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The Scottish Fold cat is a breed of cat characterized by its distinctive folded ears, which are caused by a dominant genetic mutation. The folded ears start to develop when the cats are around 3-4 weeks old.
Scottish Folds are known for their friendly, affectionate, and playful personalities. They tend to bond closely with their owners and enjoy spending time with their human families.
While Scottish Folds can have either folded or straight ears, it is not recommended to breed two Scottish Folds together, as this can lead to health issues. Breeders typically outcross Scottish Folds with other breeds like British Shorthairs or American Shorthairs.
Scottish Folds are prone to certain health conditions, including orthopaedic problems, kidney disease, heart disease, and ear problems. Regular veterinary check-ups are important to monitor for these issues.
What is the origin of scottish fold cats
The Scottish Fold breed originated in Scotland in the 1960s, when a farmer named William Ross noticed a white barn cat named Susie with folded ears. who was found at a farm near Coupar Angus in Tayside, Scotland, in 1961.
Susie had an unusual fold in the middle of her ears, which gave her an “owl-like” appearance. When Susie had kittens, two of them were born with the same folded ears.
One of Susie’s kittens with folded ears was acquired by a neighbouring farmer and cat-fancier named William Ross. The Rosses began breeding these cats, eventually leading to the official recognition of the Scottish Fold breed.
The breeding program produced 76 kittens in the first three years, with 42 having folded ears and 34 having straight ears. This led researchers to conclude that the ear fold mutation is caused by a simple dominant gene.
Scottish Folds can have either short or long hair, with the longhaired variety known as the Highland Fold. Both varieties are recognized by major cat registries like the Cat Fanciers’ Association.
Ross registered the Scottish Fold breed with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in the UK in 1966 and continued developing the breed with the help of geneticist Pat Turner.
What is the average lifespan of a scottish fold cat
The average lifespan of a Scottish Fold cat is around 11 to 15 years.
Common health issues that scottish fold cats face
Some common health issues that Scottish Fold cats face include:
1. Polycystic Kidney Disease: Scottish Folds are predisposed to this progressive disease that causes cysts to develop in the kidneys, leading to a decline in kidney function and potential kidney failure.
Symptoms include dehydration, frequent urination, incontinence, decreased appetite, weight loss, sores in the mouth, lower back pain, and edema.
2. Cardiomyopathy: Scottish Folds have a genetic predisposition to cardiomyopathy, a common heart disease that causes the heart muscle to become abnormally thickened, making it harder to pump blood through the body. Symptoms include loss of appetite, weak pulse, difficulty breathing, and lethargy.
3. Osteochondrodysplasia: This genetic deformity affects the cartilage in Scottish Folds, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and potential mobility issues.
4. Dental Issues: Dental problems can affect Scottish Folds, emphasizing the importance of regular dental care to prevent issues related to eating, hunting, and grooming.
5. Obesity: Scottish Folds, like many indoor cats, are prone to obesity. Signs of obesity in cats include difficulty climbing stairs, visible weight gain, loss of a recognizable waistline, and sitting or lying down more often. Limiting food intake and feeding high-protein-rich cat food can help manage weight.
6. Eye Issues: Scottish Folds are prone to eye problems, such as infections, red or pinkish eyes, watery eyes, green or yellow discharge, squinting, and pawing at the eyes. Eye infections can be caused by bacterial or viral infections and should be treated promptly by a veterinarian.
These health issues highlight the importance of regular veterinary check-ups, proper nutrition, and attentive care to ensure the well-being of Scottish Fold cats.
How to prevent dehydration in my scottish fold cat
To prevent dehydration in your Scottish Fold cat, you can take the following steps:
1. Ensure Access to Fresh Water: Make sure your Scottish Fold cat has access to clean and fresh water at all times. Cats can be picky about their water source, so consider providing a water fountain or changing the water frequently to encourage drinking.
2. Monitor Water Intake: Keep an eye on your cat’s water intake to ensure they are drinking enough. If you notice a decrease in water consumption, it could be a sign of dehydration.
3. Wet Food Diet: Consider feeding your Scottish Fold wet cat food, as it contains more moisture than dry food and can help keep your cat hydrated.
4. Regular Vet Check-ups: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor your cat’s overall health, including hydration levels. Your vet can provide guidance on maintaining proper hydration for your Scottish Fold.
