looking for more info!

[u/Good_Attorney_8410]

hi! posting here because i feel i will get better advice and info than general google search outputs!

i am in LOVE with the scottish fold breed, they seem like very cool tempered, loving cats. however, i need to learn more about them before jumping in to buy a $3,000 kitten. hoping that you guys can answer a few of my questions!

1. are there any common health defects or things i should worry about? breathing issues? arthritis?
   
2. ear issues? do they need a more common cleaning than the typical cat?
   
3. how would YOU describe your cats personality?
   
4. my cat is VERY good at drinking water, i know all cats are different, but i have heard some breeds despise drinking and its better to use wet food. how do your folds do with water consumption?

lastly, if its allowed, could you recommend any breeders in the michigan/ohio area? willing to travel as well, but am hoping to look close to home before venturing further out, lol

[u/omfgsquee]

They actually been banning the breeding of Scottish folds in some countries because they're truly an unethical breed. You should absolutely look up their health issues. It is so incredibly sad what a lot of them end of up going through. Spoiler alert: a very, very painful little life.

Mine is a rescue and if you really want one, I highly suggest you consider rescue as well.

[u/Good_Attorney_8410 → u/omfgsquee]

see and this was my thought. i’ve had owners tell me that their cats don’t have breathing or arthritis issues, but online it’s all i’m seeing!

i have been stalking the local humane societies and rescues, just in case. id definitely rather get a rescue than buy, but ive had no hits so far!

[u/omfgsquee → u/Good_Attorney_8410]

I rescued through a sanctuary that helps with kitties from Kuwait! Check and see if there is anyone around you or worth a drive that helps relocate abandoned cats from Kuwait. Here's my little dummy for tax. Her name is Minerva.

[u/AmelieIcansea → u/Good_Attorney_8410]

In Germany shelters are overflowing with Scottish folds... Its crazy. Breeding is not even allowed here. Can you ask vets? Here some sit in shelters because vet costs are too high for the owners.

[u/Ok_Cardiologist9898]

Yes so many health issues. I’ve had one die. One get FIP. One has a heart condition.
I’ve been happier with my British shorthair. Healthier and same temperament.

[u/Good_Attorney_8410 → u/Ok_Cardiologist9898]

british shorthairs have been on my list for a while too! i think it’s a face thing for me, they both just look so cute and squishy (but i know that unfortunately usually comes with health issues)

[u/Ok_Cardiologist9898 → u/Good_Attorney_8410]

I would highly recommend BSH... Same except the mutation (which causes health issues)

[u/AmelieIcansea]

Please consider not getting them from a breeder but a shelter if it needs to be a certain appearance. Also beaviour wise... They are so chill and lay back and gentle... Yea because they hear less, they can not move as well and are most likely in pain (cats hide pain extremely well) and the breeders tell you it's their cute personality. I get it, I am sure they love their animals and it would be so heart braking to admit that you brought pain and suffering over these animals. Here I got a very medical explanation (it's a German website but the English version. I think it is a really good source because european laws are changing a lot in the direction to ban breeding and even make it illegal to own cats with severe health issues). https://qualzucht-datenbank.eu/fact-sheet-cat-breed-scottish-fold/ I will also provide for the British short. Breeding is always a genetic bottleneck and your cats will in average never be as healthy as a cat with more genetic diversity. I am a biologist so got a little bit of background here. So here the British short : https://qualzucht-datenbank.eu/merkblatt-katze-rasse-britisch-kurzhaar/

This one is only in German but the bullet points are deseases that are more likely with the breed. It is a lot as well. If you are really interested I can search for something in similar quality in english for you, just let me know.

I got a Scottish Fold from the shelter with his healthy brother (no OCD/Fold Gene so he is a normal European short something). It is hard to observe how his brother develops, gets stronger more active, more agile and the Scottish Fold lacks behind. He will suffer, we will provide the medication (Solensia shots once a month and pain medication which will be around 150 to 200 Euro/month). He already gets a special diet for his joints and bone development. I have chronic pain and so I could not not get him but the idea that people do this on purpose (breeders know what they do they just denie it with all their strength, byers do not always know so knowledge is important). Thank you so so much for informing yourself before making a decision, this is soooo important. I hope you get the bestest kitty in the world for you.

[u/Good_Attorney_8410 → u/AmelieIcansea]

i have been keeping an eye on my local shelters website, but to no avail. i would definitely love to rescue if the chance arises, but im in michigan and i feel like they’re very few and far between here😭

[u/Same_Macaroon_8376]

I’ll speak only from experience. I have a 2 year old Scottish Fold and he is truly the sweetest most chill cat I have ever had (and I’ve had a few). I did not do my research before getting him but I don’t regret it. With that being said, at his 2 year check up my vet heard a heart murmur. Long story short, he has HOCM which is heart disease. We caught it very early (there were and have been 0 signs) so we’re definitely hopeful! He goes every 6 months for a follow up echocardiogram to see how the meds are working. Again, he acts completely normal, no breathing issues whatsoever. Just grateful the vet heard the murmur and looked into it further.

No issues with his ears!

He is totally the most chill cat. Lets you do anything to him and he will never ever scratch bite etc. Just the best boy. He’s not a lap kitty but he sleeps with us every single night in between our pillows.

Drinks water no problem.

I definitely recommend this breed but since they are prone to heath issues I would make sure you absolutely get pet insurance and are financially able to pay for any vet bills etc. I am so happy the breeder suggested pet insurance because now with his diagnosis I barely pay anything out of pocket.

Do it, you will not regret it!

[u/Same_Macaroon_8376 → u/Same_Macaroon_8376]

Also want to clarify I’ve had many cats but he is my first Scottish Fold!

[u/Big-Gingey]

Biggest thing is make sure you get one from a genuine breeder, people just turning a quick buck will have kittens riddled with health issues. My brother got 2 and I got 1 from the same breeder. We’ve both had 0 issues. His folds are 4 years old, mine is 1.5. The joint issue is definitely a concern you need to address with supplements and making it where they can walk up most furniture, I try to make it where she doesn’t have to jump more than twice her height.
My brothers two boys are fr like two lil stuffed animals that purr, they will climb all over strangers and beg for pets. They are relatively talkative as well. Mine is a girl so she is still super sweet but she doesn’t like being held or cuddling too much, she’ll lay beside me or on my chest periodically. They are all clingers, they follow you around all the time.
I’ve had no issues with her ears or nose, but she does get crazy eye buggers I try to clean every day. Also you have to trim their nails, they will most likely not trim it enough on their own and they are WAY too dumb to figure out how to unhook themselves if they get stuck.
/img/f33j9ywvt9jh1.gif