Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix for sale in Ontario

Scottish Fold

A complete breed guide for Scottish Fold Cats

Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix for sale in Ontario

Often described as ‘owlish’, these adorable floppy-eared kitties are sure to steal hearts wherever they go.

With their copper-coloured eyes, floppy ear cartilage, and an extremely affectionate disposition, the Scottish Fold is a unique and special little creature.

There is nothing a Scottish Fold–named for their folded ears–likes better than to be with their people, participating in whatever they are doing.

As the name implies, Scottish Folds come from Scotland, and they can all trace their ancestry back to a barn cat named Susie who had folded ears and worked as a mouser.

These cats are sensitive, expressive, and active.

They love to play and are not the best cats to leave home alone.

They prefer a companion–even another cat–to keep them company.

If you can provide this loving feline with the attention they crave and keep up with their needs, they just might be the new furry family member you’re looking for.

It’s important to remember that cats of any breed can suffer from health issues throughout their lives.

A good pet insurance plan can help you prepare to give your cat the care they need at any age.

Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix for sale in Ontario

Facts about the Scottish Fold

Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix for sale in Ontario

Scottish Fold History

Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix for sale in Ontario

The Scottish Fold came about in the 1960s on a farm in the Tayside region of Scotland.

A sheep farmer by the name of William Ross noticed an odd-looking white cat with folded ears hanging around his barn.

This cat, who he named ‘Susie’, had a litter with a local tomcat which produced one female kitten with similarly folded ears.

Ross went on to selectively breed from her and her offspring, and so the Scottish Fold breed began.

It is believed that every Scottish fold cat can trace their lineage back to Susie.

The Scottish Folds’ characteristic floppy ears were originally not as pronounced as they are today.

Originally they were only folded from about halfway up, tilting forward and downwards.

Decades of selective breeding have caused more and more of a double or triple-fold appearance.

Ironically, the Scottish fold is to this day not a registered breed in Scotland and is not shown in Europe.

In 1971 the UK’s registration body for cats stopped letting cat owners register them as a breed, as they were worried about physical deformities (see more about this below).

Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix for sale in Ontario

Scottish Fold Distinguishing features

Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix for sale in Ontario

True to their name, Scottish Folds are most recognisable for their folded ears.

But what causes it?

Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix for sale in Ontario

Floppy ears: A genetic mutation

Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix for sale in Ontario

Originally known as ‘lop-eared’ cats, it was discovered that the gene responsible for folded down ears is an incomplete dominant gene.

This means that if a cat with folded ears breeds with a cat with the straight-eared gene, and the folded eared cat passes down their gene, their offspring will have folded ears.

Scottish Fold kittens are actually born with straight ears.

They ears tend to ‘flop’ between 2-4 weeks of age.

Sadly, the gene which causes the cartilage in the ears to become floppy (and oh so adorable!) also affects the cartilage all over the body.

Scottish Folds experience varying degrees of osteochondrodysplasia; a condition which affects bone development and cartilage formation and can lead to arthritis and even joint fusion.

Ankylosing spondylosis of the tail is particularly common, and so Scottish Fold owners are advised to gently handle their kitty’s tail regularly to check for stiffness and pain.

If any discomfort is noticed, it’s best to get your kitty checked out straight away.

Due to these genetic abnormalities, Scottish Folds are never bred with other Scottish Folds.

If two Scottish Folds are bred to one another, their offspring can suffer from genetic cartilage disorders so severe they may not be able to walk.

Breeders instead cross their lines with straight-eared cats, such as the British Short Hair.

Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix for sale in Ontario

Scottish Fold Personality

Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix for sale in Ontario

Scottish Folds are known for being sweet, affectionate, and attention-loving.

They seek the company of their humans and tend to follow their owners all over the house.

They are not an ideal cat for those who need to leave them alone at home for long periods of time, unless there is a second cat in the house to keep them company.

They are a rather quiet breed and won’t meow excessively throughout the day, but they tend to communicate with endearing ‘chirping’ noises.

Scottish Folds are well-known for being master posers.

They are often found sitting up on their haunches like meercats, or flopping, stretching, and laying in a variety of quirky human-like positions.

They are also quite a clever little cat, and can greatly benefit from toys that encourage mental stimulation such as teaser toys or interactive toys.

