Scottish Straight cat - reviews about the breed

03/16/2019 Drozd Nikolaevich Animals

Among pet lovers there are quite a lot of fans of Scottish Straight cats. The nature of the pets allows them to be kept in families with small children. However, the breed requires care and knowledge of the animal’s character. In order for your pet to feel good, you should take proper care of it. Scottish cats are a breed that appeared relatively recently, but in a short time the animals were able to win the hearts of both ordinary breeders and charm people specializing in breeding. At first glance, the appearance of the pets is ordinary, but there are quite unusual and exceptional features that attract many. Representatives of the Scots sometimes look formidable, sometimes strict, but at the same time they are always so sweet.

Some confusion

The Scottish Straight cat, the photo of which is presented in this article, is a close relative of the Scottish Straight. However, the characters of the animals are radically different. Often the habits of the latter cause bewilderment among breeders; they cannot be kept in a family with children due to excessive aggressiveness and intolerance even with small pranks.

The characteristics of Scottish straight-eared cats are radically different. They are completely different from their relatives. However, before purchasing them, it is necessary to find out the characteristics of the animal’s character and its standard habits, so that if difficulties arise in upbringing, you will be able to cope with them.

Description of the Scottish Straight cat

Scottish cats differ in a number of characteristic features that are unique to this breed. Sometimes animals are often confused with the British species, but during the comparison process the following differences can be identified:

• more rounded head;
• the body has an oblong and elongated shape, which gives the animal elegance;
• body proportions are slightly reduced;
• the average weight of a cat is 3 - 5 kg, boys weigh slightly more than females;
• pets are very flexible and remain hardy and playful at any age.

External features of the Scottish Longhair

The Scottish Straight inherited its long, flowing coat from its Iranian ancestor, the Persian. It is slightly different in structure and has a number of advantages: it does not get tangled, does not need frequent washing, and sheds less. A defect is considered to be wool that is too soft and resembles cotton wool.

The Highland (like all cats of the Scottish breed) has a special gene in the blood that makes the ear cartilage weak. A similar mutation manifests itself in “folds” in the form of ears pressed to the head. On the contrary, “Highlands” do not have a tilt in any direction, but the ears are incredibly thin to the touch. Such funny “antenna” ears, combined with sleek long hair, are the main distinguishing features of representatives of this breed.

Only purebred Scots who meet the description of the breed standard are allowed to participate in exhibitions. Disqualification is possible due to a tail that is too short or deformed. Painful movements of the animal and poor health are also considered unacceptable.

Table: breed description (WCF standard)

Video: Scottish Longhair Straight cat at an international exhibition

Color

Highland cats inherited a variety of colors from British cats as a result of crossbreeding. The color can be either plain (solid), implying the absence of any inclusions of another color, or with a color pattern. In the first case, cats that are most often found are blue, cream or lilac in color. Less common are animals of white, black, red or chocolate color.

The most common colors with color patterns are:

• tortoiseshell (torti) - spots of cream, gray, white or red colors are evenly scattered on the main plain background;
• point - the fur on the body is 1-2 shades lighter than on the ears, tail, paws and muzzle;
• van - snow-white “fur coat”, with the exception of the muzzle and tail. Spots on the body and paws are allowed.

World felinological organizations recognize all types of colors, so long-haired straight-eared Scots of all colors are allowed to participate in exhibitions.

Photo gallery: varieties of colors

Van-colored cats look like plush toys

Straight tortoiseshell color looks very stylish

Snow-white color is a rare occurrence among straight cats.

Pointed Highland Straights are somewhat reminiscent of Siamese

Blue - classic Highland Straight color

Straight-eared Scottish cat: character and habits

Inexperienced breeders often wonder how to determine in advance the future character of a kitten. It is well known that Scottish Straight babies show a special disposition already in the first months of life. As soon as the babies' eyes appear and they begin to crawl around the apartment, it becomes clear whether the cat will be balanced and obedient. Perhaps he will become a tireless and energetic researcher. Or perhaps the kitten will become a phlegmatic, calm cat.

Kittens of this breed, even born from the same mother cat, may be completely different in habits and character from each other. Sometimes it seems that it is impossible to determine which of the mischievous kids will be the optimal pet for a particular family.

