The Scottish Fold is a young cat breed. The first kittens appeared a little over 50 years ago - in the 60s of the 20th century. Animals with folded ears quickly fell in love with buyers, first conquering Europe, and then moving to the United States.
One of the features due to which the black fold-eared cat has become the favorite of a large number of people is its straight stance. Imitating gophers, these animals like to sit on their hind legs, raising their body, and lowering their front legs. Only their goals are different - this is how the animals knead the bones of the spine.
Surprisingly, although the black fold cat belongs to the cat family, in most cases he is afraid of heights. This feature is due to the structure of the vestibular apparatus. But when playing, they do not jump on the curtains and rarely jump on cabinets. Fold-eared Scots love to play and fool around, but they will do it with dignity.
Story
The first animal of this breed, Susie, appeared in Scotland from a semi-wild cat. The father remains unknown.
Quite early, Susie began to bear offspring, which the owners had difficulty placing with friends. In 1963, a resident of Scotland, Mary Ross, received one of Susie's kittens as a gift - it was a white cat, nicknamed Snooks. Her first offspring revealed a kitten very similar to those we know today as Scottish Folds. It was a white cat with heavy paws, who was named Snowball. The owner did not have the skills of a breeder, but the woman thought that she had a chance to see the birth of a new breed.
After Snowball grew up, he was crossed with a British Shorthair. At the same time, in the next mating, Snooks was bred with a British blue. It was in this simple way that the first Scottish Fold cat was obtained at home. The black color of the first litter and folded ears attracted the interest of the breeders, who helped Mary develop the final breeding algorithm.
Over the past few decades, this breed has become one of the most sought after throughout the world. As a result of a malfunction in the gene pool that arose due to crossbreeding with short-haired cats, geneticists had to make a lot of effort to eliminate it. If both parents were lop-eared, such crossing sometimes led to disorders in the musculoskeletal system. This is what forced the use of partners of the Scottish breed who do not have folded ears in breeding.
The fold-eared black cat most often appears with normal ears. They fold only after four weeks after birth.
Feeding and types of food for your pet
Small kittens from two to four months eat up to six times a day. The kitten will mature and in the period of 4-6 months feeding is reduced to four times. At the age of 6-8 months, Scottish cats eat three to four times a day. Closer to a year, the pet switches to two meals a day, morning and evening. The water for your pet is regularly changed to clean water at least once a day.
The diet of Scottish Folds is divided into natural, industrial, or mixed. Each diet has positive and negative aspects:
- Natural food that the owner prepares specifically for the pet. The meat used is low-fat varieties, mainly chicken, rabbit, and veal. The meat can be boiled or given raw. The product should be finely chopped and slightly warmed. As a rule, meat products are mixed with boiled or raw vegetables. Cabbage, zucchini, pumpkin, and carrots are suitable for cats. You can also mix the meat with bran or porridges made from buckwheat, oatmeal, or rice. Meat is sometimes replaced with liver, heart, and stomachs. To do this, boil and chop, then mix with vegetables and porridge. You can lightly season the dish for your pet with sunflower, olive, and linseed oils. Greens are necessary in the animal’s diet; you can give parsley and lettuce. Fish products are given no more than twice a week. For a Scot, fish is chosen only from the sea, boiled and finely chopped, and removed from the bones. Every day you can give fermented milk products, choosing low-fat varieties of yogurt, cottage cheese, fermented baked milk, and kefir. It is better not to use sour cream, cream or milk in your pet’s diet. It is useful to give vitamins in the autumn and spring seasons, which will make up for the lack of minerals and amino acids. Vitamins are prescribed by a veterinarian.
- Industrial food is divided into dry ready-made food and wet food. This option significantly saves time for the owner; you only need to open the jar before eating. It is recommended to be interested in the composition before purchasing. A small amount or complete absence of meat in the product, as well as the presence of animal, vegetable fats and grains, is possible with cheap and low-quality production. Such nutrition will negatively affect the health of the animal. It is better to choose food marked premium or extra class.
- A mixed diet for a cat consists of alternating industrial food with natural food. For example, feed a Scotsman with prepared food in the morning, and prepare natural food in the evening. Many owners have a negative attitude towards mixed feeding; they believe that the combination leads to difficult digestion for the pet.
Scottish Folds love cleanliness; food should only be given in clean bowls and fresh. Overfeeding an animal leads to excess weight, heart and vascular diseases, and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Ready-made food for Scottish fold cats should be used in accordance with the age of the pet.
Appearance
Light blue coat color is considered classic. But since a large number of different exotics took part in the formation of the breed, today a huge variety of colors is acceptable. Scots can be blue, cream, white, bicolor, black, tabby, chinchilla and so on.
The head of animals of this breed is round, with a flat forehead, drooping ears. The legs are relatively short, the paws are rounded. The nose is straight and wide. The fur is short and thick.
On average, a black fold cat weighs 8 kg.