5. Address Health Issues Promptly: If your Scottish Fold shows signs of dehydration, such as lethargy, dry mouth, sunken eyes, or decreased skin elasticity, seek veterinary care immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Causes of dehydration in scottish fold cats
Some common causes of dehydration in Scottish Fold cats include:
1. Inadequate Water Intake: Scottish Folds may not drink enough water on their own, leading to dehydration. It’s essential to provide fresh water at all times and encourage your cat to drink an adequate amount.
2. Illness or Health Issues: Underlying health conditions such as kidney disease, urinary tract infections, or gastrointestinal disorders can cause increased fluid loss and dehydration in Scottish Fold cats.
3. Heat Exposure: Scottish Folds may become dehydrated if exposed to high temperatures or if they are unable to cool down effectively through panting or sweating through their paw pads.
4. Vomiting or Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal issues that lead to vomiting or diarrhoea can result in fluid loss and dehydration in Scottish Fold cats.
5. Lack of Appetite: If a Scottish Fold cat is not eating enough or experiencing a decreased appetite, it can contribute to dehydration due to reduced fluid intake.
By addressing these common causes of dehydration, you can help prevent dehydration and maintain your cat’s overall well-being.
What is the temperament of scottish fold cats
The temperament of Scottish Fold cats is generally described as:
1. Friendly and Loving: Scottish Fold cats are known to be very friendly and loving towards their human owners. They enjoy attention and will often follow their owners around.
2. Affectionate: Scottish Folds form strong bonds with their owners and are affectionate companions. They tend to become attached to one primary person in the household.
3. Calm and Quiet: Scottish Folds are typically calm and quiet cats, unless they want something from their owners or are in distress. They are not known to be overly vocal.
4. Independent: While affectionate, Scottish Folds also have an independent streak. They need plenty of exercise and playtime, even though they can also be quite lazy.
5. Adaptable: Scottish Folds can adapt well to different living situations, including households with children, other pets, and varying activity levels.
6. Intelligent: Scottish Folds are described as bright cats that can learn tricks and commands with positive reinforcement training.
Cost of the scottish fold cats
The cost of Scottish Fold cats can vary significantly, but here are the key details:
The average cost of a Scottish Fold kitten is between $1,000 and $3,000.
Some breeders may charge as high as $4,000 for a Scottish Fold kitten, though this is considered an unreasonably high price by other breeders.
Factors that can affect the price include:
- Breeder reputation and the level of care/guarantees provided
- Availability and demand in the local area
- Coat color and pattern, with rarer colors like smoke, lilac, fawn, and pointed potentially costing more
- Whether the kitten has a pedigree and is registered with organizations like TICA
Adopting a Scottish Fold from a rescue organization may cost less, around $300 to $500, but availability is limited.
In addition to the initial purchase price, ongoing costs for a Scottish Fold include pet insurance ($20-$40/month), vaccinations, food, grooming, and potential medical expenses related to their health issues.
So in summary, the typical cost range for a Scottish Fold kitten from a reputable breeder is $1,000 to $3,000, with various factors influencing the final price.
Where can I find scottish fold kittens for sale
You can find Scottish Fold kittens for sale at various locations and online platforms. Here are some specific places:
1. Scottish Fold Kittens cattery in Barrie, Ontario, Canada: This cattery offers Scottish Fold kittens for sale.
2. Scottish Fold and British shorthair kittens for sale in NYC in Brooklyn, New York: This location offers Scottish Fold and British ShortHair kittens for sale.
3. Adorable Stars Kittens Cattery in Orlando, Florida: This TICA and CFA-registered cattery offers Scottish Fold and British kittens for sale.
4. Zaras Scottish Fold & British Cattery in Windsor, Connecticut: This cattery offers Scottish Fold and British kittens for sale.
5. Scottish Fold USA in Manorville, New York: This location offers Scottish Fold kittens for sale.
6. Scottish Fold Kittens NYC in Brooklyn, New York: This cattery offers Scottish Fold kittens for sale.
7. Beyond Cuteness Scottish Cattery in Montclair, California: This cattery offers Scottish Fold kittens for sale.
8. Scottish Fold Kittens LA California in Los Angeles, California: This location offers Scottish Fold kittens for sale.
9. Local South Florida family business in South Florida: This family business offers purebred Scottish Straight & Scottish Fold kittens for sale.
10. Lapa.shop in Ukraine: This platform offers Scottish Fold kittens for sale directly from breeders at competitive prices.
11. Adoptapet.com: This website helps you find Scottish Fold kittens for sale or adoption near you.
These are just a few places where you can find Scottish Fold kittens for sale. It’s essential to research each location thoroughly and ensure they are reputable breeders or catteries to ensure the health and well-being of the kittens.
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