Scottish Straight cat - reviews about the breed

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Alexa
10/15/2020 at 10:47 pm

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Our Straight is already five years old, I am an experienced cat lover. The breed is essentially similar to the silly Pooh Bear. Not at all suitable for the street, only for indoor keeping. Gets along great with dogs. Not interested in flowers. Doesn't like to be held. Calmly tolerates grooming. We trained him for two weeks and the cat began to climb into our arms on his own. He responds to his name, is always interested in what is happening, knows how to relax 100%. He knows the tray very well, he only missed the mark when moving. He is very affectionate and has never shown aggression. Quietly stays at home alone for three to four days. When I switched to super premium food, my fur stopped shedding all the time. A very beautiful and loving cat. I wish this to everyone.

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Alexander

I have such a girl, I love her very much.

trj-voron

https://otzovik.com/review_456909.html

We gave him a 2 month old kitten, now he’s grown up and the nightmare has begun... he peels off the wallpaper, attacks everyone, bites into legs and arms, constantly yells at the door - asks to go outside, only goes into the litter box with the small ones, with the big ones he goes everywhere, doesn’t let anyone do anything, follows on his heels , I can’t beat him, I feel sorry for him, but even if I push him away, he will immediately attack and gnaw his leg or arm. We leave it in the hallway at night because we are afraid that it will bite at night... I don’t know what to do, it’s a pity to give it away, but my arms and legs are not healing - never give cats to anyone and the owner must choose his pet himself

1Albina

https://otzovik.com/review_4787672.html

Previously, I didn’t have any animals other than fish. But I always wanted a kitten. Then my husband was offered a Scottish kitten by friends. When we brought him home in the first couple of days, he was afraid and hissed at us. Then we played around, got used to each other, and there was no limit to our affection. It was immediately clear that the cat was not stupid. I went to the tray as I should. A month passed and the kitten began to go to the toilet in other places and refused the litter box. He tore off the wallpaper on the corners of the apartment and scratched the furniture. There is no place where he cannot jump or climb. A couple of months later our baby was born. The cat's attention decreased. The kitten began to demand attention to itself. If you don’t give him food in the morning, he rushes to his feet and scratches. When you stroke or play with him, he may bite or scratch him severely. I'm afraid to let him have a child. Flower pots are always on the floor. Not friendly to everyone. But of course he loves to be cuddled. Stick to your hand or neck)) I don’t know what to do with this kitten. It's like a second child.

Masha Muntyan

My girl is already half a year old, but during this time we have been through a lot. Specifically, this concerns her health. Thanks to the cat lady from whom we bought it, and who deceived us very much, we have already experienced a two-month sick leave, which, unfortunately, will not end in the near future. When we decided to buy a pet and chose this particular breed, I read a lot of recommendations about keeping them and how to take care of their health. And when purchasing, we were very strongly assured that all kittens were taking the vitamin course indiscriminately. And we believed, which we regretted because soon my Fox began to fall on his paws. When we took an x-ray at the veterinary clinic, we saw the terrible condition of her bones. And they immediately began an intensive course of treatment. Injections, tablets, drops and constant monitoring by a doctor. We were very worried about her, as she had become an integral member of the family. She is very playful, kind, curious and affectionate.

swetlanakolt

https://otzovik.com/review_1751274.html

Advantages:

Loves one owner, is occasionally capable of showing affection, and is playful.

Flaws:

A jealous person with a bad character is incredibly difficult to re-educate or teach.

As for me, this breed of cats is very jealous and poorly trained. I do not advise. But the Scottish fold is a different matter.

Kamilacat

https://citykey.net/review/eto-chudo-prirody

Today I wanted to share with you about another love of mine, my love for cats. My love for these creatures dates back to childhood. But when I grew up, my sympathy did not go away. My husband and I had several cats before our “queen” arrived.

For our first anniversary, I ordered a Scottish straight-eared cat for my husband as a gift. I spent a long time reading about different breeds, but when I saw in an online ad a small fluffy creature with plush fur like a bear, and even with a slight blue tint, I had no doubt that I wanted this particular breed.

Our Alice came to us from far away. The little lump hid from us in the sofa for the first day out of fear, and then slept all night. I thought that none of this is true, what they write on the Internet. It’s as if they are very active, and sometimes aggressive, but in vain…. It was only at first that she was so quiet. After a while, when the cat got comfortable with us, she literally began to tear down the apartment. Where hasn't she been? And on the computer desk, and clung to the carpets, and crawled out to the very top of the wall.

