considered a ban due to health concerns, they ultimately decided to allow registration, provided breeders conduct DNA testing to ensure the breed’s health and safety.  

Do Scottish Folds like to cuddle? 

Yes, Scottish Folds are known for their affectionate nature and frequently enjoy cuddling with their owners. They are calm and appreciate spending quality time with their families.  

Are Scottish Fold cats expensive? 

Yes, Scottish Folds can be quite expensive. The typical price range for a kitten from a reputable breeder is between $1,000 and $5,000 or more, depending on factors like pedigree, coat color, and the breeder’s reputation. This cost reflects the responsible breeding practices, health screenings, and care provided.  

Are Scottish Folds hypoallergenic? 

No, Scottish Folds are not considered hypoallergenic. Like most cat breeds, they produce allergens in their skin and saliva, which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.  

Can Scottish Folds be left alone? 

Scottish Folds are social and affectionate cats that thrive on companionship. They may not be content if left alone for long periods and can experience separation anxiety. It is advisable to have someone check on them or provide enrichment, such as interactive toys or another animal companion, if extended absences are unavoidable.  

What is the difference between Scottish Fold and British Shorthair character? 

Scottish Folds are typically affectionate, calm, and highly social, forming strong bonds with their owners and enjoying companionship. British Shorthairs, while also affectionate, tend to be more independent and reserved. Both are laid-back, but Scottish Folds generally seek more direct interaction.  

Can you breed a Scottish Fold with a British Shorthair? 

Yes, breeding a Scottish Fold with a British Shorthair is a common and recommended practice for ethical reasons. This outcrossing helps to maintain genetic diversity and reduce the risk of severe health issues associated with fold-to-fold breeding. The resulting kittens may inherit traits from both breeds, including the British Shorthair’s round face and either folded or straight ears from the Scottish Fold lineage.  

Fatos bônus

A Single Ancestor

All Scottish Fold cats can trace their lineage back to one humble barn cat named Susie, discovered in Scotland in 1961.  

Born with Straight Ears

Despite their defining feature, Scottish Fold kittens are born with straight ears. The characteristic fold only begins to develop when they are between 18 and 24 days old, if they carry the specific gene.  

Degrees of Folds

The ear folds are categorized into three types: single (slight bend), double (more prominent bend), and triple (lies flat against the head, common in show-quality cats).  

Unique Sitting Postures

Scottish Folds are famous for their peculiar sitting habits, including sitting upright like a “prairie dog” to observe their surroundings or sitting like humans, a pose affectionately known as “The Buddha Sit”.  

Gentle Handling

While not delicate, Scottish Folds require gentle handling, particularly concerning their tails, which can sometimes be stiff due to the genetic mutation affecting cartilage.  

Show Ring Exclusivity

Among all cats with folded ears, only those of Scottish lineage are currently permitted in the show ring, and typically only those with triple folds are considered “show quality”.  

Companheiros de celebridades

This charming breed has captured the hearts of many, including pop superstar Taylor Swift, who famously owns two Scottish Fold cats.  

Referências

“Scottish Fold – CFA”. A Associação de Criadores de Gatos. Associação de criadores de gatos. Arquivado from the original on 25 November 2024. Retrieved 26 November 2024.

“Genetic welfare problems of companion animals: Scottish Fold: Osteochondrodysplasia”. Universities Federation for Animal Welfare. 2011. Archived from the original on 19 March 2012. Retrieved 2 February 2012.

“Scottish Fold Brochure” (PDF). Associação de criadores de gatos. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 May 2024. Retrieved 22 January 2024.

“Scottish Fold FAQ”. Fanciers.com. Retrieved 3 October 2009.

“Scottish Fold history”. Pegkens Scottish Folds. Retrieved 22 January 2024.

“Scottish Straight Breed”. Associação Internacional de Gatos. Retrieved 26 May 2024.

“Scottish Fold Cat Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts.” CatTime, https://cattime.com/cat-breeds/scottish-fold-cats#/slide/1. Accessed 26 September 2017.

Malik, R.; Allan, G.S.; Howlett, C.R.; Thompson, D.E.; James, G.; McWhirter, C.; Kendall, K. (February 1999). “Osteochondrodysplasia in Scottish Fold cats”. Australian Veterinary Journal. 77 (2): 85–92. doi:10.1111/j.1751-0813.1999.tb11672.x. PMID 10078353.

