Highland Fold - Scottish fold longhair cat. Description, photo

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Scottish cats have four varieties, one of which is the Highland Fold, otherwise it is called the Scottish Fold longhair cat. This breed is not the most popular in the world, but it is quite unique. The peculiarity of this cat lies in the ears, they are folded in a special way, and they are almost invisible. This gives the animal a special charm. In addition, it has a cute muzzle, long fluffy hair and an obedient, peaceful character. For many, such an animal will become not only a decoration of the house, but also a true friend. In the article, we will consider the history of the breed, description, character and necessary care for this animal.

History of the breed

The origin story of the Highland Fold is full of dramatic twists and turns. Scotland is considered her homeland, and it all started in 1961. A farmer has a catbrought kittens, among which was a kitten with unusual ears. It was the first kitten of this breed, a girl, and they named her Susie. In adulthood, a groom was picked up for Susie, with the same unusual ears, and kittens were born with the same original features. For a long time, breeders did not recognize this breed and considered animals with unique ears to be a "manufacturing defect". After a while, the Highland Fold was still officially registered.

The name of the breed has a geographical meaning. The Highlands are highlands in Scotland. The closest relatives of this cat are Scottish Folds and Scottish Straights. Not all breeders are into this breed. But still, these kitties are fluffy and beautiful.

Scottish fold longhair cat: breed description and photo

This cat with its touching expression of the muzzle conquered more than one person. When choosing an animal of this breed, you should pay attention to the standards that are collected in the description.

Highland Fold kittens have a round head and developed cheeks, a short nose, between it and the forehead there is a small depression. Vibrissa pads have rounded features. In general, the muzzle is short with a strong chin.

The main feature of the Haylen Fold are the ears. They are folded in a special way, small in size, and the smaller the better, and set wide apart. Visually, the ears look like they are folded forward and down. It is important to know that it is possible to determine whether it is a Highland Fold or not, only two to three weeks after the kittens are born. In babies, at first, the ears may be of the desired shape, butAs time goes by, pick up and get up. There is, of course, the opposite situation, when the ears drop after a while.

The photo of the Highland Fold - Scottish Fold Longhair cat - shows what the ears should look like.

Many people notice that cats of this breed have rounded features, including eyes, by the way, they are widely spaced. The color of the iris of the eyes has a golden or close to it, light shade. Eye color and base color often harmonize.

In describing the Scottish Fold longhaired cat, one can note a muscular body, straight, medium-length paws that should not be twisted, and a flexible tail. It should be equal to two thirds of the size of the body and taper towards the tip. If the tail is short or has hardening or thickening, then this is considered a fault in the breed.

Since the Highland Fold has a lop-eared gene, the kitten's mobility is observed at an early age. With barely noticeable immobility and soreness of the joints, the animal is rejected, since, most likely, it will grow up sick.

Adult Scottish Fold cats weigh from three to eight kilograms, have good long hair that adorns the body, "panties" and "collar". The coat is shorter on the muzzle and shoulders. Also worth noting is the magnificent tail and beautiful tufts of fur on the fingers. The coat itself is silky to the touch, elastic and very light, and the undercoat is soft and fluffy.

The color of cats of this breed can be any: gray, black, red or white. Also coat colormay be marbled, brindle, spotted, ticked and others. Standards do not allow non-specific white spots, and CFA does not allow colorpoint, lilac and chocolate.

Character Traits

According to reviews, the character of the Scottish longhaired fold cat is considered one of its advantages. Animals of this species are very friendly, are considered excellent companions, remotely resemble dogs, get along well with people and are very attached to their owners. Unlike British cats, which are their ancestors, Highland Folds are not proud and aloof, but, on the contrary, need to communicate. But it is worth noting that they are not intrusive and will patiently wait until the owner pays attention to them.

It can also be noted that the Scottish longhair fold cat is aristocratic and quickly learns to live together with a person. With normal genes, animals are devoid of aggressiveness, do not misbehave and are not vindictive. Such a cat will not specifically take revenge on the owner; its distinguishing feature is quick appeasement. In addition, these cats are considered calm. But you should understand that there are exceptions.

