Scottish Fold cats are known for their characteristic folded ears that give them an adorable appearance. They have a round face and big, round eyes, and their folded ears make them look even rounder. They are often compared to teddy bears or owls, but they are highly sought-after and loved by many for their sweet temperament and unique look.
Their ears are their signature feature, and they are fascinating. But there are other intriguing facts to know about these kitties. How much do you know about Scottish Fold cats? Read on to discover nine surprising facts about them!
Here is a Nine surprising facts about Scottish Fold cats
They all have a common ancestor: Susie
Although cats with folded ears date back to the 18th century, Scottish Fold cats first appeared in the 1960s. A folded-ear kitten was found in 1961 in Perthshire, Scotland, among a litter of cats without folded ears. Susie was the name of the kitty. She was crossed with other cats to create the breed, and as a result, she is the common ancestor of all Scottish Fold cats.
A mutation causes folded ears.
The International Feline Association states, “Folded ears are a spontaneous mutation and arise from an incompletely dominant gene that results in both folded-eared cats and straight-eared cats.” This mutation mostly affects folded ears, but it can also affect the body. Specifically, Scottish Fold cats may have cartilage abnormalities.
They are born with straight ears.
Although Scottish Fold cats are known for their distinctively folded ears, they are actually born with straight ears. The fold begins to develop when the kitten is 18 to 24 days old, but only if it has the gene responsible for the fold. Sometimes their ears remain straight, in which case they are known as Scottish shorthairs. About 50% of a litter with one Scottish Fold parent will have folded ears, and the other 50% will not.
Scottish Folds do not cross-pollinate.
For ethical reasons, Scottish Fold cats never breed together because the progeny might be born with degenerative issues. Rather, they typically breed with British or American Shorthairs. Not every kitten in their litter will have folded ears because they are constantly bred with different breeds. Scottish Fold cats are still fairly uncommon as a result.
There are three degrees of folding.
Ear folds are classified into three types: single, double, and triple. According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), “current ear folds range from the looser single fold to the tightly folded triple fold seen in show cats.”
- A single fold is a slight fold that only affects the ear tips.
- A double-fold ear has a more prominent curve than a single-fold ear, with about half of the ear folded downward.
- A triple-fold ear lies flat against the head, making it appear rounder.
They sit like humans.
Scottish Folds are known for their sweet personalities and fun quirks. They sometimes sit prairie-dog-style to get a better vantage point when they hear a noise. They are also known for sitting like humans, which Scottish Fold owners have affectionately dubbed “the Buddha.”
They need a delicate hand.
Although Scottish Fold cats are not necessarily delicate, they do require gentle handling, especially with regard to their tails, which can sometimes be stiff. When buying a Scottish Fold cat, it is worth checking the tail’s flexibility, but it is essential to be gentle. If handled too roughly, it can cause significant pain. There are a variety of ways to connect with a Scottish Fold without causing them any discomfort. When in doubt, always be gentle with them.
They are the only cats that are allowed to wear their folded ears on display.
The most well-known breed of cats with folded ears is the Scottish Fold cat, yet they are not the only ones. Although there have been reports of a few Chinese-originated cats with folded ears, they have not become a recognized breed like the Scottish Fold.
According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), “only cats with folded ears of Scottish lineage are permitted in exhibitions at this time.” More precisely, triple-folded Scottish Fold cats are the only ones accepted for exhibition.
They have Taylor Swift’s approval.
Pop star Taylor Swift isn’t the only famous person in her household; her two Scottish Fold cats have also become fan favorites. Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson, who take their names from primetime TV shows, are always by Swift’s side. They’ve even appeared in photo shoots and advertisements. In early 2019, Swift adopted a third cat named Benjamin Button. He’s not a Scottish Fold; he’s a Ragdoll, but he seems to be settling in nicely with the gang.
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