Cat Breeds: Scottish Fold

Oscar

 Scottish Fold

 
The Scottish Fold cat was first seen as natural mutation in Scotland in the 1960’s. British cat show judges and numerous veterinary surgeons decided that the cat's ears were a deformity and would stop the cat hearing properly and make it impossible for the cat to clean the ear. Deformities of the spine, hind legs and tail also appeared when folded-ear cats were bred to one another. Therefore the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy in the UK decided against allowing the registration of the Scottish Fold cat and consequently the breed is not shown or bred in the UK. However, the breed’s originators continued to breed the Scottish Fold and exported it to Europe and America, and it proved possible to eliminate the spine, leg and tail deformities by careful breeding, incorporating 'normal' eared cats into the gene pool. The Scottish Fold is now recognized in America and can be seen at shows there.

Hamish

The most noticeable feature of a Scottish Fold is its ears, which are small and tightly folded, forward and down. The earflap is folded over completely to cover the ear opening and the flap is stiff and cartilaginous. The tips of the ear are rounded. The Scottish Fold is of medium size with a solid compact body. The head is rounded with a firm chin and jaw. The nose is gently curved and short. They have large, wide open eyes with a sweet expression and eye colour corresponding to the coat colour.

The Scottish Fold has a sweet, gentle temperament despite its strange appearance. They are good with children and other animals.

Tune In Next Tuesday for more information on different Cat Breeds!  
 
*This information was gathered from Purina.com