How long do Scottish fold cats live

Scottish cats are one of the most interesting breeds. Many are attracted by the unusual shape of the ears, pressed to the head. Some people enjoy looking at the face with an unusually surprised look. This is an incredibly photogenic animal that can become the center of a small universe called a family. And that’s why it’s very bitter to say goodbye to a pet when its life comes to an end. So that you don’t suddenly have to get upset, it’s worth figuring out how long Scottish cats live and what it depends on.

History of the breed

The history of the discovery of the Scottish Fold breed is very interesting. In the early 1960s, a man named William Ross was walking in a place called Angus, in Scotland. There, on one of the farms, he met an unusual cat, whose ears were folded down, which gave the impression that the animal’s head had a regular round shape. The man persuaded the pet's owner to sell the animal, and Scottish Fold cats became known outside not only Scotland, but also the mainland.

Scottish fold cat

In 1978, the breed was presented at the World Pet Show in the USA. In 1993, the Scottish Fold was officially registered.

How long do Scottish cats live, depending on care and maintenance?

Relationships with other animals and children

Scottish Folds are obedient, non-hyperactive animals. They treat children warmly, play and communicate with them without letting out their claws. They are indifferent to other people's children who come to visit, but they will humbly allow themselves to be touched and stroked.

Scottish Folds do not conflict with other animals, allowing them to dominate.

There are few conflicts with these pets, and they are rarely considered direct initiators of conflicts. Scottish Fold cats are tactful and forgiving, not subject to impulsive reactions. Behavior that goes beyond the boundaries is observed in them extremely rarely, much less often than in representatives of other breeds.

Interesting information about the representatives of the breed

Highland fold (Scottish fold longhair cat)

Scottish cats have not only an unusual appearance, but also a special behavior. They can often stand on their hind legs for a long time, which they do not to attract attention to themselves, but to stretch their spine. Fold-eared pets are also afraid of heights, so they do not climb onto cabinets and curtains.

Some representatives of the breed sometimes have erect ears, so they are confused with another Scottish Straight breed. This can lead to unpleasant consequences, as inexperienced owners often mix straight-eared folds with straights, and sick mixed-breed kittens are born.

Breed Features

The birthplace of the breed is Scotland. Scottish cats have been bred since the 60s of the last century. Moreover, the history of the breed began by accident, when one cat lover was attracted by the unusual appearance of the animal with floppy ears. Then it turned out that this feature of appearance is explained by the presence of a defective gene, which leads to excessively soft cartilage tissue. That’s why these cats’ ears are flattened, which gives them such an unusual and charming look.

But this same feature also leads to the fact that when crossing two animals of this breed, the offspring for the most part turn out to be non-viable. Kittens are born with numerous spinal anomalies and curvature of the limbs. Therefore, when breeding cats of this breed, they are crossed only with a variety of the breed - Scottish Straight. As a result, one litter produces both straight-eared and fold-eared kittens.

What affects the duration

There are several factors that can significantly shorten the lifespan of a Scottish cat:

Weak bones. This breed is prone to problems with bone and cartilage development. Such problems can appear in adulthood.
Tendency to obesity. An unbalanced diet quickly leads to excess weight gain, and this, in turn, negatively affects the functioning of the heart and liver.
In the long-haired variety (Highland Straight), without regular combing, the hair becomes so dense that it prevents the animal from moving. In advanced cases, this even leads to physical inactivity, that is, weakening of muscles due to lack of mobility. In addition, dense clumps of such wool are difficult to remove from the animal’s stomach and cause disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract.
The lop-eared type is especially susceptible to problems with the ears - wax and dirt quickly accumulate in them. If they are not regularly examined, the onset of the inflammatory process or the appearance of mites may go unnoticed and lead to serious complications.

Appearance

British Fold is a Scottish breed of cat.

Scottish Folds have a fairly well-fed and powerful body. Cats come in different colors, the most popular being gray fur. The color of cats is divided into two groups: plain and patterned.

Patterned marbled color

Solid colors of fur are classified as monochromatic: white, black, gray, blue, red, chocolate, lilac.

The patterned colors include the following:

spotted, round or oval-shaped spots on the back, sides and tail;
marble, patterns in the form of a ring and a half ring;
colorful, small spots and dots on the limbs and head, which are much darker and more contrasting against the background of the main color of the fur;
chinchilla, a small part of the hairs is colored white or black, for example, completely blue cats may have white hairs on the abdomen or limbs.