As a quiet and gentle breed, it’s best to keep Scottish Folds as indoor-only cats.

For any indoor cat, we recommend providing a nice tall cat tree to help satisfy their climbing instincts.

Where Have I Seen Scottish Folds Before…?Not sure where you’ve seen these cats before?

Musician Taylor Swift has two Scottish Folds, named Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson, who feature heavily on her social media.

Another social media-famous Scottish Fold is ‘Maru’, with thousands of fans worldwide.

Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix for sale in Ontario

Scottish Fold Grooming

Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix for sale in Ontario

Ear Cleaning – while some Scottish Folds don’t require regular ear cleaning, it is important to check their ears weekly for any discharge, debris, or irritation.

If their ears are particularly tightly folded, they may require a weekly clean with a vet-recommended ear cleaner such as Epiotic or PAW Gentle Ear Cleaner.

Brushing – most Scottish Folds have fairly low-maintenance short fur, but regular brushing can help reduce excessive shedding and can be a nice part of bonding (particularly if you use a massage brush such as the Zoom Groom Rubber Brush).

Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix for sale in Ontario

Scottish Fold Diet and Nutrition

Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix for sale in Ontario

The Scottish Fold is a unique breed, but is still taxonomically within the domestic feline species, so their nutritional demands don’t differ too much from other cats.

They are a little less active than other cats, which means they can be prone to obesity.

An indoor cat diet might be perfect for the indoor Scottish Fold, or a general calorie-reduced recipe.

Due to their increased risk of arthritis and joint issues, it may also be beneficial to ask your vet about a joint-care therapeutic diet, or a tasty joint supplement.

For Scottish Fold kittens, a kitten diet is required until they are fully grown, which is around the 12 month mark.

We recommend a premium, Australian-made product such as Advance Wet and Dry Kitten Food.

Feeding regular wet food meals along with dry kibble is a simple way to increase your Scottish Fold’s water intake to ensure adequate hydration and help support urinary tract health.

Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix for sale in Ontario

Scottish Fold Common Health Problems

Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix for sale in Ontario

Scottish Folds are particularly prone to cartilage abnormalities and degenerative joint disease, especially in the tail, ankle and knee joints.

Scottish Fold owners are advised to be aware of the signs of joint pain, and handle the tail gently from time to time to check for signs of pain.

Scottish Folds may also suffer from ear infections if regular ear cleaning is not maintained.

Weekly ear cleaning with a gentle ear cleaner is recommended.

They may also be prone to cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle.

Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix for sale in Ontario

Fun Facts about the Scottish Fold

Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix for sale in Ontario

Scottish Folds are often described as ‘owlish’ or ‘teddy-bear-like’
They were originally named ‘Lop-Eared Cats’, due to their resemblance to lop-eared rabbits
Although they are beloved in Australia and the USA, they are not actually a registered breed in Scotland, the UK, or Europe
The gene responsible for the soft ear cartilage actually affects cartilage all over the body, and as a result all Scottish Folds are prone to bone and joint abnormalities.
A Scottish Fold should never be bred with another Scottish Fold, as their offspring will suffer from severe genetic deformities. Instead they are crossed with straight-ear breeds such as the british short hair.
Scottish Folds are master posers. They are well known for their habbit of sitting up on their haunches like meercats, or sitting, laying, and lounging about in human-like positions.
Taylor Swift has two Scottish Fold cats named Olivia Benson and Meredith Gray.

Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix for sale in Ontario

Breed Characteristics:

Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix for sale in Ontario

Affectionate with Family

Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix for sale in Ontario

Some cat breeds are typically independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since kittenhood;

others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection.

Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; cats who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.

Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix for sale in Ontario

Amount of Shedding

Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix for sale in Ontario

If you’re going to share your home with a cat, you’ll need to deal with some level of cat hair on your clothes and in your house.

However, shedding does vary among the breeds.

If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards.

This furniture cover can make it easier to clean up cat hair and keep it off your sofa!

Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix for sale in Ontario

General Health

Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems.

This doesn’t mean that every cat of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.

If you’re looking only for purebred cats or kittens, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in.

Potential for Playfulness

Some cats are perpetual kittens—full of energy and mischief—while others are more serious and sedate.

Although a playful kitten sounds endearing, consider how many games of chase the mouse-toy you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other animals who can stand in as playmates.

