Scottish cats have four varieties, one of which is Highland fold, otherwise it is called a Scottish fold longhair cat. This breed is not the most popular in the world, but it is completely unique. The peculiarity of this cat lies in the ears, they are in a special way folded, and they are almost invisible. This gives the animal a special charm. In addition, it has a cute face, long fluffy hair and an obedient, peace-loving character. For many, such an animal will become not only a decoration at home, but also a true friend. In the article we consider the history of the breed, description, nature and the necessary care for this animal.
Breed history
The story of Highland Folds is full of dramatic twists and turns. Scotland is considered her homeland, and it all began in 1961. At one farmer, a cat brought kittens, among which was a kitten with unusual ears. It was the first kitten of this breed, a girl, and was named Susie. In adulthood, a groom was chosen for Susie with the same unusual ears, and kittens with the same original features were born. For a long time, breeders did not recognize this breed and considered animals with unique ears to be “production defects”. After a while, Highland fold was officially registered.
The name of the breed has a geographical meaning. Highland is a highland in Scotland. The closest relatives of this cat are Scottish Folds and Scottish Straights. Not all breeders deal with this breed. But still such cats are fluffy and beautiful.
Scottish fold longhair cat: breed description and photo
This cat, with its touching expression on its face, conquered more than one person. When choosing an animal of this breed, it is worth paying attention to the standards that are collected in the description.
Highland fold kittens have a round head and developed cheeks, the nose is short, there is a small depression between it and the forehead. Vibrissa pads have rounded features. In general, the muzzle is short with a strong chin.
The main feature of highlen fold is ears. They are folded in a special way, small in size, and the smaller, the better, and widely set. Visually, the ears look as if they are folded forward and down. It is important to know what to determine if it is highland fold or not, it is possible only two to three weeks after the kittens are born. In babies, for the first time, the ears can be of the desired shape, and after the lapse of time they can pick up and stand up. There is, of course, the opposite situation, when the ears drop after a while.
The Highland fold photo - Scottish fold longhair cat - shows how the ears should look.
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 has a golden or close to it, light shade. Eye color and basic color are often in harmony.
In the description of the Scottish fold longhair cat, one can note a muscular body, straight, medium-length paws that should not be bent, and a flexible tail. It should be equal to two-thirds of the size of the body and taper to the tip. If the tail is short or has hardening or thickening, then this is considered a breed defect.
Since Highland fold has a fold gene, kitten 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 sick.
Adult Scottish fold cats weigh between three and eight kilograms and have a good long coat that adorns the torso, panties and collar. On the face and shoulders, the coat is shorter. Also worth noting is the magnificent tail and beautiful tufts of fur on the fingers. The coat itself is silky, elastic and very light to the touch, and the undercoat is soft and fluffy.
The color of cats of this breed can be any: gray, black, red or white. Also, the color of the wool can be marble, tiger, spotted, ticked and others. Standards do not allow non-specific white specks, and CFA do not allow colorpoint, purple and chocolate color.
Character traits
According to reviews, the character of the Scottish long-haired 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 become very attached to their owners. Unlike British cats, which are their ancestors, Highland folds are not proud and alienated, 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 deprived of aggressiveness, not shkod and not vindictive. Such a cat will not specifically take revenge on the owner, its hallmark is its quick endurance. In addition, these cats are considered calm. But you should understand that there are exceptions.
The only drawback is the reluctance to sit on your hands. Although, for some, this may be a virtue. Many owners say that they found a common language with the Scottish longhair fold cat, and she turned into a "hand bun".
The exception is kittens, they are very active, intrusive and not very well-mannered, but with age they become more calm. It must be understood 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 a young age, a kitten must be accustomed to 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, Highland Fold - a Scottish fold longhair cat - does not behave in the most active way. "Concerts", of course, she arranges, but not as strong as, for example, in the eastern breeds.
Care
The fold Scottish longhair cat is easy to care for. First, you need to deal with nutrition 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 susceptible to urolithiasis, so salt-free nutrition should be followed. Highland folds tend to be overweight, especially if the animal is sterilized. Therefore, it makes sense to monitor the portion size.
About once a week, a Scottish long-haired fold cat needs to be combed out, this will save from tangles and save from excess hair in the apartment. To cut claws and brush your teeth is necessary and at the request of the owners. Breeders recommend bathing the animal once every two months. When walking outside, it is necessary to examine the ears of the animal, since their special shape and long coat does not allow the cat to remove ticks on its own. If you wish, you can set a claw point in the house, highland folds easily get used to it, as well as to the tray. In most cases, owners do not have problems with education.
Food
In addition to describing the breed and character of the Scottish fold longhair cat, owners are often interested in the issue of nutrition. Of course, the best option would be a natural diet - low-fat meat, dairy products, cereals, offal and vegetables. It is also recommended to add a small amount of vegetable oil to food, it helps to be absorbed by many vitamins and minerals.
Feeding finished industrial feed is not prohibited, the main thing is to choose high-quality products. The best option would be to consult with the breeder himself or consult with the veterinarian. The main rule that should not be violated is the ban on any food from your table.
Diseases
From the description of the breed of the Scottish fold longhair cat, you can find out about the diseases to which it is genetically predisposed - polyarthritis and osteochondrodysplasia. Subject to all the rules for mating healthy animals, one lop-eared and the other straight-eared, more or less healthy offspring are obtained. But nevertheless, a cat of this breed does not have a healthy gene, therefore it is at risk and can get sick with the above pathologies.
The owner should be prepared for such a 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 sick animal, it is better to abandon his purchase and prefer highland or Scottish Straights. They do not have a fold gene and are not prone to diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
disadvantages
Looking at a photo of a Highland fold, a 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 in their arms;
- long hair causes a lot of problems;
- Due to the genetic characteristics of the animal, joint problems may develop.
Advantages
You can summarize and combine all the advantages:
- very beautiful appearance;
- suitable for beginners;
- friendly
- well amenable to education;
- not vindictive;
- moderately eats;
- does not play;
- not from shy breeds.
How much is?
If the animal has the correct ears, has all the 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 nurseries that deal with them.
Where could I buy?
Only nurseries can guarantee that the Scottish long-haired fold cat will be healthy and vaccinated. These animals are difficult to breed. In order to raise offspring, it is necessary to observe many nuances. Not every breeder can stand it. In addition, this breed has small litters, and not every kitten born will have the correct ears and long coat.
Reviews
There are many positive reviews on the net testifying to the wonderful character of the Scottish long-haired cat. Many emphasize her ability to find a common language with children. The owners note that sometimes unscrupulous breeders can deceive buyers, so they recommend taking 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 in the nursery, healthy and vaccinated, you can count on a long and warm friendship with him.