Dimensions and weight of fold cats

Scottish cats are usually medium in size, but their bodies are stocky and muscular. The average weight of cats is about 4-7 kilograms, and cats are much heavier, ranging from 7 to 10 kg.

Ears

The ears are set wide on the head, “hanging” towards the bottom, but turned forward. They are small in size and rounded at the ends.

Eyes and nose

Large folded eyes with a perfect round shape. They are quite wide open, which gives the impression that the cat looks surprised.

The short nose is wide and straight. The animal has an excellent sense of smell, which makes British cats one of the best hunters among domestic cat breeds.

Torso and limbs

The chest, shoulders and back are wide compared to the rest of the body, the neck is short. The hind legs are short but muscular. The tail is also short and rounded at the tip.

Head

The cat's wide and massive head is shaped like a circle, and its chin is firm. The cheeks of a pet are wide and plump, in addition, the whisker pads are also round. The mustache is long and clearly defined.

British Folds love to stand on their hind legs.

Appearance. What do Scottish Folds look like?

A striking feature of this breed is its erect ears. Among canine representatives there are many breeds whose ears do not stand up - Labradors, pugs, collies, spaniels, Airedale terriers, bulldogs, shelties, retrievers and others. The cat population cannot boast of such diversity; only the ears of the Scots, and with rare exceptions of the British, hang, and do not stand upright. This determines the popularity and unusualness of the breed.

Interesting fact: the second name of the breed, often found in veterinary reference books and books on animal care, is Scottish Fold.

The size of the cat is average: Scottish Folds have a medium-sized body with a rounded shape, with powerful and well-developed muscles, the shoulders and chest are well developed. The paws are thick, of medium length, massive and large, with delicate rounded pads. The color of the wide, bright eyes with mysterious sparkles varies depending on the color of the coat.

The jaw is well developed; a large oval or round head gently transitions into a wide neck; the ears are small, rounded towards the bottom; the nose is large and wide.

The coat is medium length, soft to the touch, like plush; tail of medium length, rounded at the end. The color can be any: breeders have bred seventy-five species of these wonderful animals.

Exterior Features

Those who want to know how long British cats live at home would do well to familiarize themselves with the breed standard. These are medium or large, broad-boned, squat animals with well-developed muscles. A distinctive feature of these individuals is their beautiful plush fur. On the large round head are widely set, slightly rounded ears. The color of the eyes depends on the shade of the fur.

The standard provides several possible coat tones. Representatives of this breed can have tortoiseshell, bright red, lilac, black, white, chocolate, cream and blue-gray fur. A characteristic feature of the British is considered to be a muscular body with a wide back, turning into a thick, tapering tail.

Those who want to understand how long a British cat lives will be interested in how these animals behave. Let us immediately note that the luxurious handsome men have a rather friendly disposition. But, despite their easy-going nature, they have their own opinions.

During the first meeting, this aristocrat can give the impression of an extremely unfriendly creature. But once she understands who she has to deal with, she will become more sociable. In addition, representatives of this breed are very freedom-loving and will not tolerate inconvenience. They will never lie next to their owner against their will. The British are very active and playful. Even at an advanced age, they will not refuse to run after the ball.

Character and behavioral characteristics

Along with the external description, the character of the fold-eared breed also differs from other representatives of the cat world. These are very well-mannered, proud and calm cats. Scottish cats are aristocrats in their origin and behavior. They immediately understand what people want from them and obey them. However, if they don’t like something, they can show their stubborn and unapproachable nature.

Golden chinchilla - a cat with a special character

Sometimes these cats stretch their legs forward and take a strange pose, as if they are meditating. They love to sleep on their backs rather than curled up in a ball. Scots love to have their fur brushed or massaged.

Representatives of the Scottish Fold breed meow very rarely and quietly. They speak only when absolutely necessary and are not used to disturbing others needlessly. Moreover, unlike other representatives of the cat family, fold-eared cats do not impose themselves on their owners asking them to caress and stroke them. They love to be close, but not constantly sit in a person's arms.

Interesting! While still kittens, Folds do not cause much trouble to their owners. However, Scottish kittens love to hide small objects from their owners in corners and secluded places.

