What is the correct name for the breed of Scottish Fold cats? - briefly
The correct name for this breed is Scottish Fold. This breed is renowned for its distinctive folded ears, which give it a unique and endearing appearance. The Scottish Fold cats originated in Scotland in the 1960s when a shepherd named William Ross noticed a cat with unusually folded ears on a farm near Coupar Angus in the Tayside region of Scotland. The breed has since gained popularity worldwide due to its charming looks and friendly demeanor. Scottish Folds are medium-sized cats with a rounded appearance, including round eyes, round head, and round body. Their ears fold forward and downwards, giving them an owl-like appearance. This breed is known for its sweet-tempered and affectionate nature, making them excellent companions. There are two types of Scottish Folds: the British Shorthair-type and the American Shorthair-type. The British Shorthair-type has a dense, plush coat, while the American Shorthair-type has a shorter, sleeker coat.
Here are some key points about Scottish Fold cats:
- Origin: Scotland
- Distinctive feature: Folded ears
- Temperament: Sweet-tempered and affectionate
- Size: Medium
- Coat types: British Shorthair-type and American Shorthair-type
- Popularity: Worldwide recognition and popularity
What is the correct name for the breed of Scottish Fold cats? - in detail
The breed of cats commonly known as Scottish Fold is officially recognized by various international cat fanciers' associations under the name "Scottish Fold." This breed is distinguished by its unique physical characteristic: forward-folding ears, which give the cats an owl-like appearance. The breed's origins can be traced back to a single cat named Susie, who was found on a farm in Scotland in 1961. Susie's distinctive folded ears were the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation.
The Scottish Fold is known for its medium-sized, rounded body and dense, plush coat. The breed comes in both long-haired and short-haired varieties. The long-haired variety is often referred to as the Highland Fold, although this is not an official breed name recognized by all registries. The short-haired variety is simply known as the Scottish Fold.
Breed standards for the Scottish Fold emphasize the fold of the ears, which should be set symmetrically and fold forward and downward, with the tip of the ear pointing towards the eye. The ears should be of medium size, with a broad base and rounded tips. The eyes are large, round, and widely spaced, contributing to the breed's distinctive facial expression.
The Scottish Fold is recognized by several major cat registries, including the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), the International Cat Association (TICA), and the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFé). Each of these organizations has its own set of breed standards, but all agree on the fundamental characteristics that define the Scottish Fold.
In addition to the standard Scottish Fold, some registries recognize a related breed called the Scottish Straight. This breed is genetically identical to the Scottish Fold but lacks the folded ears. The Scottish Straight is essentially a straight-eared version of the Scottish Fold, resulting from breeding programs that aim to maintain the breed's overall characteristics while avoiding the potential health issues associated with the folded ears.
In summary, the correct and widely accepted name for this breed is the Scottish Fold. The breed is celebrated for its unique appearance and friendly, affectionate temperament. However, it is essential to note that responsible breeding practices are crucial to maintain the health and well-being of these cats, particularly due to the genetic mutation that causes the folded ears.