One of the most popular breeds of pets are Scottish cats. These are very charming, smart and calm animals. Many, having decided to have a kitten, choose this breed. But often lovers of furry pets are interested in how many Scottish cats live. Among the representatives of this breed there are many long-livers - with good care, they can live up to 20 years or more. Although this happens only among pets, street cats do not live that much. But usually the life span of Scottish cats does not differ from other breeds and is about 15 years.
Breed features
The birthplace of the breed is Scotland. Scottish cats have been bred since the 60s of the last century. Moreover, the history of the breed began by chance, when one lover of cats was attracted by the unusual appearance of an animal with hanging ears. Then it turned out that this feature of appearance is explained by the presence of a defective gene, which leads to excessively soft cartilage tissue. Therefore, the ears of these cats are pressed, which gives them such an unusual and charming look.
But this same feature also leads to the fact that when two animals of this breed are crossed, the offspring for the most part is not viable. Kittens with numerous abnormalities of the spine and curvature of the extremities are born. Therefore, when breeding cats of this breed, they cross them only with a breed species - Scottish straight. As a result, kittens, both erect and lop-eared, are obtained in one litter.
The appearance of Scottish cats
Many people like these fluffy pets because of their unusual charming appearance. Their characteristic features are small, rounded, ears pressed to the head, although there is one kind of breed with ordinary ears. In addition, these cats have a round head, large expressive eyes and soft thick cheeks. There are several more features of the appearance of Scottish cats:
- strong muscular trunk of medium size;
- short, proportional to the trunk of the legs;
- tail of medium length with a rounded tip, rather fluffy;
- short dense coat, shiny, plush, forms a collar on the neck;
- short neck.
How many Scottish cats live at home and in the wild
The life expectancy of any animals depends on the care and living conditions. Usually, when they talk about 15-20 years, they mean pets. After all, food is better at home, there are no infections, it is warm, and if necessary, the cat receives treatment from a veterinarian.
In addition, how many Scottish cats live is influenced by whether they have offspring. It has been observed that sterilized animals live longer. The more often a cat brings kittens, the less it lives. In nature, when a cat gives birth several times a year, her body is depleted. Therefore, such animals do not live longer than 5-7 years.
In addition, the question of how many Scottish cats live is very important because their lop-eared variety is susceptible to various diseases. They have very poor health, so sometimes the disease leads to the death of the animal ahead of time. Especially susceptible to disease are cats that live on the street. There they are constantly stressed, often overcooling and starving. And since this breed has poor health, they do not live on the street for a long time.
What you need to increase the life span of a cat
So that the pet can live 15-20 years, it is important to carefully approach its purchase and, when leaving, follow all the recommendations of specialists. There are a few tips that are usually given to those who decide to have a Scottish kitten:
- Contact a trusted breeder and choose a healthy kitten with particular care.
- Let it be a female, as Scottish cat girls live a little longer than males.
- Follow all recommendations of veterinarians, make vaccinations on time.
- Provide the kitten with safety by removing the wires and everything that could injure him.
- Sterilize the animal in time.
- Do not let out.
- Feed correctly, better with natural food.
- Provide pet communication, affection, more often play with him.
Features of keeping a Scottish cat
Kittens of this breed are very smart, agile and playful. They quickly become accustomed to the tray, understand the word "impossible." These cats become attached to the owner and are even able to feel his mood. They have a calm character, they are completely non-aggressive. It is noticed that Scottish cats are afraid of heights and are very obedient. Therefore, they rarely skoda and spoil things. These animals are ideal for keeping in the house with young children or the elderly. They are undemanding, quickly adapt to new conditions and are easy to care for.
To do this, 1-2 times a month to bathe a pet. More often not recommended - Scottish cats are very clean. The same number of times you need to trim their claws. Every day, you need to wipe the cat's eyes with a damp cloth and comb the hair several times a week. It is also important to properly care for the ears of the pet. It is necessary to cut off the regrown hairs from them and regularly inspect. Due to the fact that the ears are strongly pressed to the animal’s head, sulfur often accumulates in them, various secretions and an ear mite can be created.
Nutrition
Before you get a fluffy pet, you need to figure out how to feed a Scottish kitten. Animals of this breed are in poor health, so it is important to pay a lot of attention to this. You can feed your pet with both dry food and natural food. Veterinarians believe that natural nutrition is better. But you need to ensure that the pet receives all the necessary nutrients. Additionally, you need to purchase vitamins for Scottish cats. They have special trace elements to strengthen the pet's cartilage and to improve the condition of the coat.
The cat's diet should be varied. An adult animal is fed twice a day. In the diet should be meat - chicken and beef. It is necessary to give the pet also cereals on meat or vegetable broth, stewed and raw vegetables, egg yolk. It is useful for them to eat cottage cheese and other dairy products. You must also buy special weed for cats at the pet store.
If you feed your pet with dry food, you need to choose premium food. Only they contain quality ingredients and all the necessary vitamins.
Health
Scottish cats have a genetic defect. It was he who led to such a feature of their ears. Due to the presence of this gene, they are also predisposed to diseases of the musculoskeletal system and joints. Scottish cats often develop osteochondrodysplasia. This disease is characterized by curvature of the spine and limbs, impaired tail mobility. This pathology is not treated and it is it that most often causes a decrease in the life expectancy of Scottish cats. These animals are also prone to ear diseases. Often they get an ear tick, inflammation develops. You must regularly show the pet to the veterinarian and vaccinate. With proper care and following all the doctor's recommendations, a Scottish cat can live about 20 years.