Children and other animals

Fold cats are the most loyal and loving. They become very attached and most importantly respect their owners. The breed is famous for its ability to find a common language not only with all representatives and friends of the family in which they live, but also with other pets.

Representatives of this breed get along very well with children. They are attentive to the child and do not fight or scratch. Fold-eared Scots can become the most devoted and well-mannered friends for children for many years.

Scottish Folds are good with children

Grooming and lifespan

No matter how funny it may sound, brushing your cat can significantly improve not only your pet’s mood, but prolong its life. This is due to the fact that representatives of this breed have quite thick fur, which is quite difficult to lick and clean on their own. It very often gets confused and when lumps form in the digestive tract, it is quite difficult to eliminate, which in turn provokes an upset stomach and the need to cleanse it.

And timely bathing and brushing of your cat will not only make its fur more beautiful and well-groomed, but also prevent the formation of lumps, reduce shedding, thereby protecting the pet’s digestive system and reducing the amount of time it takes to clean hair in the house.

Scottish cats are popular not only for their special ears, but also for their cute facial expression, the main decoration of which is their large, expressive eyes. However, the ears and eyes require special care, since the tear ducts are very easily clogged with dust , given the structure of the ears, they can also become clogged, and cat owners may not notice the appearance of ear mites at all in the absence of proper care. And these factors directly affect how many years Scottish cats live at home.

Detrimental environmental factors

Scottish cats were bred as a decorative breed; they are not adapted to life on the street. Cats do not tolerate temperature changes well. The danger for them is drafts, which can cause colds.

Scottish Folds have a delicate nervous system. They do not tolerate stressful situations well. Fear and anxiety should not be present in a cat's life. At the same time, representatives of the cat family need personal space and freedom.

Participation in the process of reproduction is important for all animals. But statistics show that spayed and neutered male cats live, on average, several years longer.

An important factor is heredity. You can study your pet's pedigree. If a cat’s ancestors lived a life close to 20 years, then he has every chance of reaching this milestone.

What to look for when buying a Scottish Fold cat

You can buy Scottish Folds through advertisement sites, at an exhibition or in a certified nursery.

The price of a kitten depends on many factors, including the region (in the capital the cost is often higher) and pedigree. The class of the animal also has a significant impact. So, “pet” is a cat for the soul, which has no chance of a show career or participation in breeding. The price for such animals is lower, and they are usually sterilized.

The next class is “breed”. These cats are potential breeders from whom you can expect worthwhile offspring. And finally, the most expensive class is “show”. These animals have every chance to compete for prizes at exhibitions. Moreover, such a high status must be confirmed not just by words, but by exhibition certificates.

Another important point is the health of the future pet. Therefore, when choosing, you should carefully examine the kitten. Severe thinness, bald patches, fleas, and an overly swollen abdomen may indicate improper care and dishonesty of the breeder. In addition, some behavioral features of Scottish Folds may be signs of a genetic disease that affects bone and cartilage tissue. So, if the paws and tail are inactive, and the kitten itself cannot run and jump normally, it is better to refrain from purchasing it.

Education and training

It is necessary to raise a Scottish kitten, taking into account the character and habits of this breed. Raising a pet should be carried out according to two principles:

instilling cleanliness in the kitten;
teaching subordination - making it clear that the owner must be obeyed.

The kitten must be toilet trained, sit or lie still when brushing its fur. It is necessary to make it clear that all care activities are necessary for the normal functioning of the pet. The cat must know that sharpening its claws on furniture, climbing on the kitchen table and relieving itself in flower pots is prohibited.

Important! If your pet copes with the assigned tasks, you should definitely praise him and reward him with treats.

It is necessary to train a cat when the pet is interested in communicating with the owner. To develop the reflex, you need to give commands before feeding or walking the cat. Simple commands like “Ugh!” or “You can’t!” it needs to be repeated as necessary so that the cat knows what can and cannot be done.

Health

Scottish cats have a genetic defect. It was he who led to such a feature of their ears. Due to the presence of this gene, they are also predisposed to diseases of the musculoskeletal system and joints. Scottish cats often develop osteochondrodysplasia. This disease is characterized by curvature of the spine and limbs, impaired mobility of the tail. This pathology cannot be treated and is what most often causes a reduction in the life expectancy of Scottish cats. These animals are also prone to ear diseases. They often get ear mites and inflammation develops. It is necessary to regularly take your pet to the veterinarian and vaccinate it. With proper care and following all doctor's recommendations, a Scottish cat can live about 20 years.

