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Need to Know
- Great for first-time cat owners
- Is active and enjoys playing games at home
- Playful and curious cat
- Independent but friendly
- Slightly talkative cat
- Average build cat breed
- Requires grooming once a week
- Needs extensive outdoor space
- Great family cat
- Can be regularly left alone for a few hours
- Great for a relaxed home
Personality
Sweet, adaptable, friendly, and not too demanding of their owners, Scottish Fold cats make excellent pets. They have primary attachments to their chosen humans, although they do get along well with strangers and other humans. They love attention but on their own terms, and won’t seek it from owners incessantly. They’re devoted without being clingy and prefer to be near you rather than on top of you. They love string games and the thrill of the chase.
Their folder ears are expressive and will turn to listen to you, lay back in anger, or prick up when they hear food being dispensed. The fold will become less pronounced if the cat is sick or upset.
Incredibly, all Scottish Fold Cats can trace their lineage back to a cat named Susie. In 1961, on the McRae farm in Scotland, a white farm feline was found that had unique folded ears. While it was unclear whether or not Susie was the first of her kind, she produced two folded-ear kittens. Only one parent needs to have the genetic malfunction to create a folded-ear cat. The cat was named the Scottish Fold in 1966 in honor of where Susie was found.
Scottish Fold Cats are good for first-time cat owners who are diligent about checking for the cat’s potential health issues. They need enrichment, assistance with grooming, and a good lap to curl up in to be happy. A fenced-in yard or cat run is ideal if possible.
Scottish Folds enjoy playing, especially with string toys where they can “chase” an object. They can benefit from cat trees and a fenced-in yard where they can roam free.
If you have a fenced-in yard, a Scottish Fold Cat will be happy. They have a strong instinct to chase and will enjoy doing so outside in a protected area.
Scottish Folds can take care of their coats themselves since they are short and dense, although brushing every once in a while can help remove dead hairs. Their ears, however, are hard for them to clean themselves. Owners need to remove dirt and wax buildup to prevent ear infections.
The Scottish Fold likes string toys, cat trees, and curling up in their owner's laps. They are not super demanding for attention but do appreciate owner interaction.
The cost of a Scottish Fold cat from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.
Learn more about feeding and caring for your Scottish Fold on Purina.
Did You Know
- The Scottish Fold Cat gets its name from a deformity in its ears. It’s not until 3 or 4 weeks old that you’ll know whether or not your cat’s ears fold.
- Actress Amanda Seyfried has a Scottish Fold Cat named Snoopy.
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