This breed of cat was discovered in 1961 by a Scottish shepherd named William Ross. He found a kitten with folded-ears and named her Susie. Susie’s mother had normal-shaped ears, but the father was unknown. Ross adopted a white kitten from Susie’s litter and began to breed her with local farm cats and British Shorthairs to establish this lop-eared feline breed. In 1977, British geneticist Oliphant Jackson reported that one-third of kittens from the breeding of folded-eared cats developed osteodystrophy, a skeletal lesion.
This cat loves to be around people. It has a sweet temperament and a quiet voice. This cat enjoys sitting up on its hind legs, which makes it look like an otter. It also enjoys flopping on its back when taking a nap. This cat does not enjoy being home alone and would benefit from being paired with another cat or other pet. This cat is relatively easy to adjust to new surroundings, such as hotel rooms or new people. This cat is somewhat playful and will enjoy an occasional game of fetch. Lastly, this cat welcomes the company of children and family dogs.
Short-haired cats require little grooming – just once or twice a week, run a steel comb through its coat. Longhaired cats require more grooming, about three to four times a week, to remove dead hair and prevent mats from forming.
The typical lifespan of a Scottish Fold is about 15 years. The breed can be predisposed to some health problems, like degenerative joint disease, which can cause stiffness in the tail. If you notice any problems, make sure to handle the cat carefully.