The only downside is the unwillingness to sit on your hands. Although, for some it may be a virtue. Many owners say that they found a common language with the Scottish longhair fold cat, and she turned into a "tame bun".

Kittens are an exception, they are very active, obsessive and not very educated, but with age they becomemore calm. You need to understand that each cat is individual, and its character is formed not only by genes, but also by proper upbringing, which completely depends on the breeder and future owner. From an early age, a kitten must be taught the rules that he will follow when he grows up, because the habits acquired in childhood will remain with him for life.

During the sexual period, the Highland Fold - Scottish Fold longhair cat - does not behave in the most active way. "Concerts", of course, she suits, but not as strong as, for example, in oriental breeds.

Care

The Scottish Longhair cat is easy to care for. First, you need to understand the diet and choose the right diet. This is necessary so that the ears do not stand up and there are no problems with the musculoskeletal system. In addition, cats of this breed are prone to urolithiasis, so you need to adhere to a s alt-free diet. Highland folds tend to be overweight, especially if the animal is neutered. Therefore, it makes sense to watch the portion size.

About once a week, the Scottish Longhair Fold cat needs to be combed out, this will save you from tangles and get rid of excess hair in the apartment. Trimming nails and brushing teeth is necessary and the desire of the owners. Breeders recommend bathing the animal once every two months. When walking outside, it is necessary to inspect the ears of the animal, since their special shape and long hair do not allow the cat to remove ticks on its own. If desired, you can install in the housescratching post, highland folds are easily accustomed to it, as well as to the tray. In most cases, the owners do not have problems with parenting.

Food

In addition to describing the breed and character of the Scottish Fold longhair cat, owners are often interested in nutrition. Of course, the best option would be a natural diet - lean meat, dairy products, cereals, offal and vegetables. It is also recommended to add a small amount of vegetable oil to food, it helps to absorb many vitamins and minerals.

Feeding with ready-made industrial feeds is not prohibited, the main thing is to choose high-quality products. The best option would be to consult the breeder on this matter or consult with a veterinarian. The main rule that should not be violated is the ban on any food from your table.

Diseases

From the description of the Scottish fold longhair cat breed, you can learn about the diseases to which it is genetically predisposed - polyarthritis and osteochondrodysplasia. Subject to all the rules for mating he althy animals, one lop-eared and the other straight-eared, more or less he althy offspring are obtained. But still, a cat of this breed has an unhe althy gene, so it is at risk and can get sick with the above pathologies.

The owner must be prepared for this turn of events, although the disease may not manifest itself. If the owner is not sure that he will be able to care for the sickanimals, it is better to refuse to buy it and prefer Highland Straights or Scottish Straights. They do not have the lop-eared gene and are not predisposed to diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Flaws

Looking at the photo of the Highland Fold - Scottish Fold Longhair cat - you might think that this cute animal has no flaws. But still they are:

• cats of this breed do not like to sit on their hands;
• long hair causes a lot of problems;
• due to genetic characteristics, the animal may develop joint problems.

Dignity

You can sum up and combine all the virtues:

• very beautiful appearance;
• suitable for beginners;
• friendly;
• good for education;
• not vindictive;
• eating moderately;
• not naughty;
• not a shy breed.

How much?

If the animal has the correct ears, all vaccinations, all the documents are done and the pedigree is in order, the cost of a kitten of a long-haired Scottish fold cat will be 25 thousand rubles. You can buy cheaper, but without a package of documents. In this case, the purchase will cost around six thousand rubles. In Russia, this breed has been known for many years, so you can easily find kennels that deal with them.

Where to buy?

The guarantee that the Scottish Longhair Fold will be he althy and vaccinated can only be catteries. These animals are difficult to breed. In order to grow offspring, it is necessary to observe many nuances. Not every breeder can handle this. In addition, this breed has small litters, and not every kitten born will have the right ears and long hair.

Reviews

There are many positive reviews on the net, testifying to the excellent character of the Scottish Longhair cat. Many emphasize her ability to find a common language with children. The owners note that sometimes unscrupulous breeders can deceive buyers, so it is recommended to take kittens of this breed no earlier than two months. In general, the Highland Fold does not require special care, and if the animal is bought from a kennel, he althy and vaccinated, you can count on a long and warm friendship with him.