Читать книгу 77 Things to Know Before Getting a Cat - Susan Ewing M. - Страница 21

The first known Scottish Fold cat was a white barn cat named Susie, found in a litter in 1961 by William Ross, who went on to develop the breed. Susie’s ears folded forward and down, and this trait, along with large, round eyes and a short nose, gives the Scottish Fold a look that somewhat resembles a cuddly owl. The Scottish Fold has a short, dense coat and, in temperament, is as sweet as he looks.

Kittens are born with upright ears that either stay straight or fold over around one month of age. Cats whose ears remain upright are known as Scottish Shorthairs. A longhaired variety is known as the Highland Fold.

Although the sweet look of a Scottish Fold is endearing, the upright-eared cats are essential to the health of the breed. When Folds are bred to Folds, the kittens may develop osteochondrodystrophy, a crippling and painful skeletal abnormality. A kitten with stiff legs or a short, thick tail may have osteochondrodystrophy.

Scottish Folds weigh between 8 and 13 pounds (3.6–5.9 kg) and have a lifespan of between eleven and fourteen years.