As the cat grew older, her character became more and more evident. She didn't like being held. She allowed her to stroke herself only when she wanted. In a word, I realized that the Scottish Straight breed really has character.

She ate only good premium food from us. We were very careful about her health. We were vaccinated and given anti-worm medications.

At one time I read a lot of information about their breed, about exhibitions and titles. But I never managed to do this. Over the years that we had Alice, I realized that purebred cats are harder to care for than ordinary “mutts”. Pedigree cats:

-get sick more often.

- more demands on food. And if it is not chosen correctly, then be prepared for the whole house to be covered in wool;

-special care;

-Many breeds are very characterful and sometimes aggressive.

But all this did not stop us from loving our beauty madly. But still, if you decide to get a purebred cat, my advice to you is to first read about this breed and think carefully about whether you can give it proper care.

Olga Smirnova

You could say we bought the Scottish Straight cat by accident.

A friend of mine said that she wanted a kitten, and one of their employees at work just recently gave birth to kittens of the Scottish breed.

She asked me to go with her and choose a kitten for her. Of course, I agreed, but I understood that no matter what, I wouldn’t leave there alone.

How cute they are. I played with them for two hours and took a long time to choose the cat. Initially, I only wanted to adopt a cat.

The choice was huge both in price and color. But I chose not the biggest one, but the most active one, who was constantly jumping in front of me.

I came home with a little bundle of happiness.

He immediately won our hearts.

I was very surprised that the tiny little kitten immediately began going to the tray and never missed a beat.

How different are Scots from ordinary yard cats?

Firstly, they are very lazy, unlike all other cats, they do not have the aggression gene, so he suffered a lot at that time from our three-year-old daughter.

He didn't bite anyone, it's simply impossible to make him angry.

Now my little son is also tormenting him. I feel very sorry for the cat. But if he has gone to bed somewhere, then it is very difficult for him to move from this place.

These cats also don’t have much coordination; they constantly miss the window sill or the chair.

The Scots are distinguished by their massive bones and thick paws.

They have very social guts and need company. His friend, the cat Bucks, lives in our house.

We have a cat with a pedigree, but it was not particularly useful to us, since we do not go to exhibitions and he is simply our favorite pet. And his name is Joni.

This is the only kitten that already had a name.

They named him Johnny because he was like Johnny Depp.

Olesya Ch 3

Loving ones are scary)))

When you get cats and cats of the Scottish Straight breed, then get ready...

I'm not joking now and I'm speaking in all seriousness. And this is what you need to prepare for.

Firstly, they don't like being alone. In our house, if a cat is left alone in one of the rooms, then the search for a living soul will certainly begin. And when he finds it, he will definitely be happy. And all this with sound accompaniment from Ariadne’s crying to happiness, we can’t do without it. Our cats of other breeds do not do this.

Secondly, Scottish Straight cats are very loving (I mean that in a decent sense of the word). They choose who will be their most beloved owner. In our family, the cat chose me for this role. His love is manifested by the fact that, if I’m at home, he doesn’t leave me a single step and is everywhere with me, no matter what I do or what I do.

To be honest, this bothers me. And I’m even happy when he sleeps and doesn’t watch me))) No personal life at all)))))

Thirdly, he is a friendly guy who gets along with him))) He treats absolutely all his relatives very well. And if someone pokes him (beats him with their paws), then he will sit in bewilderment, saying with all his eyes “why?” But sometimes, apparently, the balls get caught behind the rollers. At these moments he begins to annoy everyone himself.

Fourth, patient. The cat is especially loyal to children and tolerates everything from them. There is a special attitude towards adults... and sometimes the cup of patience runs out. We have a cat, if he doesn’t like something, then he starts kicking with his hind legs like a kangaroo.

Some more features of our cat. He can't stand the pain of the injection. I even fought to inject prescribed vitamins into the withers. And I’m generally silent about intramuscular injection.

He is also afraid that we will give him to someone or throw him away. The screaming begins to be terrible.

In all other respects, cats of the Scottish Straight breed are sweethearts))) And absolutely problem-free.

