For some dog breeds (rottweiler, labrador, collie, pug and others), various forms of lop-eared are not unusual for cats, which can not be said about cats. Therefore, these animals, due to their original appearance, have gained great popularity among fans of purring beauties.
One of the most prominent representatives of this variety are Scottish fold cats, which are often called Scottish fold. These animals have such a vivid and memorable appearance that they cannot be confused with representatives of other breeds.
When this cat hides in the grass, it very much resembles a baby owl: a neat rounded head, on which ears are almost invisible, and huge eyes. So what is this mysterious animal - Scottish fold fold, where he appeared, what is remarkable, what is his character and habits? We will talk about this in this article.
Scottish fold cats: from breed history
According to some research, Scottish fold appeared in China in 1796. Where did the English sailor move him to Europe? This version tells about when and how for the first time in Europe a cat with lop-eared appeared, but this is not the cat that we will talk about today.
If you want to know where the Scottish fold cats came from, then we offer you a different version of the origin of the modern “earless” cat. The breed appeared in Scotland. Its founder was William Ross, who in 1961 noticed a cat with an unusual appearance on the market and bought only one kitten from the owner - the cat Susie. She became the ancestor of the breed, which in the course of numerous crosses found many interesting colors and features.
After some time, this breed in Scotland was no longer involved, since numerous mutations were identified. And only in 1978, specialists from the United States took up it.
External features
At a young age, Scottish fold cats differ from their parents in that it is almost impossible to understand how the baby grows up: with erect ears or hanging. This is because there is a prerequisite for breeding cats of this breed - crossing a fold with a straight (an animal with ordinary ears). At birth, all kittens have straight ears. Even a breeder does not know what a kitten will become in a month. This becomes apparent only after four weeks at least, and sometimes later.
Head
The Scottish fold breed has amazing shapes. They are as if drawn with a compass - a round head, round eyes, round cheeks, a rounded chin. The nose is quite wide. The hallmark of these animals are ears. Therefore, in the breed standard, special attention is paid to them.
The auricle has one or two folds and should be firmly pressed to the head. Ears seem to continue the circumference of the head, while not at all violating the proportions and impressions of "puppetry." In adult animals, the distance between them is large: a human palm fits easily between them. And in children, the distance between the ears is five to six centimeters.
Torso
Scottish fold cats are medium sized. The limbs are short, with neat round legs. The tail is proportional to the whole body, medium in size.
Wool
Representatives of this breed may have a medium or long coat. In any case, it is dense, has a uniform structure. In a Scottish fold cat, “panties” and tufts of hair between the fingers should be pronounced.
If the coat has a pronounced "cotton" quality, this is considered a disqualifying factor.
Colors
They can be different in the Scottish fold breed. Colors are divided into several groups of specialists:
- monochromatic (white, black and others);
- patterned;
- lightened (blue, purple, etc.);
- tortoiseshell;
- chinchillas.
Lavender, chocolate, point color and combinations of these colors with white are an unacceptable sign. Plain black Scottish fold is quite rare, so its cost is quite high.
Character
Scottish fold stands out for its amazing adaptive abilities. New family members, a new place - for fold cats there is not much difference. Most breeders have noted that Scottish fold animals are amazingly calm at presentations and exhibitions. The nature of these cats can be called calm.
Scots are not too mischievous or hyperactive. This is an extremely intelligent breed. Its representatives will not climb the ledges, they prefer to stay close to the warm side of the owner. Scottish fold cats are undemanding and unobtrusive. They are obedient, and therefore there is no problem with their content.
With such a pet, you will not have to be nervous because the cat climbs onto the closet or rushes around the apartment with incredible speed. They declare their existence only when, in their opinion, the owner forgot to do something important, for example, to feed them.
However, it cannot be said that Scottish fold cats are apathetic and inactive. They love to play, especially at a young age. Kittens will surprise the owners with their inherent strange poses. This also applies to adult animals - they often do “cat yoga”. For example, they like to sit, stretching their paws forward, or become in the pose of a chipmunk.
The friendliness of a cat is a breed of cat Scottish Fold. The nature of these animals allows them to quickly get used to other pets and not come into conflict with them. Many owners note that even the most ferocious fighting dog next to the Scotsman turns into an affectionate and playful puppy. In addition, each kitten is different personality, brings something new to the owner. Some kittens are waiting for increased attention to their own person, others are completely calm, others are very curious, etc.
The nature of your pet largely depends on how you educate him, taking into account his inherent features that were laid at the beginning of life.
Attitude towards children
These are ideal companions for children's games, however, kittens are afraid of noise and loud noises, therefore it is worth taking more adult animals to a family where there are very young children.
