Long Hair Scottish Fold Cat: Info, Facts, Pictures & History

Adorable, fluffy, long-haired Scottish Fold cats have a unique look that makes them stand out. Their folded ears give them a sweet look that melts the hearts of most onlookers. As the name implies, this breed hails from Scotland and can be traced back to 1961. Let’s take a closer look at these cute little bundles of joy.

Breed Overview

The Scottish Fold is a medium-sized cat with a rounded, short-haired, thick coat. The long hair Scottish Fold looks similar but with a long, fluffy coat instead of a short coat. It can be any color or pattern but is mostly brown or black. The ears are the most distinctive feature of the cat. They are large and wide with round heads and flat faces. Scottish Folds have large eyes and medium-sized, muscular bodies.

Long Hair Scottish Fold Cat Characteristics

The Earliest Records of Long Hair Scottish Folds in History

The Scottish Fold has a unique lineage. In 1961, a Scottish shepherd discovered a kitten with folded ears on his neighbor’s farm. He named the kitten Susie; interestingly enough, the mother had normal ears. But it was unclear what type of cat the father was. He bred a kitten from Susie’s litter with British Shorthair cats to create more kittens with folded ears.

In the late 1970s, it was discovered that when breeding two cats that both have folded ears, 1/3 of the kittens developed skeletal lesions, which brought the breeding of the cats to a halt in Europe. However, a cat with folded ears can still be bred with a cat with normal ears, and the folded ear trait is a dominant mutation, and some of the kittens will express the folded ears. However, it’s not guaranteed that all of the kittens will.

The genetics of the folded-ear trait aren't fully understood, but it is now known that the gene for folded ears is carried on the same chromosome as the gene for short legs.

How Long Hair Scottish Folds Gained Popularity

The breed as we know it today was developed in America. Breeders in the US have worked to breed out the gene that causes skeletal lesions, and the breed is generally regarded as healthy today. Although Scottish Folds were originally bred with shorthair cats, they are now bred with other cats, which can lead to them developing long hair instead of short hair. So, the long-haired Scottish Fold isn’t a separate breed but a coat variation of the Scottish Fold.

There are also two types of long-haired Scottish Fold: “folded” and “straight.” Folded means the cat's ears that fold slightly, while straight refers to cats with ears that stand upright. However, both types are exceedingly adorable. The breed has a strong instinct to hunt small rodents and insects, so it’s important to keep them indoors. They can be very social and affectionate, but they can also be quite reserved.

Although the cats are relatively easily bred with one another, they are not very successful at breeding with other breeds. The folded-ear trait is dominant, meaning that it is more easily expressed in offspring. Therefore, Scottish Fold cats will likely remain a rare breed, making them pretty expensive to purchase.

Formal Recognition of Long Hair Scottish Folds

The breed gained championship status from the Cat Fanciers Association in 1978 and the International Cat Association in 1981. The Scottish Fold is known for their folded ears, rounded head, and sweet temperament. They have not been accepted by Great Britain’s Governing Council of the Cat Fancy or the European Cat Fanciers Association due to the folded ears resulting from a mutation.

Top 3 Unique Facts About Long Hair Scottish Folds

1. Breeding Scottish Fold Cats with Other breeds Can Result in Kittens With Short legs

Since the gene for folded ears is on the same chromosome as the gene for folded legs, breeding Scottish Fold cats with other breeds is likely to result in kittens with short legs.

2. They Love to Cuddle

They like to be close to their owners and are known to be very good with kids and other pets. Scottish Folds don’t shed a lot and are very low maintenance.

3. They Sit Like We Do

Scottish folds often sit prairie-dog style to increase their view and pick out noises they hear.

Do Long Hair Scottish Folds Make Good Pets?

If you're looking for a very easy-to-handle and low-maintenance cat, the long hair Scottish Fold might be the right choice for you. These cats are very friendly, great with kids, and highly affectionate. They love to cuddle and be close to their owners. They also don’t shed as much as other cats and are generally considered low-maintenance pets. It's essential, however, to keep their ears clean and healthy. If you notice any unusual odor coming from their ears, you should immediately take them to the vet. This is a sign that their ears are infected and need medical attention. You also want to invest in a high-quality brush. While they don't shed often, their fur can easily become matted if it isn't brushed regularly. Lastly, buy toys, scratching posts, and other items to keep your Scottish Fold busy. Though they usually have a mild temperament in general, they can cause destruction if left home alone for extended periods. If you're planning on bringing home a Scottish Fold, make sure you do your research and find out how to take care of them properly.

Conclusion

The long hair Scottish Fold is an adorable, low-maintenance cat with a lot of personality. They are incredibly affectionate and very easy to love. They make great pets for people who want a cat that doesn't shed much but still loves to play and interact with their family. Scottish Folds are also good for families with children. They can be very gentle and patient with little ones since they tend not to hiss or scratch much. These cats are best kept indoors and should only be allowed outside when necessary. If you let them outside, always keep an eye on them. See Also: 

• How Long Does a Scottish Fold Live? (Average Lifespan Data & Vet-Reviewed Facts)

• Persian Scottish Fold Cat Mix: Pictures, Temperament & Traits

• Scottish Fold British Shorthair Cat Mix: Info, Pictures, Temperament & Traits

Featured Image Credit: Borkin Vadim, Shutterstock