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The Scratching Post
Scottish Fold 
The Scottish Fold?s defining features are their folded ears, which bend forward and downward. This medium-sized cat has a round and stocky body. The head is round and wide and sits upon a short neck. The large and round eyes are wide open and correspond with the coat color. Blue-eyed or odd-eyed colors are allowed for all white cats. The nose is short and softly curved with a brief stop. This gives the Scottish Fold an owl-like appearance. They have a thick, double coat which comes in a shorthair and longhair variety. The legs are medium in length and the toes are well-rounded. The medium to long tail should be flexible and taper to a rounded tip.
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Temperament
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"Foldies" are mellow, loving, sweet-tempered and intelligent. They adapt well to new environments, people, and companion animals. Though they tend to bond with one person in the household, they will allow others to pet and cuddle them. They will follow their chosen one from room to room like a loyal puppy. They thrive on human contact with their chosen one and are agreeable to just about any suggestion as long as it can be done from a reclining position. This quiet breed rarely uses their voices. You do not have to worry about moving your breakables, as Foldies are neither climbers nor hyperactive.
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Weight
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6-13 lbs.
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Health Problems
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When two Folds mate, severe abnormalities can result. Stiffened and shortened legs and tail can reduce their quality of life and lifespan for the cats. Some all-white Folds can be susceptible to deafness.
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Living Conditions
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Folds can adapt to a variety of living arrangements. The do well in an apartment or a house. Though they enjoy hunting, they do not require it.
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Exercise
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They enjoy playing and hunting, but will be content with a sedentary lifestyle. Scottish Folds should be encouraged to play and exercise to prevent it from becoming overweight.
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Life Expectancy
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About 10-15 years
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Grooming
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Folds require weekly brushing with additional grooming when they are shedding. The longhaired of this breed requires daily brushing.
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Origin
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The Scottish Fold was first recognized on a farm in Perthshire, Scotland in 1961. The white, shorthaired female cat was owned by Mr. and Mrs. McRae who named the cat Susie. Two years later, Susie gave birth to two folded-ear kittens. The male was kept as a pet, but the female, Snooks, was kept for breeding. One of her offspring was borrowed by London breeder, Pat Turner, who began a serious breeding program. The Scottish Fold was registered in the United States in 1973, reached championship status in 1978, and was ranked as one of the top ten most popular pedigree breeds during the 1990?s. Kittens born with upright ears are known as Scottish Shorthairs.
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