Cat Breeds: Scottish Fold

The Scottish Fold cat is a curly eared cat who originally occurred as a spontaneous mutation in farm cats in Scotland. Sometimes called Coupari by Canadian breeders—this a breed of cat has a natural dominant-gene mutation that makes its ear cartilage contain a fold, causing the ears to bend forward and down towards the front of their head, giving the cat what is often described as an "owl-like" appearance. They were originally called Flops (for "floppy" ears), the name Scottish Fold became the breed's name in 1966.

Origin

The original Scottish Fold was a white, fold eared cat named "Susie". She was discovered in 1961 in the Tayside Region of Scotland, at a farm near Coupar Angus. She was a white barn cat with ears that folded downward and forward on her head. Her face resembled an "owl" or an "otter's face". A shepherd by the name of William Ross first noticed Susie's unique ears at a neighbor's barn. Since William and his wife Mary were Cat Fanciers they were fascinated with Susie.

A year later Susie and a local tom had a litter of two folded ear kittens and the Ross's acquired the female and named her Snooks. Snooks' son was bred to a British Shorthair and so began the breed known today as the Scottish Fold. At this time the breed was registered with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy in Great Britain. Today all Scottish Folds are descendents of this remarkable Scottish kitty.

Appearance

The most noticable feature of this breed of cat is its folded ear. Though born without the so-called "fold" eventually those with the gene, more or less after 21 days, would develop this "fold". The Scottish Folds' firm chin, prominent cheek pads and large, expressive eyes give the breed's round face a very sweet, appealing expression.

The shorthaired Scottish Fold has a short, plush, dense coat that comes in parti-colors, shadeds, smokes, solids and tabbies. The longhaired members of the breed have beautiful flowing coats featuring the same array of colors and patterns as their shorthaired counterparts. Scottish Folds come in two types: folded ear and straight (normal) ear.

Personality

Having barnyard ancestors, Scottish Folds are naturally robust cats. They are sweet natured breed who loves endearment and is extremely affectionate. They have tiny voices that sounds more like a squeak than a meow. They love to play and be involved in the fun and games. Often they would be seen sleeping flat on their backs. They adore human companionship and adapt to almost any home situation, whether you live in an apartment or a country acreage. They get along well with children, dogs and other pets. If you are looking for a calm, affectionate, adorable and healthy cat for your family, the Scottish Fold may just be the purr-fect choice!

My take

I haven't actually seen a Scottish Fold but the first time I saw its picture in the internet I was like, "That's a weird cat...". They have eyes that are so big and ears that seem small. Weird... it reminded me of a movie I saw when I was much younger... Anyway, they're fluffy enough to be hugged and I'm pretty sure they wouldn't try to escape your clutches but instead they would cuddle up more. I wouldn't mind having one, although they're big eyes might need time to sink in...