Tendency to Vocalize

Some breeds sound off more often than others with meows, yowls, and chattering.

When choosing a breed, think about how the cat vocalizes and how often.

If constant “conversation” drives you crazy, consider a kitty less likely to chat.

Kid-Friendly

Being tolerant of children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a nonchalant attitude toward running, screaming youngsters are all traits that make a kid-friendly cat.

Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual cat will behave;

cats from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences and personality.

Friendly Toward Strangers

Stranger-friendly cats will greet guests with a curious glance or a playful approach;

others are shy or indifferent, perhaps even hiding under furniture or skedaddling to another room.

However, no matter what the breed, a cat who was exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a kitten will respond better to strangers as an adult.

Easy to Groom

Some breeds require very little in the way of grooming ;

others require regular brushing to stay clean and healthy .

Consider whether you have the time and patience for a cat who needs daily brushing .

Intelligence

Some cat breeds are reputed to be smarter than others.

But all cats, if deprived the mental stimulation they need, will make their own busy work.

Interactive cat toys are a good way to give a cat a brain workout and keep them out of mischief.

This scratcher cat toy can keep your smart kitty busy even when you’re not home!

Pet Friendly

Friendliness toward other household animals and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things.

Some cats are more likely than others to be accepting of other pets in the home.

Contact US

info@britishkitten.ca

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Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix for sale in Ontario

Scottish Fold

A complete breed guide for Scottish Fold Cats

Often described as ‘owlish’, these adorable floppy-eared kitties are sure to steal hearts wherever they go.

With their copper-coloured eyes, floppy ear cartilage, and an extremely affectionate disposition, the Scottish Fold is a unique and special little creature.

There is nothing a Scottish Fold–named for their folded ears–likes better than to be with their people, participating in whatever they are doing.

As the name implies, Scottish Folds come from Scotland, and they can all trace their ancestry back to a barn cat named Susie who had folded ears and worked as a mouser.

These cats are sensitive, expressive, and active.

They love to play and are not the best cats to leave home alone.

They prefer a companion–even another cat–to keep them company.

If you can provide this loving feline with the attention they crave and keep up with their needs, they just might be the new furry family member you’re looking for.

It’s important to remember that cats of any breed can suffer from health issues throughout their lives.

A good pet insurance plan can help you prepare to give your cat the care they need at any age.

Facts about the Scottish Fold

Scottish Fold History

The Scottish Fold came about in the 1960s on a farm in the Tayside region of Scotland.

A sheep farmer by the name of William Ross noticed an odd-looking white cat with folded ears hanging around his barn.

This cat, who he named ‘Susie’, had a litter with a local tomcat which produced one female kitten with similarly folded ears.

Ross went on to selectively breed from her and her offspring, and so the Scottish Fold breed began.

It is believed that every Scottish fold cat can trace their lineage back to Susie.

The Scottish Folds’ characteristic floppy ears were originally not as pronounced as they are today.

Originally they were only folded from about halfway up, tilting forward and downwards.

Decades of selective breeding have caused more and more of a double or triple-fold appearance.

Ironically, the Scottish fold is to this day not a registered breed in Scotland and is not shown in Europe.

In 1971 the UK’s registration body for cats stopped letting cat owners register them as a breed, as they were worried about physical deformities (see more about this below).

Scottish Fold Distinguishing features

True to their name, Scottish Folds are most recognisable for their folded ears.

But what causes it?

Floppy ears: A genetic mutation

Originally known as ‘lop-eared’ cats, it was discovered that the gene responsible for folded down ears is an incomplete dominant gene.

This means that if a cat with folded ears breeds with a cat with the straight-eared gene, and the folded eared cat passes down their gene, their offspring will have folded ears.

Scottish Fold kittens are actually born with straight ears.

They ears tend to ‘flop’ between 2-4 weeks of age.

Sadly, the gene which causes the cartilage in the ears to become floppy (and oh so adorable!) also affects the cartilage all over the body.

Scottish Folds experience varying degrees of osteochondrodysplasia; a condition which affects bone development and cartilage formation and can lead to arthritis and even joint fusion.

Ankylosing spondylosis of the tail is particularly common, and so Scottish Fold owners are advised to gently handle their kitty’s tail regularly to check for stiffness and pain.