Author: Oskina Oksana Valentinovna

Scottishfold care

Like other pets, Scottish cats require regular and proper care. The eyes of fold-eared cats need to be examined; they need to be cleaned with a cotton pad as they become dirty. Fold does not have the habit of damaging furniture with his claws, but for the safety of the cat itself, it is necessary to trim its claws when they grow back.

Fold cats are usually bathed 2 times a month; in winter, once a month is sufficient. But the fur needs to be combed more often to prevent the formation of tangles. The wool is combed first in the direction, then against the growth.

Additional Information! The Scottish cat is not distinguished by a capricious and pugnacious disposition, so the procedure for combing its fur is carried out without problems. Moreover, four-legged friends love this event and will lie quietly, perhaps purring with pleasure.

What you need to know about Scottish Fold ears

Scottish Fold kittens are born with straight ears. Only in the process of growth, in the third or fourth week from birth, do their ears begin to fall and take the form of a bend or crease characteristic of the breed.

It is necessary to examine the animal’s ears at least twice a month. You just need to carry out the procedure carefully so as not to cause pain or damage your pet’s unusually shaped ears.

Note! Rarely do Scottish Folds have ears that “stand up” as they grow. In such cases, it becomes impossible to distinguish them from another similar Scottish Straight breed.

How to extend life?

Each of us wants our pet to live as long as possible. Below you can familiarize yourself with a set of rules and recommendations that will help you maintain the health of your pet.

Regular and timely vaccination

You should immediately understand that no matter where your pet is - on the street or at home, he always has a risk of becoming infected. Viruses and microorganisms can enter an apartment in a variety of ways: they can settle on your clothes, enter the apartment through windows, and even through other pets. Vaccination will allow you to stop diseases at their very beginning.

Try to apply for this procedure only to good clinics with an ideal reputation, and avoid home vaccination.

Feeding

It is the most important factor in long life for absolutely all pets. Nutrition should not only be rich in vitamins, minerals and trace elements, but also be balanced.

If you have chosen ready-made mixtures and feeds as food for your animal, then these should be premium or super-premium foods. Only in this case will you be completely sure that your pet receives everything it needs for a full life.
If you prefer feeding through natural food, then you should be extremely careful about balancing the diet: the food must contain a strictly defined amount of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Too much of any element can lead to the formation of intestinal and inflammatory diseases, as well as ordinary obesity if your pet prefers to spend a lot of time in one place.

List of the most useful natural products for Scottish fold cats: boiled meat, fermented milk products (cottage cheese, cheese, kefir), sea fish or offal (necessarily without bones), vegetables (carrots, celery, cabbage - boiled).

If you understand that the animal at some point needs more vitamins, they can be consumed in combination with natural food. An equally important element of nutrition is clean, fresh and unweighted water. It should be available to the pet at any time of the day.

Hygiene and care

From birth, your pet should be accustomed to mandatory hygiene procedures. This includes: cutting nails (if necessary), combing out tangles and old fur (2 times a week, in young individuals - daily), brushing teeth (at least 1-2 times a week), washing with shampoo (no more than 3-4 once a year if necessary), cleaning the ears from dirt (at least 2-3 times a week), washing the eyes - 2-3 times a week with a napkin (moistened with boiled water). Often, it is due to improper care that most skin, eye and ear diseases occur.

For combing, it is better to use wooden combs with sparse long teeth. You should not buy a slicker brush - it can harm the animal’s skin.

Upbringing

This may seem strange, but how you raise your pet directly determines its life expectancy. If you teach your cat what parts of the house you shouldn’t go into, where you shouldn’t climb and what you shouldn’t chew, you will save your pet from many accidents (poisoning, electric shocks, falling from the balcony, swallowing wires and snacking on house plants).

Active life

A sporty and active cat is a healthy cat with a minimal list of diseases. Try to load your pet with strength training from birth. Buy him several exercise machines, perches or saddles where he can jump. In addition, you should definitely give him toys - they will not only cheer up your pet, but also distract him from routine activities and sharpen his claws and fangs.

Happiness level

Scientists have proven that a positive attitude has the same beneficial effect on the life expectancy of living beings as nutrition. To make your pet cheerful and happy, try to pay more attention to him. Set aside about half an hour of time every day to play, talk to the cat, even pester.

