Scottish Fold

Scottish Fold cats can suffer from painful degenerative joint disease throughout their lives. This arises as the Scottish Fold cat mutation detrimentally affects cartilage, most obviously seen making the ear cartilage fold. As the disease progresses the joints stiffen, bones fuse and movement becomes more difficult and painful. Cats progress from slight lameness to reluctance to move.

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

The short dense coat of the Scottish Fold cat is easily cared for and needs no special grooming, though brushing helps remove dead hairs. The Scottish Fold's ears are difficult for the cat to clean itself, so owners need to remove any wax or dirt build up from the outer ear to prevent ear infection.

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.