This breed originated in Scotland in 1961 when a Scottish shepherd, William Ross, found a folded-eared kitten on his neighbor’s farm. Susie’s mother had normal-shaped ears, but the father was unknown. Ross adopted one of Susie’s white kittens and began to breed her with local farm cats and British Shorthairs to establish this lop-eared feline breed. However, British geneticist Oliphant Jackson reported in 1977 that one-third of kittens from the breeding of folded-eared cats developed osteodystrophy, a skeletal lesion.
This cat loves to sit on laps or next to their favorite people. They have a sweet temperament and a quiet, soft voice. This cat enjoys lying on its back when napping, and it does not enjoy being home alone. They benefit from being paired with another cat or other pet in the household. This cat adjusts to new surroundings relatively easily and is somewhat playful, enjoying an occasional game of fetch. They also welcome the company of children and family dogs.
The shorthaired variety needs little grooming. Just run a steel comb through its coat once or twice a week. The longhaired variety needs more grooming. You will need to remove dead hair and prevent mats from forming three to four times a week.
A Scottish Fold typically has a lifespan of around 15 years. Breeders should be aware that the Scottish Fold can have some health problems, such as degenerative joint disease, which can affect the tail. If stiffness is noticed in the tail, it is important to handle it with care.