Care and maintenance

Scottish Straights are typical domestic cats for whom walks in the fresh air are pleasant entertainment, but not more than that. This is why Scots are considered ideal pets for homebodies. In everyday life, straights are unpretentious and rarely cause trouble. Take your animal for routine veterinary examinations, carry out timely vaccinations, use high-quality food - and straight-eared Scottish cats will not create any problems for you.

Hygiene

Scottish Straight loves its owner
Scottish Straight cats are very clean cats that carefully monitor the condition of their own fur, but they still need to be bathed from time to time. Usually, cats are washed as their “coat” gets dirty, using shampoo from the pharmacy. At the end of the procedure, you can apply a balm to the coat. When bathing, make sure that water does not get into the animal’s ears and be sure to protect the wet pet from drafts.

Owners of show-class specimens preparing to participate in exhibitions will have to work a little harder. In particular, a few months before the event, the cat begins to be washed daily to completely remove dead cells from its skin and stimulate the growth of new fur. In addition, you will have to spend money on a variety of professional coat care products, ranging from degreasing paste to texturizing conditioner. Brush Scottish cats once a week with a short hair brush. Claws are trimmed as they grow. Be sure to monitor the condition of your cat's eyes and remove unwanted discharge with a swab soaked in hygiene lotion.

Feeding

The diet of Scottish Straights is no different from the “menu” of their fold-eared counterparts. Just like folds, Scottish straight-eared cats benefit from lean meat, offal, boiled sea fish, fermented milk products, and egg yolk. In addition, the animal’s diet should include vegetables (raw or stewed), cereals and sprouted wheat.

Prohibited

Fat meat.
Beans and potatoes.
Bones.
Sweets, spices, smoked foods.
Garlic and onion.
Bread.
River fish.
Citrus.
Mushrooms.
Raw eggs.

Curious Scottish Straight
In serious nurseries, Scottish Straight kittens are sold starting from the age of three months. During this period of life, the baby no longer feeds on mother's milk, which means it is able to eat the same food as an adult animal.

An important point: natural-fed straight cats do not receive enough of the vital microelements. Vitamin and mineral complexes, which can be purchased at a veterinary pharmacy, solve this problem.

Scottish Fold cats can also be fed commercial food if you are willing to spend money on its non-budget varieties - “premium”, “super premium” and “holistic”. An ideal cut for a Scottish dog should contain at least 26% protein and about 9% fat. It is advisable that the food does not contain wheat and corn, which can cause allergies in the cat. From this point of view, the most useful options for “drying” can be considered the Canadian Acana Pacifica Cat and the American Earthborn Holistic.

Three-month-old Scots are fed up to 6 times a day, six-month-old kittens eat 5 times a day, nine-month-old kittens - 4 times. One-year-old individuals are considered adults, so 2-3 meals are enough for them.

How to care for a kitten

After birth, caring for a Scottish kitten on a cat. He learns his first hygiene skills from his mother. It is the owner's responsibility to feed the adult animal.

1 month

The baby sleeps with the cat during this period of time. It is necessary to limit the area where the baby is: the fidget may fall or be frightened by sharp sounds.

Up to a month, the kitten is saturated with mother's milk: the baby will receive all the necessary elements. By 4 weeks, the little ward begins to gradually transfer to independent feeding. The bowl is placed next to the dish containing food for the cat.

The owner helps to get used to the new type of food: he brings the kitten to the plate, carefully lowers its face into the bowl so that it tastes the food. Then he watches them, making sure that the fidgets lick all the food. The feeding should be warm, each pet should have their own dishes. It is better to purchase special equipment for feeding. To begin with, add food up to 2 times a day. The rest of the time, the baby continues to drink cat milk.

2 month

From one and a half months, solid pieces are introduced into complementary foods. Before a two-month-old kitten moves into the house, a sleeping place is prepared for it. This can be a bed, in the form of a warm diaper, or a store-bought house with a round hole. Calm Scots love to hide there.

Having brought the animal into the house, it is given one room. Most often they choose the bathroom or kitchen. When the newly arrived family member gets comfortable, you need to gradually introduce him to the new home. It is advisable to buy a toilet tray with low sides and fill it with the filler that the former owner used. The door to the toilet is kept open.

Feeding the fold breed

The content and quality of the diet is of particular importance for the active and healthy growth of the cat and for maintaining the necessary muscle mass of its body. You should not feed your pets cheap food; it is better to choose premium food.

