Scottish Fold Kitten Breed Info – Petcort

Have you ever seen a cute kitten with folded-over ears? That unique trait belongs to the Scottish Fold, an exceptional cat breed.

Keep reading to learn all about Scottish Fold kittens so you can welcome one of these adorable, floppy-eared furballs into your home!

What Do Scottish Fold Kittens Look Like?

Scottish Fold kittens look similar to other kittens, except for one noticeable difference – their ears! Here are their key features:

Folded Down Ears

A Scottish Fold’s signature trait is its forwards-folding ears. Usually, a cat’s ears stand upright. But a Fold’s ears bend forward and down, giving them an owlish appearance. Very cute!

Large, Round Eyes

Scottish Folds have big, round, wide-set eyes that some think resemble an owl’s. Combined with their folded ears, it gives them a wise but sweet expression.

Fluffy Coat

Fold kittens have a dense, soft, medium-longhair coat. It fluffs out to frame their sweet little faces—most solid color or bicolor coated.

Medium Size

Folds tend to have a rounded body shape and grow to a medium size as adults. A fully grown Scottish Fold weighs 6-13 lbs.

So, with their distinct ears and facial features, Scottish Fold kittens have unique looks!

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Do Scottish Fold Kittens Make Good Pets?

If you consider welcoming one of these special kittens into your family, you’ll be happy to know Scottish Folds make beautiful pets!

Here are some of the upbeat personality and temperament traits of the breed:

• Affectionate – They love receiving attention and cuddles.
• Playful – Fold kittens enjoy playing fetch and running after toy mice or balls.
• Smart – Scottish Folds are highly intelligent and can learn tricks or puzzles quickly.
• Calm – They have a relaxed attitude and mild manner.
• Loyal – Scottish Folds form very close bonds with their human families.
• Friendly – The breed gets along well with other pets and strangers.
• Quiet – Fold cats rarely meow loudly or make much noise.

With their loving personality and cute looks, Scottish Fold kittens make ideal furry friends!

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Caring for Your Scottish Fold Kitten

While delightful pets, Scottish Fold kittens do have some special care needs to stay happy and healthy:

Grooming

Their dense coats require brushing 2-3 times a week to prevent mats and keep shedding under control. Regular nail trims are needed, too.

Health Issues

Scottish Folds can develop arthritis or joint problems. Their folded ears also raise ear infection risks. So, regular vet checkups are a must!

Litter Training

Start teaching your Fold kitten to use the litter box right away. Scottish Folds tend to catch onto litter training quickly with positive reinforcement.

Feeding

Ensure your Scottish Fold kitten has constant access to nutritious food appropriate for their age and activity level.

Exercise & Play

Fold kittens love to play! Set aside at least 20-30 minutes daily for interactive play sessions to keep your clever kitten stimulated.

With the proper care, your cute Scottish Fold kitten will stay happy and healthy as they grow!

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Are There Different Types of Scottish Fold Cats?

Do all Scottish Fold cats have folded ears? Great question! There are two varieties of Folds:

Folded Ear Folds

About 75% of Scottish Fold kittens inherit the gene that causes their ears to fold forward and down. These are called “folded ear” Folds.

Straight Ear Folds

The other 25% of Fold kittens will have regular, upright ears. These cats are nicknamed “straights”. Straights make lovely pets, too, but cannot produce folded-ear kittens.

So, litters often contain both folded and straight-eared kittens. There’s no way to guarantee ear type until a kitten grows older. Both varieties have the same sweet Fold personality, though!

Where Did Scottish Fold Cats Originate?

Ever wonder how Scottish Fold cats first got their signature trait? Here is a short history of the breed:

• 1961 – A white barn cat with folded ears is discovered at a farm near Coupar Angus in Perthshire, Scotland. Locals nickname her “Susie”.
• 1961-1970 – Susie is bred to various British Shorthair cats to produce kittens with her unusual folded ears and establish the breed.
• 1970 – Scottish Folds exported to America and granted championship status by cat associations in the late 1970s.
• Today – Fold’s popularity as pets grows worldwide thanks to their endearing looks and loyalty.

So the first Fold cat was a spontaneous mutation in rural Scotland 60+ years ago! Human selective cat breeding helped spread their unique genetic earfold.

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How Much Does a Scottish Fold Kitten Cost?

Since they are a reasonably rare pedigree breed, Scottish Fold kittens tend to cost more upfront than mixed breed kittens. But they make lovely furry companions if you can afford a Fold kitten’s purchase price.

Here is an overview of average Scottish Fold kitten costs:

Scottish Fold Kitten Prices

Type	Average Price
Pet Quality	$1000 – $1500
Show/Breeding Quality	$2000+

Other Scottish Fold Cat Prices 

Type	Average Price
Adult/Rescue	$50 – $500
Retired Breeder	$800+

Annual Care Costs: Around $800 – $1000

So, while Scottish Fold kittens require more upfront investment, they make delightful lifelong furry friends if cared for properly!

Finding a Responsible Scottish Fold Breeder

Since Scottish Folds often suffer joint issues later in life, finding an ethical, responsible Fold kitten breeder is significant.

Signs of a Good Breeder

• Health-focused, not just looks
• Breeds to avoid defects
• Screens breeding cats for health/genetic issues
• Provides vet records and guarantees
• Let you visit their cattery
• Answers all questions
• Supports and takes back cats if needed

Reputable breeders want the best homes for their Fold kittens. They should never pressure buyers. Avoid breeders who can’t provide medical paperwork or seem evasive. Doing research protects Folds!

Scottish Fold Health and Genetic Issues

While adorable and friendly, Scottish Fold cats can face some health challenges due to their unique genetics.

Potential Problems:

• Arthritis – Early onset, starts around age 6-8 years old
• Joint deformities – Caused by abnormal cartilage
• Ear infections – Due to lack of air circulation
• Tail deformities – About 20% are born with short, kinked tails

That’s why proper medical care is so vital for responsible Fold ownership. Make sure any kitten you adopt has been health screened by their breeder.

Fun Facts About Scottish Fold Cats!

Beyond the basics, here are some fun Scottish Fold bits of trivia:

Famous TV Fold

A Scottish Fold named Devil is featured in the Netflix documentary Cat People about different cat owners.

Presidential Pets

Former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton used to own two Scottish Fold cats named Socks and Oscar!

World Travelers

The Scottish Fold breed has spread across the globe as far away as Japan, Russia, Thailand, and Australia. Their endearing looks and loyalty win fans everywhere!

So, next time you see photos of a president’s cat or a famous Netflix kitty, you might recognize them as a Scottish Fold!

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Conclusion

To recap, Scottish Fold kittens make wonderful furry companions thanks to their friendly personality and unique folded ears. With their owl-like faces, fluffy coats, and intelligent nature, they capture hearts wherever they go.

From finding a responsible breeder to providing proper medical care, folds require more dedicated ownership than some breeds. But for families willing to put in the effort, a Scottish Fold kitten will reward you with endless purrs and head bonks.

With this overview of Scottish Fold origins, pricing, health, types, and fun facts – you’re fully prepared to add one of these special kittens to your clan!

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