SCOTTISH FOLD FACTS/INTERESTING NOTES

The first Scottish Fold was spotted by a shepherd named William Ross in 1961 at a farm near Coupar Angus in the Tayside Region of Scotland. William Ross asked for one of the kittens and proceeded to develop the breed from the original white barn cat named Susie. Her ears folded forward and down on her head, giving her an 'owlish' appearance. This look has become the trademark of the breed.

The Scottish Fold is born with ears that are straight and fold (or don't fold) at approximately three weeks of age. The degree of fold is difficult to determine at this point, but as they develop it becomes apparent which kittens will have the tighter folds. Approximately 50% of the kittens will have folded ears. At the present time only folded eared cats of Scottish lineage are permitted to be shown, and naturally every breeder wants to produce show cats! However the straight eared progeny of Scottish Folds are a valuable part in the responsible breeding of the cats.

The Fold has developed a look all it's own, being a medium cat with a rounded, well-padded body and a soft, dense coat. The eyes are round, broadly spaced, giving an innocent and sweet expression. They are hardy cats, with a disposition that matches their sweet expression. However, you will notice that their ears go back, the same as any cat, when they are angry or upset.

A fold tends to bond to an individual, but will accept others, too. They adore human companions and tend to follow them around the house to see what they are doing. They adapt well to housholds with children and other pets.

The Scottish Fold is an undemanding cat, requiring a clean environment, proper nutrition and lots of love. Plan on having your books and newspapers read together, and having a cat in your lap when on the computer, watching television or even in the bathroom! They really love being with their human companions most of the time.

The gene which is responsible for the folded ear mutation is a dominant gene. This means that if the gene is passed from one of the parents it is enough to produce a folded eared kitten. If both parents contribute the folded gene, the kitten is likely to be born suffering from congenital osteodystrophy, a genetic condition that casues deformities of the bones (especially fused tail vertebrae and thickened legs). That is why responsible breeders never breed fold eared cats to other fold eared cats.

Healthy Scottish Folds appear not to have any special health or grooming problems. These cats were once thought to be prone to ear infections and mites, but that has not been the case.