Takanosu, M.; Takanosu, T.; Suzuki, H.; Suzuki, K. (April 2008). “Incomplete dominant osteochondrodysplasia in heterozygous Scottish Fold cats”. The Journal of Small Animal Practice. 49 (4): 197–9. doi:10.1111/j.1748-5827.2008.00561.x. PMID 18339089.

Pular para:^a b c “Minutes of Executive Council Meeting No: 28 (doc)”. New Zealand Cat Fancy. 24–25 September 2011. Retrieved 3 February 2012.

Sutton, Grace. “Breed Article: Scottish Folds”. cfa.org. Associação de criadores de gatos. Archived from the original on 2 December 2013. Retrieved 7 December 2013.

Gandolfi, B.; Alamri, S.; Darby, W.G.; Adhikari, B.; Lattimer, J.C.; Malik, R.; Wade, C.M.; Lyons, L.A.; Cheng, J.; Bateman, J.F.; McIntyre, P.; Lamandé, S.R.; Haase, B. (2016). “A dominant TRPV4 variant underlies osteochondrodysplasia in Scottish fold cats”. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 24 (8): 1441–50. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2016.03.019. PMID 27063440.

Dai, J.; Kim, O.H.; Cho, T.J.; Schmidt-Rimpler, M.; Tonoki, H.; Takikawa, K.; Haga, N.; Miyoshi, K.; Kitoh, H.; Yoo, W.J.; Choi, I.H.; Song, H.R.; Jin, D.K.; Kim, H.T.; Kamasaki, H.; Bianchi, P.; Grigelioniene, G.; Nampoothiri, S.; Minagawa, M.; Miyagawa, S.I.; Fukao, T.; Marcelis, C.; Jansweijer, M.C.; Hennekam, R.C.; Bedeschi, F.; Mustonen, A.; Jiang, Q.; Ohashi, H.; Furuichi, T.; Unger, S. (2010). “Novel and recurrent TRPV4 mutations and their association with distinct phenotypes within the TRPV4 dysplasia family” (PDF). Journal of Medical Genetics. 47 (10): 704–9. doi:10.1136/jmg.2009.075358. PMID 20577006. S2CID 925054.

“Fokken met katten – Honden en katten”. NVWA.nl (in Dutch). Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. 31 October 2022. Retrieved 1 April 2023.

“Qualzucht bei Katzen”. Tieranwalt.at (in German). Tierschutzombudsstelle Wien. Retrieved 1 April 2023.

“RIS – Tierschutzgesetz – Bundesrecht konsolidiert, Fassung vom 01.04.2023”. RIS.BKA.gv.at. Retrieved 1 April 2023.

“Verbod op de kweek en het verhandelen van fold katten”. Vlaanderen.be (in Dutch). Retrieved 1 April 2023.

“Code of Practice for the Breeding of Animals with Heritable Defects that Cause Disease”. Agriculture Victoria. Victoria Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions. 6 July 2020. Retrieved 1 April 2023.

Løkkevik, Ole (4 July 2023). “Mattilsynet: Avl på katterasen Scottish Fold er i strid med dyrevelferdsloven”. VG (in Norwegian). Retrieved 4 July 2023.

“xtreme breeding in Europe – Mapping of legislation” (PDF). Eurogroup for Animals. Retrieved 22 January 2024.

“Scottish Fold”. vgl.ucdavis.edu. Laboratório de Genética Veterinária, Universidade da Califórnia, Davis. Retrieved 1 April 2023.

“Cat Breeds not recognised by GCCF but with some recognition by WCC members” (PDF). GCCFCats.org. Conselho de Administração da Cat Fancy. 2024. Retrieved 15 May 2025.

“The GCCF says Health and Welfare Come First”. GCCFCats.org. Conselho de Administração da Cat Fancy. Arquivado from the original on 25 February 2024. Retrieved 15 May 2025.

"Raças". FIFeWeb.org. Federação Internacional de Futebol (Fédération Internationale Féline). Arquivado from the original on 22 April 2025. Retrieved 15 May 2025.

“Health & Welfare Rules”. FIFeWeb.org. Federação Internacional de Futebol (Fédération Internationale Féline). §3.5.2 “Genetic Diseases”. Arquivado from the original on 19 March 2025. Retrieved 15 May 2025.

“FIFe decision not to accept Scottish Fold breed in May 2003”. Archived from the original on 10 March 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2012.