Lenada

https://nashemnenie.com/zhivotnye/18203-skottish-strayt.html

I’ll start with the fact that, from early childhood, I always dreamed of a cat, so as soon as I began my independent married life, I told my husband that, first of all, we would get a cat. Of course, he resisted for a long time, but Noah was adamant!! 1 And Emmy appeared in our house. Yes, while the pussy was a kitten, everything was fine, the tray was excellent, there were no special problems with food, except for the fact that our pussy never had any measure of food, she ate everything at once, left for the whole day from different bowls. Therefore, when I came home in the evening, unpleasant surprises often awaited me; my stomach could not cope and gave out excess food back. But it didn't disappoint me at all. But as the cat grew older, so did the problems; the cat stubbornly refused to do its business in the litter box and preferred the owners’ bed. And expressions like “she doesn’t have enough attention, affection” are brushed aside, the cat was everyone’s favorite and there was plenty of attention, but she, I would say, didn’t really need it, I considered this also a feature of the breed. Meanwhile, the pussy was growing, she asked for a cat quite early, at 9 months, and then all hell broke loose, she began to mark everything, but the horror was that she asked for cats every two weeks, regardless of the time of year outside, it was a nightmare for everyone families: yelling day and night, wallowing on the floor, then a week of rest and everything all over again. My pussy had to be sterilized, although I planned to breed kittens, but I realized that at this rate, kittens would simply fill our apartment! And everything got worse with the birth of the child, after the kitty pooped in the baby’s stroller, we had to say goodbye to her (we left her in the capable hands of our grandmother), although, I admit, it was very sad (((But this breed also has its advantages, of course, They are very beautiful, especially the marbled color, and they are unobtrusive individuals! Maybe it’s just our bad luck!

RenStar

https://nashemnenie.com/zhivotnye/18203-skottish-strayt.html

I would like to share my impression of the Scottish cat breed. About a year and a half ago I picked up this beauty from my yard. I couldn't pass by such beauty. It turned out to be a girl. Some time later, the cat began to walk around the little place, anywhere but the tray. We tried everything: sterilized, changed fillers, used sprays to correct behavior, even gave her to another family (they thought she was reacting this way to our cat) - the same thing happened there. Believe it or not, only a positive attitude towards the pet saved the situation. We stopped scolding her for her mistakes. I read a lot about this and looked for answers. In fact, this breed is very susceptible to stress, so it sometimes behaved inappropriately. If you decide to have a friend of this breed, keep in mind that you will need a lot of patience, and under no circumstances allow your pet to experience stressful situations, then he will respond to you with devotion and affection.

Tina2105

https://citykey.net/review/mileyshee-sozdanie

For some reason, there is more information on the Internet about the Scottish Fold (Scottish Fold), but not so much about the Scottish Straight. And it seems to me that it’s very in vain! They are also worthy of attention.

Therefore, I want to tell you about our baby, whose name according to her passport is Florence Antoinette, but for the family she simply calls Nyusha.

Why did we choose Scottish and not British? By the way, they are very often confused.

I wanted our cat to be sociable, soft, and to easily get in touch with all family members. According to these characteristics, the Scottish breed was ideal for us, since the British are still more independent, often on their own.

We adopted her as a three-month-old kitten, because kittens of this breed are given away no sooner, or even later, since they need to be trained, accustomed to everything, and given all the appropriate vaccinations. I was a little afraid that she wouldn’t be able to get used to us, that she would have a fully formed character. But I worried in vain.

From the first minutes we found a common language. She immediately began to play and, most interestingly, lick her hands! Looking ahead, I want to say that she is already a year old with a small tail, and she still licks her arms and legs, this is how she expresses her love to us.

This is how a little bundle of happiness appeared in our house. She played during the day, and at night she slept with us, and like a person: often in the middle of the night I woke up from the fact that I was lying without a pillow, and I looked, and it was Nyushka who occupied her, and she slept on the pillow with only her head, and her body was on the sheet! In the morning she woke up with an alarm clock and waited for us to wake up. But if she saw that we didn’t get up for a long time, she started meowing.

Of course, I wanted my kitty to be sociable, but I didn’t expect that cats could be SO sociable! She constantly follows us around. And it seems like she was just sleeping peacefully on the sofa, and you go to the kitchen, turn around, and she’s already lying on the kitchen floor. Always like this!

And she's always talking! You come after work, she starts chattering something in her own way, so loudly and loudly. If she sees that you are not paying attention to her for a long time, she will come up and start poking her with her nose. If you drink tea in the kitchen, he will come and definitely notify you about it.

And since childhood, her beloved taught her to carry his toys! He throws her a mouse to the other end of the room and says: “Nyusha, where is the mouse? Come on, bring it! “And she will run and bring it. Nowadays she is sometimes lazy, and now she only carries mice when she wants to play. And if she has no desire to play, then he will come and lie down just next to her.

