The lop-eared cat is tender, probably for everyone. Expressive eyes, charming muzzle, plush fur coat, and most importantly - ears bent forward.
Descriptions of cats with unusual ears are found in the annals of the XVIII century. But the story of a
Scottish fold cat begins in the fifties of the twentieth century. Once, a farmer from Scotland saw a
white cat with bent ears, living with its neighbors. The owners did not know why their pets had such ears. The farmer was interested in an unusual cat, and he asked him to give him a kitten with a non-standard shape of ears, if any. Only two years later his request came true. And it is from that kitten that the Scottish Fold breed leads its history.
The farmer's family, supported by English geneticists, began breeding a new breed of cat. Fold cats were crossed with British Shorthair. This breed has a lot of fans and opponents. By the way, in England it is not officially recognized, although several nurseries operate in the country.
In 1970, a Scottish fold cat was taken to America, came to the famous breeder of short-tailed cats, enthralling her. This is how Scottish folds came about. Today, America is recognized as a breeding center for this breed.
There are two varieties within the breed: Scottish Fold - Fold and Scottish Fold - Straight. Straights do not participate in exhibitions, but are necessary for breeding. In order to avoid genetic diseases, fold folds are crossed with erect or British shorthair. Surprisingly, all kittens born from such a cross have straight ears. Lop-eared appears in about half of the litter and only by the age of one month.
The lop-eared is a medium-sized cat with a short body and short neck. Her chest is wide, her paws are short, her tail is pointed at the end. The ears, the main difference between these cats, are small, bent forward, adjacent to the head. The head is large, eyes are round, large. The coat is short, does not adhere to the body. Color can be any, found mainly blue, black, white and marble.
The nature of cats of this breed is calm, one might even say phlegmatic. They are independent, unperturbed and unobtrusive. The lop-eared cat is very attached to the owner, affectionate, friendly to children, quietly endures the grip, puts up with the presence of other animals in the house. The voice of these cats is quiet, they rarely give it. They are clean, smart, do not create problems for the owners. Love to sleep on the back.
British lop-eared cats are distinguished by good health, long life. Lop-eared due to a certain gene, which can lead to skeletal abnormalities. They may have osteochondrodystrophy, as a rule, in individuals with a short tail and inflexible paws.
When caring for a cat, close attention should be paid to the ears. A non-standard auricle contributes to increased sulfur formation. Ears should be cleaned weekly. Wool does not require increased attention, it is enough to comb once a week. Periodically, eyes should be wiped with a clean, damp cloth.
A lop-eared cat, having appeared in the house, almost immediately becomes the favorite of all family members.