In addition to nutrition, Scottish Folds need to be given vitamins and mineral supplements. They are especially necessary when feeding the Scots cat with natural products. And when feeding special cat food, vitamins are usually not needed, since the ready-made food already contains all the necessary beneficial nutrients and vitamins.

The diet of kittens is different from that of adult cats.

Natural nutrition

The menu of an adult Scottish Fold cat should include the following natural products:

boiled meat, preferably chicken and beef;
raw or steamed lean fish without spices and salt, from which all bones must be carefully removed;
cereals: boiled rice and oatmeal;
of dairy products for adult cats, only boiled milk is useful;
homemade vegetables and herbs.

What to feed a Scottish kitten:

low-fat boiled minced chicken;
boiled lean fish fillet;
kittens can be given kefir, milk and low-fat sour cream from dairy products;
rice boiled in water and oatmeal, into which you can crumble a little hard-boiled chicken egg;
home-grown vegetables and cat grass grown at home.

Important! You should not feed Scottish Fold cats lamb, pork and other meats with a high fat content. Also, salt, seasonings and spices are strictly contraindicated for Scottish Folds.

Features of feeding

Scottish Straights do not require diets like Scottish Folds due to their tendency to joint diseases.

The diet is prepared according to the standard feeding rules for the average cat:

The kitten is fed its usual food for the first days and is gradually transferred to a different diet.
Mixed nutrition upsets digestion, nutrients are less absorbed, so choose one type of food: natural products or industrial food.
Do not give products of different brands at the same time; dry and wet food from the same manufacturer are allowed.
The daily food intake for growing kittens is 10% of their weight, for adult cats 3 – 5%. The pet is not allowed to overeat.
A kitten is fed 5 times a day, an adult pet twice a day by the hour. When an animal eats at the same time, digestion works better. 65 - 75% of the menu consists of meat, offal, 25 - 35% - fermented milk products, vegetables, cereals, sea fish, eggs.
Do not constantly feed soft crushed food. The meat is cut into slices, and chicken necks, previously beaten with a kitchen hammer, are allowed to gnaw.
Solid food removes plaque and trains the jaw muscles.
Fermented milk products are the second component of the diet after meat; they become the main source of calcium.
Bowls choose ceramic or metal, but not aluminum. The dishes are placed in a secluded place on a raised surface: if the cat bows its head low while eating, hiccups begin.
Scottish cats will need grass to help remove hairballs from their stomach. Greens are bought at a pet store, or grown from seeds of wheat, barley, or oats. Street grass is not given due to the risk of infection with helminth eggs.

Scottish Straights are versatile cats with a sense of proportion. They will fit in with single people and in large families with children; even inexperienced cat owners will be able to care for them.

>Scottish straight cat

Proper nutrition and diet

A balanced diet is the key to health. Consult with a specialist to choose the right food for your cat. Good food contains all the necessary vitamins and you do not have to purchase additional vitamins. The food can treat some diseases common to cats of this breed. Don't experiment with Scotch's diet. After all, it directly affects the health of the pet. It is preferable to feed cats with high-quality food. Under no circumstances should natural food be mixed with feed. This is stressful for any cat's digestive system.

Pros and cons of the breed

Scottish Folds are ideal pets; they are smart, well-mannered, loyal, friendly and calm. But most often, it is the appearance of the “teddy bear” that attracts attention when choosing a breed. But it is still worth paying attention to several disadvantages of this type of cat.

Advantages of the Scottish Fold breed:

exceptional aristocratic character;
beautiful plush appearance;
loyalty and non-intrusiveness towards the owner;
cleanliness and good manners;
get along well with small children, do not offend or attack them;
are calm friends with other pets;
quickly adapt to new conditions and terrain;
do not require constant and special care;
sometimes folds behave strangely and funnyly, take funny and strange poses.

Disadvantages of fold-eared cats:

due to the structure of the ears characteristic of the breed, cleaning them from accumulated wax is very difficult;
very high cost when compared with other cat breeds;
Due to gene mutations in the body, cats can have congenital diseases: osteochondrodystrophy and hemophilia.

Important! In addition to bone deformation and blood clotting disorders, Scottish Folds can have problems with the functioning and structure of internal organs. Therefore, it is necessary to visit the veterinarian regularly.