For all her gentleness, she is our “girl with character” - she doesn’t like to kiss at all! So you take her in your arms, go to kiss her, and she will defiantly turn away and make even more dissatisfied eyes! And it’s not always given in your hands. Only when she wants it, usually when we come home from work, then she asks herself.

She's a real neat girl! If she’s not playing or sleeping, she’s sure to wash herself: after she eats, after she’s petted, after she goes to the toilet, after she sleeps.

She is a very beautiful cat, sometimes we sit with our loved one and say to each other: “Look how beautiful she is! “And she feels that they are talking about her and begins to purr.

I can talk a lot about it, but as they say, “it’s better to see once than to hear a hundred times”

If you decide to make a new friend, be sure to pay attention to the Scottish Straight breed. I'm sure you won't go wrong!

She has become a real family member for us!

Ekaterinka_1_

https://nashemnenie.com/zhivotnye/18203-skottish-strayt.html

For his birthday, my brother bought himself a cat. I chose the Scottish Straight breed. So he appeared in the house - a little lump with huge eyes. The cat had stuffed, thick, fluffy-soft, shiny fur. The eyes are red. The paws are powerful. The cat grew up and was brought to another house. In the new house there was another cat (Persian-Siamese), which had a very complex character. (She didn’t accept anyone, she growled, she threw herself, she was kind of weird). At first, the old cat chased our baby. And then our baby began to chase the old cat, and she herself became a terrible nervous feisty cat. The beast is not predictable. Not amenable to education. Lasky doesn't understand. I didn't like the breed. Better than ordinary mongrels! )

Lola612

https://nashemnenie.com/zhivotnye/18203-skottish-strayt.html

We bought the cat from breeders who simply raise kittens at home. We weren’t really after the breed, we just wanted a clean kitten from a homely and cultured mother. The kitten was adopted at 2 months.

Queen with a Royal look

I'll tell you the advantages right away:

1. The cat is unpretentious in food. She eats what they give her, but we didn’t pick up dry food right away, because... Whiskas gave us diarrhea, Perfect Fit caused hair loss, but Purina One suited us perfectly. The cat’s appetite is very good, you go to the kitchen and she’s right behind you.
2. Smart. I immediately understood where the tray was, I didn’t even have to teach it.
3. Very funny. Often lies on his back in a rather funny position)))
4. He loves to play, chase the ball, play with his hand, but you have to be careful - he will scratch without thinking.
5. Fluffy and plush. Quite a beautiful cat. Smart and expressive eyes.

Celebrating the New Year

A little about the disadvantages:

1. Character. Absolutely not manual. If you pick him up, he will growl, hiss, scratch... He can scratch anyone, even if it is a one-year-old child (has already happened). She loves only her husband, but she cannot sit in his arms for longer than 5 minutes.
2. Ours loves to tear up everything (wallpaper, sofa, curtains). Doesn't recognize the scratching post.
3. Walks around the tables. And you can’t do anything to her, even talk, even scream, even hit her on the paws. The cat will walk calmly next time. How else? After all, SHE has already decided everything for herself!

In general, as already written here, a QUEEN, with appropriate behavior. The owners do what she wants, you can’t just pet her - or she will run away, but if you start to hold her, she will growl and scratch. Despite all the nuances, we love the cat very much and will not part with her, but I always have a desire to get another cat of an arc breed for the soul, so to speak, because I’m used to the fact that the previous cat didn’t get away with me, and even slept with me.

Miksvet66

https://citykey.net/review/krasivyi-i-izyaschnyi

The Scottish Straight cat (Scottish Straight) is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful cat breeds. Anyway, I just adore this breed. Live

I saw a Scottish Straight cat only once in my life, at the home of one of my friends. It seemed to me that this is a very playful breed, and they also have a very funny shape of ears, it seems that they are always on guard, their ears stick out very much. Also, their unusual color immediately catches your eye; it is so smoky that it even shimmers blue.

It’s just a pity that this breed of cats is very expensive, I’ve always wondered where people get the money to buy a cat or dog for a thousand dollars? Moreover, there are quite a few people who want to own and already own such expensive breeds. In any case, with my salary I can only admire from the outside the beauty of these creatures. It’s just really very interesting, because caring for Scottish Straight cats requires the same expensive care. I would love to get myself a cat of this breed.