Colors of Scottish Straight cats
There is no difference in coat color variations between Scottish Straights and Folds. Cats with straight ears come in exactly the same colors as their fold-eared relatives:
- plain;
- bicolor;
- point;
- tipping;
- tabby
Similarly with the long-haired “Scots” (Highland Fold and Highland Straight), they are also characterized by all of the listed colors.
INTERESTING! As Scottish kittens grow, the color of their coat gradually changes. The final color is formed when the animal reaches 2 years of age.
The most popular are smoky, chinchilla, single-color, tortoiseshell, and shaded representatives of the straight-eared Scottish variety.
Intelligence
Animals are playful and quite active - this is especially true for kittens. They quickly get used to sitting in their owner's arms. The black fold cat is prone to basic training. These animals quickly figure out what purpose there is a scratching post in the house; some individuals are able to turn on and watch TV.
The intelligence of Scottish Folds is at a fairly high level, their intuition is well developed, and they are highly adaptable. These animals are able to quickly get used to any environment, “read” the owner’s emotions, adapting to his mood. Fold-eared pets are non-aggressive, they are almost unable to take revenge.
What do they say about cats with blue eyes?
Cat eyes have four primary colors – blue, green, yellow and copper. What eye color your pet will have depends on genetic characteristics. If he is predisposed to the presence of a large number of melanocytes, then his eyes will be dark, if there is little of this pigment, they will be light.
There are no blue eyes as such. If a cat has eyes of this shade, then its body does not produce enough pigments. We simply mistake the reflection in their transparent part for the blueness of the eyes. However, scientists have not established a connection between a cat’s health and its life expectancy.
Character
The character of these animals is very stable, they do not give in to hysterics, quickly become attached to the house and owner, while being self-sufficient.
A striking feature of the breed is its voice. It does not at all resemble a gentle purr, but rather the creaking of old wood. Scots rarely shout, mostly communicating their needs in a polite manner.
In conflict situations, ordinary cats hiss, bite, and show aggression in every possible way. However, this does not apply to the Scots, who are born diplomats. If they could go to work, they would certainly get into politics!
Why do kittens' eyes change color?
Eye color in cats depends on the amount of coloring pigment. Therefore, the reason for the change in eye color is the accumulation of melanin in the eyeball during the development of the visual organs. However, blue color is a recessive trait, which is why eyes of this shade are very rare.
At the moment of embryo formation, there are approximately 3 dozen pigment centers in the body of the future kitten. Migrating throughout the animal’s body during its development, the bulk of them settle in the fur. At the same time, the eyes account for only a small proportion of pigments, which continue to accumulate after the kitten is born. In the process of their accumulation, a change in the color of the kitten’s eyes occurs.
Socialization
These animals get used to their family extremely quickly. Experienced owners are sure that cats treat children and elderly family members with special tenderness. If they really like a person, they will follow him everywhere, trying to attract attention. However, no matter how much they want to socialize, they will not distract from business by grabbing your legs or jumping on your lap. The most important thing for these cats is to be close to their loved one.
Other animals, including cats, please the Scots as they love good company. Even living together with a dog does not spoil the cats’ mood - they quickly get used to such a neighbor, playing with him and even caring for his fur.
Description of the breed
The appearance of the fold is unusual for an ordinary cat, primarily due to the shape of the ears .
- The ears are widely spaced on the slightly flattened head and seem to be tucked downwards.
- The eyes are set close to the nose and have a rounded forum. Eye color is most often brown, gold or sand.
- The nose is small, with a small hump and also has a black color.
- The body is proportional, not stretched, compact. Despite their toy appearance, these are strong animals, dexterous, fast and very agile. Paws are straight, covered with hair. The pads are soft and have fur on them that should be trimmed periodically.
- The head is slightly flattened, but in proportion to the body. Visually they appear clubfooted, but this does not in any way affect the dexterity of the animal.
- The British belong to the category of large cats, so the maximum weight for them is about ten kilograms.
- The coat is short, but very thick, which creates a fluffy or even plush effect.
Apart from color, black representatives of Scottish Folds are no different from their fellow tribesmen of other colors.
To read: The correct diet of the Pomeranian Spitz, what should not be given to your pet
Peculiarities
The high intelligence of cats of this breed indicates their good learning ability, however, screaming can forever discourage the animal from obeying. Moreover, a cat can become aggressive and cowardly if you shout at it regularly.
Fold-eared Scots do not tolerate rudeness. So, it will not be possible to carry cats of this breed by the scruff of the neck - they simply will not allow it. Firstly, because due to their severity, this position is painful for animals. Secondly, it is harmful to the spinal column. Cats need to be carried in such a way that all paws can rest on something in the air.
The owner must be extremely patient to raise a Scotsman. It is important to understand the individual characteristics of cats. For example, remember that even the smartest animal is not able to remember several commands. It is necessary to move from simple to more complex exercises.
How to choose a kitten
Basically, the price consists of the external characteristics of the kitten, its health, the presence of a veterinary record and documents. Pricing is also influenced by the status of the parents, the number of their exhibitions and medals won.
It is also worth paying attention to the age of the kitten. No self-respecting breeder will sell you an animal that has not reached 3 months of age. It is at this time that the kitten’s final color has already formed and mandatory vaccinations must be given.