“Email from ScottishFoldandScottishShorthairGroup”. 2008. Archived from the original on 1 July 2012. Retrieved 2 February 2012.

“Minutes of the Business Meeting of the World Cat Congress: Arnhem, the Netherlands: 14th April. 2009”. Retrieved 2 February 2012.

“Choosing a Scottish Fold”. Pet Place. Retrieved 3 October 2009.

Dailey, Hannah. “Taylor Swift’s Cat Olivia Benson Is Reportedly Worth $97 Million”. Billboard. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved 31 January 2023.

Shitamori, Fumitaka; Nonogaki, Ayaka; Motegi, Tomoki; Matsumoto, Yuki; Sakamoto, Mika; Tanizawa, Yasuhiro; Nakamura, Yasukazu; Yonezawa, Tomohiro; Momoi, Yasuyuki; Maeda, Shingo (2023). “Large-scale epidemiological study on feline autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and identification of novel PKD1 gene variants”. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (Jornal de Medicina e Cirurgia Felina). 25 (7). SAGE Publications: 1098612X231185393. doi:10.1177/1098612×231185393. ISSN 1098-612X. PMC 10812055. PMID 37489504.

Sato, R.; Uchida, N.; Kawana, Y.; Tozuka, M.; Kobayashi, S.; Hanyu, N.; Konno, Y.; Iguchi, Aiko; Yamasaki, Yayoi; Kuramochi, Konomi; Yamasaki, Masahiro (2019). "Avaliação epidemiológica de gatos associados à doença renal policística felina causada pela mutação genética PKD1 felina no Japão". O Journal of Veterinary Medical Science. 81 (7): 1006–11. doi:10.1292/jvms.18-0309. PMC 6656814. PMID 31155548.

Akiyama, Noriyoshi; Suzuki, Ryohei; Saito, Takahiro; Yuchi, Yunosuke; Ukawa, Hisashi; Matsumoto, Yuki (18 April 2023). “Presence of known feline ALMS1 and MYBPC3 variants in a diverse cohort of cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Japan”. PLOS ONE. 18 (4). Public Library of Science (PLoS): e0283433. Bibcode:2023PLoSO..1883433A. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0283433. ISSN 1932-6203. PMC 10112785. PMID 37071642.

Scott, Harry; Marti, Juan M; Witte, Philip (August 2021). Feline Orthopaedics. Boca Raton: CRC Press. p. 107. ISBN 978-1-4987-6497-1.

Rorden, Chris; Griswold, Marilee C.; Moses, Nan;

Berry, Clifford R.; Keller, G. Gregory; Rivas, Rudy; Flores-Smith, Helen; Shaffer, Lisa G.; Malik, Richard (2021). “Radiographical Survey of Osteochondrodysplasia in Scottish Fold Cats caused by the TRPV4 gene variant”. Human Genetics. 140 (11): 1525–34. doi:10.1007/s00439-021-02337-5. PMID 34406467. S2CID 237198301.

Takanosu, Masamine; Hattori, Yuki (2020). “Osteochondrodysplasia in Scottish Fold cross-breed cats”. O Journal of Veterinary Medical Science. 82 (12): 1769–72. doi:10.1292/jvms.20-0299. PMC 7804039. PMID 33162427.

Takanosu, M.; Takanosu, T.; Suzuki, H.; Suzuki, K. (2008). “Incomplete dominant osteochondrodysplasia in heterozygous Scottish Fold cats”. The Journal of Small Animal Practice. 49 (4): 197–9. doi:10.1111/j.1748-5827.2008.00561.x. PMID 18339089.

Velie BD, Milden T, Miller H, Haase B (November 2023). “An estimation of osteochondrodysplasia prevalence in Australian Scottish Fold cats: a retrospective study using VetCompass Data”. BMC Vet Res. 19 (1): 252. doi:10.1186/s12917-023-03811-0. PMC 10685627. PMID 38031079.

Sartore S, Moretti R, Piras LA, Longo M, Chessa S, Sacchi P (December 2023). “Osteochondrodysplasia and the c.1024G>T variant of TRPV4 gene in Scottish Fold cats: genetic and radiographic evaluation”. J Feline Med Surg. 25 (12): 1098612X231211763. doi:10.1177/1098612X231211763. PMC 10811760. PMID 38055304.

Malik, Richard (2003). “Genetic Disorders of Cats”. World Congress Proceedings, 2003. World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Retrieved 20 December 2009.