Naughty family friend

Young Scots with a strong temperament are constantly trying to run away somewhere, hardly sit still and are actively exploring the world around them.

Inquisitive furry creatures sniff very carefully at unfamiliar smells, listen to any rustles, frolic with their brothers and sisters for a long time and always try to stir them up.

Playful animals show their hunting instincts at any convenient moment. Such kittens are either trying to catch their tail or hunting for shadows. But in any case, they are the only ones who initiate playful pursuits.

Balanced and calm family member

If you need to get a non-capricious and balanced kitten who will not constantly jump and regularly demand attention, you need to take a closer look at the babies who sit apart in the basket. Usually such kids do not participate in the fun of others, and if they are drawn into the game, then the kittens join in without much enthusiasm.

Balanced kids love to sleep and spend a lot of time alone. If they begin to explore the surrounding space, they do it alone.

There is even a pattern by which you can identify a calm, straight-eared Scottish cat. The character and habits of such a baby will be distinguished by calmness and balance in its external and internal manifestations. The kitten carefully touches various objects with its paw, does not strive to constantly be the center of attention and does not involve other pets in its explorations.

Such an animal gets very used to its owners and becomes a family favorite. Usually these cats are immersed in themselves and try to somewhat isolate themselves from others.

Factors influencing the habits of the Scots

Scottish straight-eared cats are gaining popularity among ordinary people and professional breeders due to their character and unusual appearance. Animals can react quite adequately to children's pranks, so their nature allows them to be kept in families with children.

The character, habits and habits of the breed can be influenced by various factors and life circumstances. Therefore, the characteristics of Scottish straight-eared cats can be directly related to the very upbringing of the kitten and the conditions of its keeping. The breeder needs to pay attention to:

• pet's habitat;
• his surroundings.

Habits can change greatly due to the presence of other animals in the house, as well as due to various medical procedures required for Scottish Straight cats. The character of a sterilized or neutered animal differs from that of the one that bears offspring. Let's consider the factors that most influence the breed's leashes next.

Surrounding area

Reviews about the habits of the Scottish straight-eared cat and the nature of his behavior confirm the fact that these are quite calm and balanced animals. Professional breeders say that pets can change significantly due to the human factor. For example, the presence of mischievous children in the house can have both a negative and a completely positive effect on a kitten.

If adults allow children to treat kittens roughly and cruelly, not realizing that pets are vulnerable and weak, then as they grow up, the animals may become withdrawn, angry and suspicious. Cases have been recorded when pets began to take revenge on their owners. If children and adults approach the cat with affection and are kind to it, then the animal grows up calm and, depending on its disposition, mischievous or peaceful.

Nutrition

Only the owner decides what to feed the Highland Straight. Representatives of this breed have good health, and therefore problems with the gastrointestinal tract rarely occur. The best option is to switch an adult cat to dry food. Definitely premium and super premium (Royal Canin, Hills, Lams, ProPlan, etc.). These foods contain all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and microelements necessary for the health and physical development of the animal (unlike advertised canned food).

Elite dry food for sterilized adult cats Royal Canin

If the owner prefers to feed his pet exclusively self-prepared food, then the main products in his diet should be:

• dietary meat;
• cereals;
• kefir;
• greenery;
• vegetables;
• vitamin supplements.

Attention! Under no circumstances should Highland Straights be fed table food. This can negatively affect his health and, as a result, his life expectancy. You can read more about what you should not feed cats in our separate article.

Most of the menu of representatives of this breed is meat. Pieces of beef, rabbit, chicken, and turkey scalded with boiling water should be in your pet’s bowl every day.

It is ideal if you mix meat with boiled or raw vegetables, cereals, and offal. As for cereals, only buckwheat or rice is included in the animal’s diet.

Chicken pieces

Every day the Highland Straight menu should include kefir, heated to room temperature. As an alternative to this fermented milk product, you can offer low-fat fermented baked milk or yogurt.

Milk (especially cow's milk) is on the prohibition list. It can cause abdominal pain, indigestion and intestinal obstruction. The same applies to fish. This product, with constant use, often leads to the development of cholelithiasis.

Location

Place of residence and living conditions have a great influence on the formation of the character of the Scottish Straight cat. The character of the animal greatly depends on these circumstances. It is known that without proper care, animals have difficulty adapting to their environment and become angry, aggressive and withdrawn. However, the breed is very self-sufficient. A cat needs its own private corner where it can feel comfortable and relax.

