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Are Scottish Fold Cats Affectionate? Facts & FAQ

Written by: Brooke Billingsley

Last Updated on January 16, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

bicolor scottish fold cat sitting on the mirror

Are Scottish Fold Cats Affectionate? Facts & FAQ

There are few things in this world that are better than having a pet to love, except maybe when that pet reciprocates your love and affection. Cats are one of the top pets when it comes to loving behaviors, especially with people they are comfortable and familiar with.

For people who want an affectionate cat, it’s important to choose the right cat breed. While all cats are different, some breeds are known for being highly independent, while others are known for their affectionate nature. Where does the adorable and charming Scottish Fold fall? Well, Scottish Folds tend to be very affectionate in general.

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Are Scottish Folds Affectionate?

If you’re hoping for an outwardly loving cat, the Scottish Fold may be just right for you. Scottish Folds are known for their extremely affectionate nature. They’re a great pick for households with multiple people because they tend to bond with all members of the household. While they do bond extremely strongly with one or two people, nobody will feel left out with a Scottish Fold around.

Although affectionate, the Scottish Fold is not known for being a “Velcro cat,” or one that constantly wants to stick by your side. They are also not known for attention seeking in ways that many consider obnoxious, like loudly meowing or aggressively interrupting activities.

red cat breed Scottish fold_Alexander Sobol_shutterstock
Image by: Alexander Sobol, Shutterstock

Special Considerations with a Scottish Fold

Even though this breed tends to be loving and affectionate with all members of the household, there are some big considerations before bringing one home. The first consideration is that these cats usually bond closely with one or two people, so a household with two people or more should be prepared for potentially not being the first choice for pets and snuggles.

This breed also needs care taken when handling its tail and ears. Some Scottish Folds are known to develop chronic or acute pain or stiffness of the tail with rough handling, so it’s important for children to understand how to fully respect the cat and its boundaries. They may also be prone to developing ear infections or ear damage, especially with improper handling and cleaning.

Scottish Folds are medium-boned cats that can have a bit of heft to them, so maintaining a healthy body weight is necessary for long-term health and wellness. This not only involves feeding a high-quality diet and portioning food appropriately but also maintaining regular exercise and play for your Scottish Fold.

Scottish Fold
Image by: Sophkins, Pixabay

Popularity and Breeding

The Scottish Fold may be a British breed, but it’s a popular cat in the US, to a greater degree than it is in its own home country. One thing that does hold this breed back somewhat, though, is the difficulty associated with breeding these cats. It’s important for breeders to select their breeding cats carefully to produce healthy offspring.

Not all Scottish Folds have folded ears, and if a folded ear cat is bred to another, then the offspring can experience significant medical issues and physical deformities. With appropriate breeding, the Scottish Fold typically has small litters that may or may not have the desirable folded ears. Not all Scottish Folds have folded ears, and if a folded ear cat is bred to another, then the offspring can experience significant medical issues and physical deformities. With appropriate breeding, the Scottish Fold typically has small litters that may or may not have the desirable folded ears.

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Conclusion

The Scottish Fold is a loving cat that often bonds closely to one or two people but shares its affectionate nature with almost everyone. It is a charming breed that is ridiculously cute with its little folded ears.

There are some safe handling and ownership considerations that should be taken before bringing one of these cats home. Ideally, you should only get a Scottish Fold from a breeder who understands the safe and responsible breeding practices of these cats.

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Pxhere

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