Kittens must be selected according to certain criteria

How long do cats usually live?

Representatives of small cats in the wild live relatively short lives - 5-6 years . The lifespan of stray cats is approximately the same. Reasons for this:

poor diet;
irregular meals;
invasive diseases;
infections;
lack of protection from predators;
stress associated with the struggle for survival;
harsh climatic and weather conditions.

The shortest lifespan—4 years—is for cats that, by chance, end up on the street. After a comfortable stay at home, they do not adapt well to the new environment. The fate of neutered cats is even sadder: being unable to compete for a place in the hierarchy, they immediately become outcasts from the pack and do not live more than three years. A little more time—approximately 3.5 years—is given to cats whose bodies are exhausted by constant pregnancies, childbirth, and nursing offspring.

Cats with loving owners have a different fate and life expectancy. Care and attention, human patronage, and the opportunity to receive veterinary care allow them to live 15 years or more.

This is interesting! The oldest cat whose age was confirmed by documents, and not by the words of the owner, was a cat from Devon (Great Britain). She lived 34 years and 5 months.

The absolute champion in survival is the cat Lucy. At the time the record was entered into the Guinness Book (2011), according to the owners, she was 39 years old.

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How long do Scottish cats live at home and in the wild?

Representatives of this breed will be quite comfortable within the walls of an ordinary apartment.
The main thing is to give them their own secluded place where the cat can spend time alone with itself. In this case, the bed should be located away from drafts that are dangerous for Scottish Folds. The lifespan of any animal depends on the care and living conditions. Usually, when they talk about 15-20 years, they mean pets. After all, at home there is better food, there are no infections, it is warm, and if necessary, the cat receives treatment from a veterinarian.

In addition, how long Scottish cats live depends on whether they have offspring. It has been observed that sterilized animals live longer. The more often a cat brings kittens, the shorter she lives. In nature, when a cat gives birth several times a year, her body becomes exhausted. Therefore, such animals do not live longer than 5-7 years.

In addition, the question of how long Scottish cats live is also very important because their fold-eared variety is susceptible to various diseases. They have very poor health, so sometimes the disease leads to the death of the animal prematurely. Cats that live outside are especially susceptible to diseases. There they are constantly exposed to stress, often hypothermia and starvation. And since this breed has poor health, they do not live long on the street.

Kittens of this breed are very smart, active and playful. They quickly get used to the tray and understand the word “no”. These cats become attached to their owner and are even able to sense his mood. They have a calm character and are completely non-aggressive. It has been noticed that Scottish cats are afraid of heights and are very obedient.

To do this, you need to bathe your pet 1-2 times a month. More often it is not recommended - Scottish cats are very clean. Their claws need to be trimmed the same number of times. Every day you need to wipe your cat's eyes with a damp cloth and comb its fur several times a week. It is also important to properly care for your pet's ears.

The main point that affects the lifespan of this animal is genetics. If both parents are Scottish Folds, the kitten will have hereditary pathologies. The mother or father must have straight ears. Carefully study the pedigree for the same pairs in more distant relatives.

Another point is the skeletal system of the Scottish cat: it is quite fragile, so in the first year of life the pet needs to regularly take vitamin complexes and special food. In addition, take your kitten to the vet every 2-3 months to monitor the development of its musculoskeletal system.

Other important factors are already associated with keeping the animal:

Nutrition. In your diet, you should focus on proteins and minimize the share of carbohydrates as much as possible. If you feed your Scottish Fold natural food, you can give your cat cheese and cottage cheese. Milk - only if the digestive tract accepts it well. But it would be much better to choose good dry food together with your veterinarian.
Activity. Scottish cats are prone to weight gain (although not as obvious as Persians), so she needs active games and walks. Even an adult cat will not refuse to run after a ball or a candy wrapper. If possible, buy a house with play equipment: this way the animal can satisfy its need for activity without the participation of the owner.
Combing. It doesn't matter whether your cat has short or long hair - it needs to be brushed daily. Otherwise, tangles appear, which the animal independently licks, bites and swallows. As a result, they clog the digestive tract. It is also advisable to bathe your cat every 2-3 months.

Scottish cats are interesting animals with an unusual view of what is happening. These fold-eared cats talentedly combine caution, slowness and regularity - they received so many qualities in their homeland, in the British Kingdom, the only island in central Europe.