Scots are very attached to home and family members. Relocation has a serious impact on them. Such changes in life can turn a self-confident animal, affectionate and playful, into a cowardly and embittered one.

Reviews about the character of the Scottish Straight cat indicate that he can live quite comfortably in the courtyard of a private house. Animals are excellent catchers and getters. They often defend their possessions from rodents, birds and other creatures and also obtain their own food.

If a Scotsman lives in an apartment, then the kitten grows up less active and independent. However, reviews indicate that in this case the animal is more attached to the person and shows its affection more actively.

Such pets love to sleep on the laps of household members and play gambling with children, if they are not cruel. Also, the Scots are quite peaceful with other pets. But, according to reviews from most breeders, Scottish Straight cats are very picky when it comes to nutrition.

Features of the care and maintenance of Highland Straights

Highland Straights are unpretentious in care and maintenance, so even novice cat owners can have them. Representatives of the Scottish “dynasty” feel comfortable in their home environment, so they rarely leave the apartment and do not need walks. If the owner wants to take a walk with the pet, it is advisable to do this in cool, cloudy weather, since Highland Straights do not tolerate heat well.

Since Scottish Straights are prone to solitude, it is advisable to equip the cat with a private sleeping place. This could be a scratching post with a bed or a closed house.

Hygiene

Unlike many other long-haired cats (Persians, Maine Coons, etc.), the Highland Straight's coat has a different structure, so it sheds less and does not cause much trouble to the owner. To avoid the appearance of tangles, it is enough to comb your pet 2-3 times a week with a brush with hard, long bristles. During the molting period, you can remove dead guard hairs with a slicker.

The slicker can be used during shedding

You can bathe your cat no more than 4 times a year (otherwise the fur will quickly fade). To do this, you need to use a special shampoo for long-haired cats, which is sold in pet stores (for example, Rolf Club, Jerob, Hartz). It can be either wet or dry (at the owner's request). After bathing your pet, you can dry it with a hairdryer, but the air stream should not be hot, otherwise the coat will become brittle and dry. You need to keep the hairdryer at a distance of 30–40 cm. If the cat is afraid of a noisy device, just wrap it tightly in a towel for 5–10 minutes. It will absorb excess moisture, after which the wool will dry naturally.

Rolf Club is a good domestically produced shampoo-conditioner for long-haired cats

Never use human shampoo on cats. They contain a large amount of alkali, which can lead to a rash on your pet's skin or allergic reactions. If you don’t have a specialized product for animals at hand, and the hygiene procedure cannot be canceled, you can, as an exception, use baby shampoo.

In addition to combing, basic hygiene procedures also include:

• wiping the fur around the eyes in case of discharge;
• cleaning the ears as they become dirty (it is enough to treat them with a damp cotton pad);
• brushing your teeth every 1–2 weeks;
• monthly nail trimming (optional).

Toilet

Since Highlands are very clean cats, it is advisable to keep the litter box as far away from the food bowl as possible. The place for the toilet can be organized in the bathroom or in the toilet. The room must always be in the public domain, so the door must be left ajar.

From the first days a kitten appears in the house, you should use the tray that the baby is used to (breeders usually give it along with the animal to the new owner). As you get older, you will need to purchase a larger model with high sides. For long-haired cats, it is recommended to purchase litter with large granules, since small particles often stick to the fur. Both absorbent and clumping litter are suitable - it all depends on the preferences of the pet. It is not advisable to buy scented products, as foreign odors may discourage your cat from going to the litter box. A Highland Straight will not relieve itself naturally in a dirty toilet, so the filler must be changed in a timely manner, and the tray must be washed as it gets dirty.

I have a Persian cat at home, so I know firsthand about the problems with choosing litter for long-haired pets. My fluffy categorically refused silica gel and clay granules, but he liked sawdust. They have no foreign odor and are pleasant to the touch, but are completely unsuitable for cats with long hair. After going to the toilet, my pet was covered in sawdust (especially his stomach and paws). I tried all types of fillers, but to no avail. However, a compromise was soon found: it turns out that the cat liked best to go to the toilet on an empty tray without a grid or any filler. That's how unpredictable pets can be.