The average cost of a kitten of this breed is about 20,000 rubles. Most lovers of this breed prefer nurseries over ordinary breeders, since getting a kitten with problems tends to zero.
You can purchase an already sterilized kitten after at least 6 months from its birth. The cost of such a pet will be much higher.
Care
Most breeders talk about the low whimsical nature of cats of this breed. Their fur must be brushed daily with a massage brush. Animals get used to this quite quickly, enjoying the procedure that is beneficial for their health.
The fold-eared black cat, whose photo will decorate any catalog of breeds, contrary to stereotypes, does not resist bathing. Often gets used to water procedures after three to five times. Despite this, you can wash it only if absolutely necessary - if fleas appear or there is significant contamination.
The unique shape of the ears leads to the rapid accumulation of dust and wax in them. Therefore, you should inspect them regularly - 2-3 times a month. When cleaning, use a cotton swab coated with ear hygiene liquid.
Animals need to trim their claws no more than once a month - for this you should buy a steel nail clipper and a scratching post. The claw must be trimmed by 2 mm. You should not use scissors - this can harm the animal’s nerve endings or fingers.
What to do before the appearance of the Scottish fold?
Scottish Folds are usually ready for independent life at 2-3 months of life, it is at this time that they are weaned from their mother, but before you get this kitten, you need to carefully prepare everything.
- First of all, you should purchase dishes from which the baby will eat and drink. It is best to give preference to bowls made of stainless steel or porcelain; a container made of food-grade plastic may also be suitable. Additionally, you will need to buy toys, a house and a tray with filling. Since the kitten will need to be shown to the veterinarian periodically, it is necessary to buy a spacious carrier; it will also come in handy during trips to the country.
- The next stage of preparation will be drawing up a daily routine and selecting a balanced diet. At first, it is not recommended to give dry food to the little handsome guy.
- The final step will be preparing the site for the house. It should be protected from drafts and not noisy, so that the pet can rest comfortably (Scottish Folds are large sleepyheads). When the animal gets used to its new habitat, it will gradually begin to explore the entire space of the room. During this period, the baby needs to be given maximum attention and given affection.
Nicknames
Many owners, having acquired a new pet, are tormented by the question of what to name a fold-eared (black) cat. First of all, you should take into account that purebred animals have pedigrees and breeder marks. Each kitten is registered, so all animals from the same litter must have names starting with the same letter - this narrows the list.
The Scottish Fold (black) cat can be named anything, but most owners still prefer beautiful, sonorous nicknames that will sound good at exhibitions. For a home, purebred animals most often have a simpler, shorter and more convenient name. For example, King all Round at home may well turn out to be Bantik.
When does eye color change occur?
Each cat breed changes eye color at certain times. Most often it occurs between 2 weeks and 12 months after the eyes begin to open. A kitten's eye color changes gradually. Two weeks after birth, the eyes are covered with a cloudy film. Because of this, they appear to have a gray tint. And only then the shade becomes more pronounced. From this moment you can approximately determine what eye color will be. However, you cannot be sure of this, since the range of shades is very large - from a gray-blue tint to brown. Therefore, those who get a purebred kitten and want it to have a particular eye color most often adopt it at the age of 4 months.
It is worth noting that if the kitten initially had yellow eyes, then this color becomes brighter - amber, copper or golden. That is, brown eyes can never acquire a blue tint.
Diseases
Owners need to take care of the health of a cat prone to longevity. Despite the fact that the average lifespan of a lop-eared cat is 19 years, you need to regularly take them to the veterinarian and monitor their well-being at home.
First of all, you should monitor the cat’s appetite, sociability and behavior. If there are warning factors, it is necessary to check the temperature, take the pulse, and pay attention to other symptoms. If something bad happens to your animal, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Caring for black Scottish cats
Black cats are not easily soiled, so if the floors in your apartment suddenly become dirty, you won’t be able to see it from a black cat, unlike a white one.
You can comb a black cat with any comb or other device that does this well.
Cats are bathed with professional shampoos that enhance the black color and add shine. This is relevant, first of all, for show animals. However, if your pet does not participate in exhibitions, but you are very picky about its appearance, we also recommend purchasing a special professional shampoo. Moreover, it allows you to maintain the microbiome (microflora) of the cat’s skin in the desired form.
Black Highland Fold cat
It is worth making sure that the cat receives enough vitamins and minerals from food - then the coat will shine. If a cat does not receive enough trace elements, in particular the amino acid tyrosine, which is involved in the synthesis of the eumelanin pigment (black pigment), the coat fades. Tyrosine is contained in meat, so not only for health, but also for the quality of color, the basis of the Scottish cat’s diet should be this product. Otherwise, the fur will take on a reddish, rusty tint.
You should not allow your pet to be exposed to sunlight for long periods of time to prevent the fur from fading.
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Image type, jpg. Resolution, 2000×1500. Uploaded August 24, 2016 Category: Animals. Views, 638. Number of downloads, 37.
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