Scottish cats: how long they live, features of keeping, what to feed

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

One of the most popular breeds of pets are Scottish cats. These are very charming, intelligent and calm animals. Many, having decided to have a kitten, choose this particular breed. But often lovers of fluffy pets are interested in how long Scottish cats live. Among the representatives of this breed there are many centenarians - with good care they can live up to 20 years or more. Although this happens only among pets, outdoor cats do not live that long. But usually the life expectancy of Scottish cats does not differ from other breeds and is about 15 years.

Features of the breed

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 chance, when one cat lover was attracted by the unusual appearance of an animal with hanging ears. Then it turned out that this feature of the appearance is due to the presence of a defective gene, which leads to excessively soft cartilage. Therefore, the ears of these cats are pressed, which gives them such an unusual andcharming view.

But the same feature also leads to the fact that when two animals of this breed are crossed, the offspring for the most part is not viable. Kittens are born with numerous anomalies of the spine 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, both straight-eared and lop-eared kittens are obtained in one litter.

The appearance of Scottish cats

These fluffy pets are liked by many because of their unusual charming appearance. Their characteristic features are small, rounded ears pressed to the head, although there is one variety of the breed with ordinary ears. In addition, these cats have a round head, large expressive eyes and soft thick cheeks. There are several other features of the appearance of Scottish cats:

• sturdy, muscular torso of medium size;
• short legs proportional to the body;
• medium length tail with a rounded tip, quite fluffy;
• short dense coat, shiny, plush, forms a collar around the neck;
• short neck.

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

The lifespan of any animal depends on care and living conditions. Usually, when they talk about 15-20 years old, they mean pets. After all, food is better at home, there are no infections, it is warm, and if necessary, the cat receives treatment from a veterinarian.

In addition, how many Scottish cats live is affected by whether they have offspring. It is noticed that sterilized animals live longer. The more often a cat brings kittens, the less she lives. In nature, when a cat gives birth several times a year, her body is depleted. 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 lop-eared variety is prone to various diseases. They have very poor he alth, so sometimes the disease leads to the death of the animal ahead of time. Cats that live outdoors are especially susceptible to diseases. There they are constantly exposed to stress, often hypothermic and starving. And since this breed has poor he alth, they do not live long on the street.

What you need to increase the lifespan of a cat

In order for a pet to live 15-20 years, it is important to carefully approach its purchase and follow all the recommendations of experts when caring for it. There are some tips that are usually given to those who decide to get a Scottish kitten:

• Go to a trusted breeder and select a he althy kitten with the utmost care.
• Let it be a female, as Scottish female cats live a little longer than males.
• Follow all the recommendations of veterinarians, get vaccinated on time.
• Keep your kitten safe by removing wires and anything that might hurt him.
• Spay the animal in time.
• Keep out.
• Feed right, better than naturalfood.
• Give your pet communication, affection, play with him more often.

Features of keeping a Scottish cat

Kittens of this breed are very smart, agile and playful. They quickly become accustomed to the tray, understand the word "no". These cats become attached to the owner and are even able to feel his mood. They have a calm nature, they are completely non-aggressive. It is noticed that Scottish cats are afraid of heights and are very obedient. Therefore, they rarely mess up and spoil things. These animals are ideal for keeping in a home with small children or the elderly. They are undemanding, quickly adapt to new conditions and are easy to care for.

To do this, you need to bathe your pet 1-2 times a month. Often not recommended - Scottish cats are very clean. The same number of times you need to cut their claws. Every day it is necessary to wipe the cat's eyes with a damp cloth and comb the fur several times a week. It is also important to properly care for your pet's ears. It is necessary to cut off regrown hairs from them and inspect regularly. Due to the fact that the ears are strongly pressed to the head of the animal, sulfur often accumulates in them, various secretions and ear mites can start.

Food

Before you get a fluffy pet, you need to figure out how to feed a Scottish kitten. Animals of this breed have poor he alth, so it is important to pay a lot of attention to this. You can feed your pet both dry food and natural food. Veterinarians believe that natural nutrition is still better. ButYou need to make sure that your pet gets all the necessary nutrients. Additionally, you need to purchase vitamins for Scottish cats. They contain special trace elements to strengthen the pet's cartilage and improve the condition of the coat.

The cat's diet should be varied. Feed an adult animal twice a day. The diet should be meat - chicken and beef. It is necessary to give the pet also cereals in meat or vegetable broth, stewed and raw vegetables, egg yolk. It is useful for them to eat cottage cheese and other dairy products. You also need to buy special weed for cats at the pet store.

If you feed your pet with dry food, you must choose premium food. Only they contain high-quality components and all the necessary vitamins.

He alth

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 a curvature of the spine and limbs, a violation of the mobility of the tail. This pathology is not treated and it is she who most often causes a reduction in the life expectancy of Scottish cats. These animals are also predisposed to ear diseases. Often they get an ear mite, inflammation develops. It is necessary to regularly show the pet to the veterinarian and vaccinate. With proper care and compliance with all the doctor's recommendations, the Scottish cat canlive for about 20 years.