The owners affectionately call their pets of this breed “fluffy happiness” when they tell their friends about them. This is understandable: fold cats are incredibly charming and cute, and their calm disposition is perfect for the modern lifestyle.

The article will tell you how long cats of the Scottish breed live, tell you about hidden details of character, temperament, and estimate the average level of health.

HOW LONG DO SCOTTISH CATS LIVE?
APPEARANCE. WHAT DO SCOTTISH FLOPS LOOK LIKE?
CHARACTER AND TEMPERAMENT
RELATIONS WITH OTHER ANIMALS AND CHILDREN
HOW LONG DO SCOTTISH STRAIGHT-EARED CATS LIVE?
HOW LONG DO FOLDS CATS LIVE AT HOME?

{amp}gt;How long do Scottish cats live?

The average life expectancy of representatives of the breed: eleven - fourteen years.

The average life expectancy of a Scottish cat, surrounded by the love and care of its owner, is significantly higher. Every stress, negative circumstances, difficult life situations in a pet’s life negatively affect the physiological, psychological, and moral state. Cats, like people, are susceptible to the harmful effects of the environment.

When walking on the street, an animal runs the risk of being harmed by passing cars, municipal equipment, weather conditions, or people. A pet that lives at home will live a long and healthy life.

Scottish Straight is a breed of Scottish Straight cat. This cat breed is relatively young. It was officially registered only in 1964. Initially, cats of this breed were called Scottish Shorthairs. The first breeders were Scottish farmers William and Mary Ross, who discovered that when individuals of this breed were crossed with each other, disturbances occurred in their skeletal system. This breed was forbidden to breed so that it would not lead to mutations. But the breed, as it turned out, can easily exist as an independent breed.

Scottish Straight photo

Choosing a Scottish Fold kitten

The choice of a kitten is very important, because it will become a real member of the family for the next 15-20 years. Therefore, it is worth paying special attention to the purchase of a healthy and purebred Scottish Fold.

How much does a Scottish fold cat cost?

First you need to find out how much a fold-eared kitten costs? This is known to be one of the most expensive cat breeds. If you buy a kitten from an official breeder with documents, the amount will vary from 10 thousand to 25 thousand rubles. *

What determines the price of a kitten?

First of all, the price depends on the reputation of the nursery. In expensive and professional nurseries, newborn kittens are provided with ideal and comfortable conditions for growth. After all, the psychological climate in which they grow plays a significant role for animals.

The price is also determined by the size, health, and coat color of the kitten. Fold-eared kittens, whose breed characteristics are especially pronounced, will cost much more. Inexpensive purebred kittens sold in nurseries are primarily animals with some defects.

Where to buy a Scottish Fold kitten

To buy a real purebred Scottish Fold kitten and not run into scammers, you need to purchase animals from special nurseries. It’s better to overpay and buy a real purebred kitten than to buy from an advertisement.

How to choose a name for a kitten

You can’t choose a nickname for your pet right away; first you need to observe the character and habits of the animal. If you don’t want to wait, then you can name the kitten based on its external characteristics.

How long do Scottish Folds live?

The calling card of the breed, the charming fold of the Scottish Fold, arose due to spontaneous mutation and was secured by gene recombination during the selection process. The gene responsible for the anatomical changes in the Scottish auricle also affects the process of formation of all other cartilaginous tissues. Kittens homozygous for this gene have serious defects:

limited mobility of the joints of the limbs and vertebral joints (osteochondrodysplasia, osteoarthritis);
skeletal deformities;
dysfunction of the spinal cord.

Individuals with such anomalies often die before reaching sexual maturity. Another genetically inherited disorder of Scottish Folds is susceptibility to the disease hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This cardiac pathology quite often causes the sudden death of an animal, regardless of its age.

Scottish fold cats that do not have congenital diseases or anomalies that threaten their health or life, with proper maintenance and care, live on average about 15 years.

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Average duration

Representatives of the Scottish breed are distinguished by fairly good health. Their average lifespan is about 15 years. Good heredity and proper care will extend this period to 20 years, and sometimes more.

When purchasing a kitten, carefully check its health, especially joint mobility, and review the parents’ medical records. It is recommended to pick up the baby no earlier than 2–3 months, when he is strong enough.

Please note that one of the parents must be straight-eared: crossing two lop-eared individuals leads to the appearance of offspring with pathologies.