Feeding

Highland Straights eat immoderately, so they easily gain excess weight. To avoid obesity, it is recommended to give your pet super-premium food for elite breeds (for example, Brit, Almo Nature, Grandorf, Bozita). If the owner prefers natural food, he should carefully consider the menu and include special vitamins for cats in the diet. You can give your fluffy boiled meat (chicken fillet, beef, turkey), eggs, cottage cheese, low-fat kefir, porridge (oatmeal, buckwheat), vegetables and fruits. You need to avoid products such as:

• pork;
• boiled potatoes;
• fish;
• sweets;
• grape;
• raisin;
• mushrooms.

All of them are poorly absorbed by cats, leading to problems with stool and gastrointestinal diseases. Also, you should not give your pet spicy, salty or fried food. A kitten should be fed 4 times a day, an adult cat - twice a day.

Presence of other animals in the family

Scottish Straights often look down on other pets. However, if they were brought up with such people from childhood, then such an attitude does not arise. When a kitten ends up in a home inhabited by other animals, the owners can rest assured of a positive outcome. The baby will definitely get along not only with his relatives, but also with birds, tame rodents and even dogs.

The character of the Scottish straight-eared cat, who grew up in the same house with dogs, is distinguished by mischief and cheerfulness. These animals are cheerful, agile and very attached to their owner.

But living in the same house with felines, the Scots can become overly jealous. In this case, they become attached to cats more than to members of the household and the owner.

History of the breed

The Highland Straight breed appeared in the 18th century in Scotland. The ancestors of the Scots are considered to be wild cats that lived in the mountains. Breeders began to study the breed and mix it with other individuals. In the process, scientists added the blood of wild individuals, Persians and British, to ordinary cats. The goal of the breeders was to create a healthy breed with different colors and fluffy fur.

Highland straight

In 1961, the Scottish kitten Susie was first discovered near the town of Copar Angus. The cat's owner noticed that she was born with ears deformed by a natural mutation. The kitten had an unusual appearance, so the owner decided to keep him. Susie later became the progenitor of all individuals of this breed.

When Susie gave birth to kittens, one of them - the girl Snooks - was given to the owner of a neighboring farm, William Ross. A neighbor lived with a British man with straight ears. The result was a mating, which resulted in a kitten that inherited both its mother’s and father’s ears. The cub had a funny appearance, which William liked.

Ross had familiar breeders to whom he gave unusual kittens. But scientists reacted indifferently to the unusual mutation of the ears and handed over the babies to breeders in the USA. American breeders were surprised and began to breed a new breed. They attracted American Shorthairs and Britons. As a result of mixing, a semi-longhaired Scottish dog appeared, which became known as the Highland Straight.

Highland Folds have ears flattened to their heads. But later scientists discovered that the ears can stand upright. Breeders bred these individuals into a separate breed called “Highland Straight”

Leisure influencing character

The character of Scottish straight-eared male cats is somewhat different from girls. Males more often show their hunting skills, strive to get their own food and show strength in the process of protecting themselves. Females are more affectionate and playful, but if they have offspring, they can show aggression.

In order for a kitten to develop harmoniously, it needs a variety of toys. If there are a lot of them, then the pet is unlikely to turn into a glutton, a calm phlegmatic person or a lump. Such a Scot will be characterized by agility, energy and a desire to hunt.

The Scot as a true friend

Many people want to get a representative of this breed because the animals are obedient. For your pet to understand that they are angry with him, it is enough to change his intonation. Reviews from breeders show that it is quite easy to train small kittens to use a tray. If necessary, they can relieve their needs in the courtyard of a private house. Scottish Straight cats quickly learn what is permissible to do in the house and what will be punished. Many Scottish owners say that it is not scary to leave such a pet at home alone, because it does not harm property. Often breeders find an animal in the same place where it lay before they left.

However, this does not mean that the animal is inactive. Scottish Straight cats are very inquisitive and playful. Animals often do not know how to stop when participating in games, so it is worth limiting pets in their natural instincts and not allowing them to scratch themselves or household things.

Color and coat type

Scottish Highland Straight cats have long, lush, pleasant hair. It feels plush to the touch. With proper care, your hair will not tangle or form clumps. To keep the coat soft and shiny, you need to regularly comb and wash with good shampoos.

The standard includes any Highland Straight colors:

• Solid: white, black, blue, cream
• Bicolor
• Tabby
• Smoky
• Chinchilla
• Shaded
• Tortoiseshell
• Wang
• Calico

Silver chinchilla cat