Care
It is easy to take care of representatives of this breed. As a rule, the requirements for caring for them almost do not differ from the standard ones:
- good nutrition, which should include the necessary vitamins and minerals;
- hair care (wash as it gets dirty, comb out);
- care for eyes, ears, clipping.
But there are also features of leaving which are peculiar to this breed.
- When combing the hair, do not use a pooderka, which can damage the chic undercoat.
- Much more sulfur accumulates in the ears of these cats than in ordinary cats, so ears should be cleaned more often.
- Fold food can be natural foods or ready-made balanced feeds.
In the first case, the diet of the animal should include:
- lean meat (turkey, beef, chicken,);
- offal;
- liver;
- sea fish (for lop-eared cats, river fish is harmful);
- cottage cheese;
- cheese;
- cereals;
- a raw egg;
- vegetables.
Sottish folds are contraindicated:
- pork;
- mutton;
- potatoes;
- legumes;
- bow.
Ready-made food is better to choose a premium class. It is nutritious, it contains the necessary vitamins and minerals and, as a rule, it does not cause allergies.
Knitting
Crossing two Scottish folds is prohibited to avoid bone mutations. Often this ends with the birth of offspring with developmental defects that cannot be used in breeding. Permissible binding between folds and straights. A lop-eared cat can be knitted with a cat, with erect ears, and a lop-eared cat - only with a cat with straight ears.
Sometimes Scottish folds are knitted with short-haired British cats, however, this happens quite rarely. This breed needs such knitting. Scottish Fold, as a result, acquires a new set of genes. In this case, the breeder carries out several mating between the fold animals, and only after that with the British Shorthair, which looks similar to fold.
In females of this breed, estrus begins in seven to eight months, but at this time it is still very early to mate, it is better to wait for the next. Pregnancy lasts from 58 to 78 days. A cat is born from one to four kittens. It is impossible to predict how many of them will be fold.
Normal childbirth continues during the day, but more often they occur faster. If the kitten gives birth for the first time, try not to leave her alone. Usually this process occurs without complications, but it is better not to risk the health of the cat and offspring.
Where to buy a kitten?
Today, many want to have a Scottish fold pet. Scottish breed nursery today can be found in almost every major city in our country. For example, in Moscow, the most famous are SuperFold and Rumfold cattery. In St. Petersburg - Snow city, Rion. In Rostov-on-Don - “Elbon Fold”.
Choosing a kitten
All purebred cats are divided into three categories: pet, breeding and show class. It is possible to say exactly what class the animal belongs to when it reaches the age of twelve weeks. Experts advise you to get a kitten at this age, since it is during this period that you can already get an idea about the exterior of the animal and see possible natural defects.
If you need an animal for presentation at exhibitions, breeders are advised to buy a cat at the age of one year. If you take a kitten too small, it will not receive the necessary skills from the mother, will not be sufficiently socialized. When picking up a kitten from the nursery or from the breeder, do not forget to find out what fed the baby so as not to transfer it to a new feed. A sharp transition to a new diet can provoke an upset stomach in a kitten.
A Scottish fold kitten should be fed four times a day for up to four months. Then it is transferred to a three-time regimen, from eight months it can be fed twice a day, like an adult animal.
Health
The gene that is responsible for lop-eared, often causes serious skeletal changes. They can cause a disease such as osteochondrodystrophy. Animals with rigid inflexible limbs and a thick and short tail are most prone to it.
This disease can cause very severe pain. Otherwise, the health of these cats is good, life expectancy reaches twenty years with good care. Do not forget to take preventive vaccinations on time, even if you do not let it out.
Kitten cost
Today it is a very popular animal - Scottish fold. The price of a kitten depends on a number of factors. This is the popularity of the cattery in which the animal was born, and the conditions of its keeping, and belonging to one of the categories of cats (pet, brid or show).
Future owners need to know that a thoroughbred healthy kitten cannot be inexpensive. The cheapest is the pet category. If you need a pet, and you do not plan to participate in exhibitions and shows, then such an animal will suit you. But you should know that cats and cats of this category are not allowed for breeding, therefore they are sterilized or neutered. Such a kitten costs from 5 thousand rubles.
A kitten of the Scottish fold breed show class will cost you a lot more. The price of such a baby is at least 40 thousand rubles.
Scottish fold: reviews
Many owners note that in addition to outstanding external data, folds are smart, attached to members of their new family, and are very good for children. The owners are completely unanimous that watching the Scottish is a pleasure.
These are great companions who are always near the owner. When necessary, they simply sit nearby, if they feel that the person is nervous, they purr and cheer up.