If any discomfort is noticed, it’s best to get your kitty checked out straight away.

Due to these genetic abnormalities, Scottish Folds are never bred with other Scottish Folds.

If two Scottish Folds are bred to one another, their offspring can suffer from genetic cartilage disorders so severe they may not be able to walk.

Breeders instead cross their lines with straight-eared cats, such as the British Short Hair.

Scottish Fold Personality

Scottish Folds are known for being sweet, affectionate, and attention-loving.

They seek the company of their humans and tend to follow their owners all over the house.

They are not an ideal cat for those who need to leave them alone at home for long periods of time, unless there is a second cat in the house to keep them company.

They are a rather quiet breed and won’t meow excessively throughout the day, but they tend to communicate with endearing ‘chirping’ noises.

Scottish Folds are well-known for being master posers.

They are often found sitting up on their haunches like meercats, or flopping, stretching, and laying in a variety of quirky human-like positions.

They are also quite a clever little cat, and can greatly benefit from toys that encourage mental stimulation such as teaser toys or interactive toys.

As a quiet and gentle breed, it’s best to keep Scottish Folds as indoor-only cats.

For any indoor cat, we recommend providing a nice tall cat tree to help satisfy their climbing instincts.

Where Have I Seen Scottish Folds Before…?Not sure where you’ve seen these cats before?

Musician Taylor Swift has two Scottish Folds, named Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson, who feature heavily on her social media.

Another social media-famous Scottish Fold is ‘Maru’, with thousands of fans worldwide.

Scottish Fold Grooming

Ear Cleaning – while some Scottish Folds don’t require regular ear cleaning, it is important to check their ears weekly for any discharge, debris, or irritation.

If their ears are particularly tightly folded, they may require a weekly clean with a vet-recommended ear cleaner such as Epiotic or PAW Gentle Ear Cleaner.

Brushing – most Scottish Folds have fairly low-maintenance short fur, but regular brushing can help reduce excessive shedding and can be a nice part of bonding (particularly if you use a massage brush such as the Zoom Groom Rubber Brush).

Scottish Fold Diet and Nutrition

The Scottish Fold is a unique breed, but is still taxonomically within the domestic feline species, so their nutritional demands don’t differ too much from other cats.

They are a little less active than other cats, which means they can be prone to obesity.

An indoor cat diet might be perfect for the indoor Scottish Fold, or a general calorie-reduced recipe.

Due to their increased risk of arthritis and joint issues, it may also be beneficial to ask your vet about a joint-care therapeutic diet, or a tasty joint supplement.

For Scottish Fold kittens, a kitten diet is required until they are fully grown, which is around the 12 month mark.

We recommend a premium, Australian-made product such as Advance Wet and Dry Kitten Food.

Feeding regular wet food meals along with dry kibble is a simple way to increase your Scottish Fold’s water intake to ensure adequate hydration and help support urinary tract health.

Scottish Fold Common Health Problems

Scottish Folds are particularly prone to cartilage abnormalities and degenerative joint disease, especially in the tail, ankle and knee joints.

Scottish Fold owners are advised to be aware of the signs of joint pain, and handle the tail gently from time to time to check for signs of pain.

Scottish Folds may also suffer from ear infections if regular ear cleaning is not maintained.

Weekly ear cleaning with a gentle ear cleaner is recommended.

They may also be prone to cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle.

Fun Facts about the Scottish Fold

Scottish Folds are often described as ‘owlish’ or ‘teddy-bear-like’

They were originally named ‘Lop-Eared Cats’, due to their resemblance to lop-eared rabbits

Although they are beloved in Australia and the USA, they are not actually a registered breed in Scotland, the UK, or Europe

The gene responsible for the soft ear cartilage actually affects cartilage all over the body, and as a result all Scottish Folds are prone to bone and joint abnormalities.

A Scottish Fold should never be bred with another Scottish Fold, as their offspring will suffer from severe genetic deformities. Instead they are crossed with straight-ear breeds such as the british short hair.

Scottish Folds are master posers. They are well known for their habbit of sitting up on their haunches like meercats, or sitting, laying, and lounging about in human-like positions.

Taylor Swift has two Scottish Fold cats named Olivia Benson and Meredith Gray.

Breed Characteristics: