Traditional medicine

Caring for a Scottish breed kitten. Scottish fold kitten: characteristics of the breed, care and nutrition at home

The first Scottish Fold kitten or Scottish Fold first appeared half a century ago in Britain. The breed quickly gained popularity and quickly spread throughout the world. The first specimens appeared in Europe, then conquered America. They are beautiful, aristocratic and strongly attached to their owner. Due to their friendly and accommodating disposition, they easily adapt to any environment. A distinctive feature is downward curved ears. Keeping such pets is not difficult, but requires compliance with a number of rules for organizing food.

Description

The Scottish cat breed comes in two varieties:

Scottish Fold - fold;
Scottish Straight - short-haired, with straight ears.

The long-haired type is called respectively: Highland Fold and Highland Straight. Such a distinction was a necessary measure, since matings are allowed exclusively between different specimens.

The exact date of origin of the breed is unknown. It was practically destroyed during the Second World War, so it had to be rebuilt. For this purpose, three breeds were taken. But something went wrong, and a completely new breed was created, which turned out to be even better. The first Scots were blue; today there are more than 150 colors.

The most common colors are presented in the table:

Name	Visual photo
Black
Tortoiseshell
Chocolate
Silver tabby
Blue
Color point
Bicolor
Chinchilla

Despite the short coat, the coat is quite thick, which makes Scottish Folds look like plush toys. They have small paws, a round head and a wide nose. Animals are endowed with good health, but despite this, they can suffer from obesity. A passive lifestyle is contraindicated for them. High activity requires correspondingly good nutrition. The main feature is the ears curved towards the head. This happened due to a typical mutation during the crossing of breeds. The average weight is 7–8 kilograms.

It is not difficult to distinguish a cat from a tom: males are much larger and more muscular, and have a larger muzzle. It is recommended to crossbreed with breeds that have straight ears, since when two fold-eared cats are brought together, the muscles in the kittens become larger, which spoils the appearance.

Representatives of this breed do not respond to “kiss-kiss”, they only respond to their name.

Scots are independent and stand above other pets. You shouldn’t expect typical dirty tricks from them: scratching furniture, damaging things, arranging a toilet in the wrong place. They are endowed with great patience, which is why they easily get along with other animals. But at the same time, if their freedom is limited or humiliated, they can grow up fearful. Kids are playful and cheerful, they love to throw things off high surfaces. This is due to innate curiosity, which can cause a lot of inconvenience to owners.

They show special interest in bags, packages and boxes. They can often be found in the most unusual hidden places. Scottish cats are not averse to sleeping longer, and it doesn’t matter in what position, as long as it’s comfortable. A suddenly awakened pet becomes irritable and often loses its appetite.

Care

Keeping Scottish Folds at home does not cause much trouble. Despite the strong focus of cats on humans, intrusiveness is unusual for them. Even kittens are quite capable of finding their own entertainment when those around them have no time or no one is home. It is enough to buy more different toys. Due to its natural intelligence, the pet quickly learns to sharpen its claws on a special structure and relieve itself in the tray.

Caring for such representatives is simple. It is necessary to comb it at least once a week, freeing it from rolled-up hairballs. Scots love to be scratched against the grain. Use soft massage brushes or mittens for short-haired animals. They bathe when soiled, but not more than once a month.

Washing of exhibition cats is guided by the date of the show and depends on the color: dark cats - 7–10 days before, contrasting and light colors - 4–6 days before, bicolors and chinchillas - two days before, white cats are washed directly on the day of the event.

It is necessary to periodically trim the claws and clean the ears once every two weeks.. Constant monitoring of the ears and eyes is required. Accumulated dirt is removed with a soft swab soaked in a special lotion. Similar formulations are sold in pet stores and veterinary clinics. Sometimes there are Scots with “flowing eyes”, which is typical for this breed. In such cases, Horazon is instilled or syntomycin ointment is applied.

Feeding

Feeding Folds can be natural, combined or using ready-made food. It is not recommended to wean the baby from mother’s milk before 1.5–2 months, which will negatively affect his health in the future. Up to five months, boiled milk is given in small portions, up to 6-7 times a day. For six months, it is excluded from the diet and transferred to three meals a day. And closer to the year, two feedings per day will be enough.

Be sure to have free access to a bowl of clean drinking water, which must be changed daily.

For small pets, two types of food supply are used: measured and continuous. In the first case, food is given out in limited portions, but often. With the second method, the food is always in the bowl and is added as it is empty. The kitten can eat at any time. The disadvantage is that babies do not feel in moderation and may overeat. This is fraught with food poisoning and malfunction of the digestive system. It is not recommended to feed pets this way all the time, as it leads to obesity.

Natural food

Many people prefer natural nutrition. But not all food is suitable for little Scots. Meat products should prevail in the diet, since the protein in its composition is vital for a growing organism.

The list of permitted and prohibited products is listed in the table:

You cannot combine fermented milk products with vegetables, meat and cereals. Fatty foods are bad for the liver. Vegetables are first grated or crushed, and a little vegetable oil is added. This is the only way the cat’s body can absorb the beneficial vegetable composition. For full growth and development, you will need to systematically add vitamin and mineral supplements to your diet. Up to 6 months, there is a high need for vitamins A and D. Veterinary pharmacies sell ready-made balanced formulations specifically for kittens.

Ready-made feed

The range of ready-made feed mixtures is now quite wide. When choosing, they are guided not by beautiful packaging, but by the recommendations of professional breeders. The advantage of such feeding is ease of use and balanced composition. There are dry and wet food. The first ones are stored for a long time and pets like them. Canned food usually combines different types of meat and vegetables. It is advisable to feed them at a time, since the shelf life in a bowl is 2-3 hours.

There is no need to save on your pet; you need to buy only high-quality food, with all the necessary inclusions in the composition. Economy class includes: Whiskas, Kitiket, Sheba, Friskies. The best are: Pro Plan, Royal Konin, Hills, Yams, Bozita. Additionally, you can purchase grass for cats, which they would not mind eating. You cannot suddenly switch Scots from one type of diet to another, which will negatively affect their health. The new food is given little by little to avoid allergies.

Combination

A less common feeding option is mixing natural products with prepared foods. Here dry formulations are taken as a basis, and natural products are given no more than twice a week.

do not mix different types in one plate;
babies are not fed large pieces of meat and with bones;
chicken breast is frozen before cooking;
completely exclude salt from the menu;
They don’t feed food from the table.

At night, everything edible is removed, leaving only water for drinking.

A properly selected diet will prevent excess weight gain. To maintain floppy ears, don't go overboard with calcium supplements. The drugs Glucosamine and Chondroitin will serve as a preventive measure for possible diseases. This is necessary to maintain the ear cartilage, as well as the intervertebral discs and joints.

The name British Fold often means Scottish Fold, but they are the same thing. The price for purebred kittens fluctuates around 3-5 thousand rubles. If the animals live in a nursery before being sold, the babies receive all the necessary vaccinations already in the first month. Scottish folds are suitable for businessmen or people who spend a lot of time at work.

Animals quickly become attached to their owners and can sit at the door for a long time, waiting for their arrival. They are easy to care for and have minimal nutritional requirements. Only the more active and larger the pet, the more often feeding is required. To be healthy and cheerful, all they need is a good attitude from their household and plenty of food.

Everyone knows the cutest kittens with downturned ears. It’s rare that a person is not moved by Scottish Fold cats. But also, not every owner of lop-eared pets knows about the intricacies of caring for the animal, associated not only with the characteristics of the ears, but also with the characteristics of the breed as a whole.

Cats are naturally very good creatures, and normally do not require additional care. However, due to their age, kittens do not always cope with their hygiene procedures, and they need help with this.

Behind the eyes

Kittens need to regularly clean their eyes with a damp cotton pad (by the way, that's a whole different story). You should be accustomed to such procedures from a very tender age and from the first days of the kitten’s stay in the apartment. Once a week, to prevent infections and cleanse your eyes more thoroughly, you can wipe them with a solution of boric acid (1/2 teaspoon of dry powder per glass of boiled water).

Nail trimming

Domestic kittens stand on their front legs. It is also worth accustoming to the procedure from the first days of life with the owners. Nails are trimmed approximately once a month - only the very tip is trimmed, no more than 2 mm, so as not to touch the blood vessels.

When to bathe and how?

Kittens only if necessary - if there is heavy soiling or if the presence of fleas is suspected. Fold-eared kittens are not allowed to bathe until they are two months old. Then bathe once every two to three months. Bath in warm water with special shampoo. After bathing, the coat must be dried to avoid hypothermia and colds.

The vast majority of kittens are afraid of the sound of water, so you should be careful with the pressure. It is better to fill the bathtub or basin with water in advance and water the baby from a ladle. For training, you can put rubber toys in the water.

The ears must be covered with cotton swabs during bathing. Oil drops are instilled into the eyes to prevent irritation of the mucous membrane in case of accidental contact with soapy water. The temperature should be about 36 o C.

Important!

Human shampoos and conditioners can cause very severe allergic reactions. Kittens should only be washed with special wool shampoo!

You need to wash all the products very carefully, because even after washing and drying the kitten will lick itself to remove the specific smell. Hot air is not used to dry the fur - only cold air at a distance of about half a meter from the kitten.

Ear cleaning

Ear inspection and cleaning should be done at least once a week. The auditory canal is carefully wiped from the outside with a cotton pad or cotton wool twisted into a flagellum.

It is better not to use cotton swabs - the kitten may pull away from the unpleasant sensations, and the swab itself may damage the ear, or the cotton swab from it may remain in the ear canal. Wax from the depths of the ear is not removed.

Scottish Fold coat care

Scottish Folds are naturally very clean and take care of their fur themselves. However, to reduce the clogging of the stomach with hairballs, you need to regularly, at least once a week, comb the animal with a special hair brush.

You can purchase them in special veterinary stores or pharmacies. For short-haired subspecies, a brush with short and frequent teeth is used; for long-haired counterparts, combs should have longer and sparse teeth.

Also, long-haired cats need brushing at least once every two to three days. During the molting period, brushing is carried out more often.

Essentials

A kitten, like a human, needs its own essentials - food and water bowls, a litter box, its own sleeping place, toys and a scratching post.

Food bowls

Kittens should have separate food and water bowls. Separate cups for dry and wet food are also desirable. It is better to place cups for food and water a little distance from each other - natural instincts tell cats that water near food is most likely contaminated with cadaveric poison.

Sleeping place

An animal must have its own secluded corner - a house with, or at least just its own rug on which it will feel protected.

Even active kittens sometimes want to relax and be alone with themselves, so that no one disturbs them at this moment.

Upbringing

Toilet

The tray can be either with or without filler. For fillers, use tall, wide trays without a grid. The sides should not be too high so that the kitten can easily climb over them. As you age, you will be able to purchase a slightly higher tray.

It is better to use natural wood filler, compressed into granules - it crumbles when wet. At first, it is better not to wash the tray thoroughly until the kitten is ready - kittens navigate a new place not by memory, but by smell.

scratching post

– a common physical procedure, even in small kittens. To prevent scratching furniture, carpets, and clothes, it is better to purchase a scratching post. They are sold as individual columns or as entire complexes with houses and areas for sitting and lying.

Don’t think that the kitten will immediately start playing only with a scratching post. It follows the same way as toilet training - sometimes the smell of catnip is used to lure the baby to an unfamiliar object.

Vaccination

Kittens, regardless of breed, need to follow a vaccination schedule. Timely vaccination allows you to avoid many serious diseases or at least minimize their consequences. Vaccination is carried out a week after treatment against worms.

Reference!

Any vaccination is carried out subject to the animal’s complete health. The dose and drug are prescribed only by a veterinarian.

Feeding

The animal must be balanced, no matter what feed is used - dry and wet industrial or. It is recommended to feed kittens up to 4 months 4-5 times a day, then 3-4 times.

Feeding dry food

Premium and home class food is used for Scottish Folds. These are the most balanced feeds, their creation is clearly aimed at the daily needs of animals. In addition, they contain vitamins and minerals necessary for normal development. You only need to use special food for kittens.

Features of feeding with natural food

Feeding natural food is somewhat more difficult, since there are a number of restrictions for the breed. Kids can cook oatmeal, buckwheat, and rice.

The porridge is cooked without adding oil. For up to two months, you can give a small amount of ground beef with oatmeal and boiled yolk.

With age, fermented milk products are introduced into the diet, which completely replace milk, boiled by-products, boiled vegetables, pieces of meat, and boiled eggs. Fish should be given no more than once a week, strictly boiled.

Attention!

Scottish Fold kittens are strictly prohibited from giving:

– sweet;

– herring;

– smoked meats;

– corned beef;

– sausages, sausages, bacon.

Raw fish, poultry and eggs are prohibited. Pork PROHIBITED fully.

Useful video

Features of the breed: how to care for fold ears - you can watch in the video below.

Conclusion

Like all purebred animals, Scottish Fold kittens have their own set of care requirements, especially regarding diet. We should not forget about upbringing - the baby will not immediately become smart, playful and well-mannered just because this is inherent in his breed.

Kittens are raised patiently, without screaming or aggression. Feeling love and care, the kitten will delight its owners with its affection for a long time.

The Scottish Fold breed appeared in 1961. It was then that a cute kitten with funny downturned ears was accidentally discovered on one of the Scottish farms. To date, the breed has been divided into two branches: with straight (Scottish Straight) and hanging (Scottish Fold) ears. If you become the owner of a baby of the latest variety, then you are incredibly lucky. In addition to their charming faces and plush fur coats, these cats have a remarkably calm and easy-going disposition.

Breed Features

All Scots are born with straight ears, which acquire their final shape (remain protruding or droop down) by 2.5–3 months. This breed is very close in appearance to the British, so people often even confuse them. But when it comes to character, there are significant differences. The British are more independent and arrogant, while the real Scottish are adored by everyone for their flexible, affectionate and even character. But sometimes there are specimens with an admixture of British, and then the thirst for freedom and independence will take over from time to time.

Scots kittens are incredibly smart and are highly trained in all necessary skills. In addition, if you have a baby of this particular breed, you will happily avoid the usual damage to property in other cases (torn curtains, broken vases and scratched furniture). The Scottish childhood is measured and sedate.

When purchasing a Scotsie, keep in mind that they are very sociable and require attention. If you spend little time at home and the cat will have to stay alone for a long time, then it is better to opt for another breed. As an alternative, buy two babies at once so they don't get bored.

Scottish Fold kittens are distinguished by their excellent health and easy-going disposition, but even such problem-free pets require attention and care in order to feel good and fully develop.

How to prepare for the arrival of a kitten in the house

It is best to take a baby at the age of two or three months. During this period, they already have all the external signs of the breed and become independent enough to leave their mother.

In order for the kitten to be comfortable in its new home, it is better to ask the breeder in advance about its food and other preferences, information about the usual litter and feeding schedule. When planning to adopt a cat, first purchase all the necessary accessories: a soft bed or a special house, bowls for food and water, a toilet and litter for it, the recommended minimum of veterinary medications. Don't forget about toys!

In order to conveniently transport an animal to a new place of residence, and for other future trips, you will definitely need a comfortable and durable carrying container. When choosing it, pay attention to the fact that the door can be easily and securely locked, there are a sufficient number of ventilation holes, and the handle is strong and comfortable. The base of the carrier must be wide and stable enough so that even in a car it cannot tip over when turning.

Don't forget to make a soft and warm nest inside for sleeping. To make the baby less worried when moving, you can put a cloth with the smell of the old place of residence inside the temporary house. This will calm the kitten and help him more easily survive the first change of environment in his life.

Hygiene procedures

Like any babies, Scots need regular grooming of their fur, eyes, ears and claws. They must be accustomed to these procedures from the first days of their stay in their new home.

The most important thing in caring for Scottish Fold kittens is ear hygiene. It is this detail that completes the image of a real Scottish Fold and gives its appearance a special charm and uniqueness. Folded ears require special attention and care, as they are especially susceptible to all sorts of unpleasant surprises, such as infection with ear mites.
They must be cleaned weekly of accumulated plaque using a cotton swab and a special lotion, which cannot be replaced with hydrogen peroxide, much less alcohol. The ears should be treated very carefully, without penetrating into the ear canal, so that the cat does not experience pain or even just unpleasant sensations. If unusual discharge or crusts appear, as well as itching, immediately take your baby to the veterinarian. Most likely, the problem will require long-term treatment with special medications and more frequent hygiene procedures.
To treat the eyes, use cotton swabs and a special disinfectant composition. Carefully monitor the condition of the eyes, and if discharge (suppuration), increased tearing or itching appears, immediately contact a specialist. Atypical behavior of the animal (rubs its muzzle with its paw, shakes its head) may also indicate problems with the organs of vision. This behavior can be caused by infectious lesions of the mucous membrane, foreign objects, or trauma.
You should promptly accustom the kitten to fur care activities, especially since they are not burdensome. Regular (a couple of times a week) combing is quite enough for the Scottish fur coat. During molting, in addition to a special comb, it is convenient to additionally use a silicone mitten. She perfectly collects excess fur.
If the kitten is very dirty, you will have to wash it. Use only special shampoos for these purposes. Human products are strictly contraindicated, as they can cause severe allergies or disrupt the fat balance of the skin to such an extent that the pet will develop dandruff and the fur coat will take on an unhealthy, dull appearance. You should not bathe your baby unless necessary, as the Scots are very clean and take excellent care of their coat on their own.
Caring for claws involves periodically trimming them with a special tool (nippers). Only the very tip should be cut off. If you slightly miscalculated and cut off too much, treat the affected claw with hydrogen peroxide. Some owners remove the claws of their pets. This is not recommended for Scottish Fold kittens. It is also better not to use silicone caps.
A kitten's teeth do not require special care, especially if its main diet consists of dry food. Its hard granules do an excellent job of removing plaque from teeth and strengthening gums. Tartar removal is done for older individuals.

Baby house

All Scottish cats are big sybarites. They love secluded and warm places. Taking these preferences into account, you should choose a place for them in the house. A basket with a soft pillow, which you place in the coziest corner of the apartment, is best suited. In the cold season, the absence of drafts and proximity to heating devices will be important for the baby. The Scots are very fond of sun loungers, which are placed directly on the radiator.

It is important that during rest the cat is not disturbed by doors opening nearby and pets constantly scurrying back and forth. Houses for cats are optimally suited for creating a cozy environment. They give the effect of privacy and have several tiers in case the pet decides to climb higher and appreciate the surrounding environment from above. In addition, these structures are almost always equipped with scratching posts and convenient fastenings for a wide variety of toys. The most practical covering for such a house is faux fur, which can always be replaced with a new one.

If you purchased a house without a scratching post, then it should be arranged separately. There are ready-made devices on sale, wrapped with rope, but practice shows that Scottish kittens prefer ordinary unplaned boards to them.

All kids love toys. And kittens are no exception. Decorate the cat's corner with all kinds of fur mice, latex balls and pendants made of feathers or rustling papers. To avoid dangerous situations for the baby and equipment, remove all live wires.

Relationship with the toilet

If you take a kitten from a breeder, then the baby, as a rule, already knows that there is a special place for the toilet. When he appears in the house, you should immediately show him the tray, and the smart animal will not cause you problems by leaving puddles in the wrong places. Pay attention to the toilet filler. It is better if at first it is the same as in the previous house.

The Scots prefer silica gel, which they love to dig for, enjoying the rustling sounds. In addition, it perfectly eliminates all odors. You can also choose sawdust pellets, but they require more frequent replacement.

If the baby is not yet familiar with the cat litter box, you need to immediately start raising the kitten until he gets used to relieving himself in places convenient for him. You should immediately explain to your pet that there is a special corner for the toilet.

A place for the tray must be chosen that is easily accessible, but quite secluded. Many cats like to do their business without attracting too much attention to themselves. A bathroom, toilet or closet is best suited for this purpose. Just remember to always leave the door slightly open. You can choose a corner in the corridor.

Nutritious food

The key to a kitten’s health and good mood is rational nutrition. Scottish Folds are big food lovers. At the same time, they are completely picky and enthusiastically gobble up any food. Despite this, it is better if the baby’s diet mainly consists of special balanced food for kittens. Very young Scots are fed pates and then (after 4 months) transferred to dry food. The optimal menu should alternate dry food with canned food. In addition, the animal should always have fresh water in its bowl. Sprouted oats or wheat are beneficial for your pet. But it is not recommended to give milk, as it can cause digestive upset.

As a treat and for variety, you can offer your kitten boiled fish or meat. Some people enjoy trying vegetables and bread. But food from your table is strictly prohibited. Chicken bones, sweets and smoked foods are especially harmful.

Health problems and vaccinations

Scottish Fold kittens do not suffer from any serious diseases characteristic of the breed. The only defect that is noticeable already in the first weeks of life is the problem of the “hard tail”. This gene mutation sometimes causes lumps to appear on the tail, which are very painful for the animal. With particularly serious changes, the kitten may be struck by paralysis, and death is not excluded. Apart from this defect, Scottish Folds otherwise have excellent health and stable immunity.

Among some veterinarians, there is an opinion that Scots are predisposed to problems with the urinary system, but there are no reliable statistics on this matter. In any case, it is recommended to show your pet to a doctor annually for preventive purposes.

In addition to annual checkups, every pet is required to receive certain vaccinations from infancy. But before you go to the vet, you need to make sure that the kitten is absolutely healthy. In addition, it is necessary to treat the baby for possible worms already at the age of one month. Buy a special suspension from a veterinary pharmacy. You can also use similar medications for children. It is important not to violate the dosage, as exceeding it can cause serious poisoning. Subsequently, repeat treatment every four months.

If you have completed all the required procedures and are confident that your pet is in good health, you can begin vaccination.

The first vaccination should be given at the age of three months. Usually at this stage a complex (polyvalent) vaccine is given against several diseases at once. After three weeks, revaccination is required, and then annual repetition.
When your cat reaches one year of age, you should receive a rabies vaccine.
Kittens aged 3 to 6 months are also recommended to be vaccinated against ringworm.

All vaccinations must be noted in the pet's veterinary passport.

The Scottish Fold kitten (Scottish Fold) has a charming appearance, good health and a pleasant character. The pet quickly gets used to its new home and gets along with other animals without problems. In order for the baby to feel great and delight the owner every day, you need to provide him with proper care, create an ideal diet and not refuse to communicate.

First day in a new house

Prepare everything you need before bringing your kitten home

Usually Scottish Fold kittens are ready to leave their mother at the age of 2-3 months. At this time, their ears take on the desired shape, all breed characteristics become visible not only to a professional, but also to an ordinary amateur.

When preparing for the arrival of a kitten in your home, find out in advance what it ate from its previous owners., what toilet filler you are used to. Responsible breeders provide customers with a small portion of food so that the baby feels more confident in a new place. Check the kitten's feeding schedule and habits.

Before you buy a kitten, buy everything you need for it. The baby will need:

spacious carrying;
bowls for food and water made of earthenware or stainless steel;
litter tray;
cat bed or house;
bedding or pillow;
toys;
small veterinary first aid kit.

It is better to come to pick up your animal with a comfortable carrier. Buy a large carrier made of durable plastic; it will be useful for subsequent visits to the veterinarian and trips to the country. It is desirable that it has a firmly locked door, a comfortable handle, and numerous holes for ventilation. The bottom must be stable so that the carrier with the kitten does not tip over.

Organize a secluded place for your baby to sleep. You can ask the breeder for a rag from the cat's nest. The familiar smell will help the animal calm down and get comfortable in a new place.

Ears, eyes and fur: getting the baby in order

It is important to keep an eye on your kitten's ears and eyes.

Touching folded ears are the calling card of a true Scot. It is important to ensure that they are always clean. At least once a week, wipe your ears with cotton swabs dipped in a special lotion. Do not use hydrogen peroxide, oil or alcohol.

Wipe your ears carefully, without penetrating the ear canal with the chopsticks. Do not twist or pull the ears to avoid causing pain to the kitten. Healthy ears do not have any discharge, perhaps a small amount of yellowish wax. If you find brown crusts, consult a doctor. Most likely, the pet has become infected with ear mites. If the diagnosis is confirmed, you will need to clean out all the discharge 2-3 times a day, and then instill special drops into the ear canal. The treatment takes a long time; the shape of the ears complicates the cleaning process.

Itching, gurgling, and fluid discharge from the ears may indicate an inflammatory process that requires an urgent visit to the veterinarian. Do not try to diagnose it yourself; improper treatment will cause harm to your pet.

The kitten's eyes are wiped with a cotton swab dipped in disinfectant lotion. If the kitten constantly rubs its muzzle with its paw, its eyes become festered and watery, consult a doctor. The cause of suppuration can be an injury to the eye or a foreign body trapped in it. Infectious diseases that require long-term treatment are also very dangerous: blepharitis, purulent keratitis.

Scottish kittens are not necessary, even contraindicated

Scottish Fold kittens do not require special coat care. It can be combed with a fine-toothed comb to remove loose hairs. It is enough to brush the kitten 1-2 times a week. A silicone mitten for smooth-haired cats will also help remove hair during shedding. It is not recommended to wash kittens; they can take care of their fur on their own. A bath is needed no more than 1-2 times a year and only if the cat gets very dirty. When washing, special shampoos for cats are used. Products intended for humans are not suitable, they can cause dandruff and the pet's fur will become dull and disheveled.

Shampoo for cats not only gently washes the coat, but also slightly tints it. For white cats, a bluish product is suitable, giving the hairs a snowy shine. Shampoo for black or gray cats removes unsightly reddish undertones. These products are absolutely safe for animals.

Sharp, thin kitten claws are needed for small animals. They give a straight cut without splitting the claw. During a cat manicure, only the very tip of the claw is removed. If you accidentally cut off excess, cauterize the affected area with hydrogen peroxide. Declawing kittens is not recommended., overhead silicone caps will not suit them either.

If the kitten eats dry food, special dental care will not be needed. Hard small granules remove plaque well, teeth and gums are strengthened. Professional removal of tartar is indicated for older animals; this procedure is done in the clinic under anesthesia.

Photo. Cat's house

Scottish fold kittens love comfort. Give them a comfortable basket in which you can put a soft pillow in a replaceable pillowcase. In the cold season, the kitten will appreciate the hammock bed, which is attached to the radiator. The resting place should be located in a secluded corner where there are no drafts or opening doors. Scottish Folds love to play, but get tired quickly. When the kitten is resting, no one should disturb him.

Very comfortable. Kittens will enjoy complexes that include multi-tiered houses, observation areas, posts for claw points, and hanging toys. The most practical option is a house made of plywood, trimmed with faux fur. If the kitten tears the cover, it can be easily replaced.

A board wrapped with ropes is suitable as a scratching post.. Scottish Folds are happy to sharpen their claws on ordinary untreated wood. Even kittens who get regular manicures need a place for a claw point.

Provide the animal with toys: balls made of fabric or latex, mice made of faux fur. Kittens enjoy playing with feather pendants or simple paper balls. Remove dangling wires and cords to prevent your pet from testing them.

Rules for visiting the toilet

Use silica gel as a filler

Scottish Folds are very clean and... The kitten needs a container with low sides to make it easier to climb into. When the pet grows up, the tray can be changed to a larger and taller one.

Silica gel is preferred as a toilet filler.. Scottish fold cats dig the rustling litter with abandon, and it completely absorbs unpleasant odors. Wood pellets will also work, but they will have to be replaced more often. Clay-based clumping litter can stick to fur and end up in the stomach when licked off. It is not advisable to use such a backfill for small kittens.

A purebred kitten purchased from a nursery most often already has the necessary toilet skills. If the baby is not yet accustomed to the tray, you need to urgently start raising him. The container with the filler is installed in a secluded place where the kitten should have unhindered access. After sleeping and eating, put your pet in the tray. To attract, you can put a piece of paper soaked in kitten urine. Usually a smart Scottish Fold quickly understands what is wanted from him. Monitor the kitten for several days, putting it in the tray at the slightest attempt to make a puddle in the wrong place. In a few days, the toilet rules will be firmly internalized.

If the kitten refuses the litter box, try moving the litter box to a different location or changing the litter.

Diet features

Feed your kittens premium and super premium food

Scottish Folds love to eat. At the same time, they are not capricious and happily eat everything offered. Breeders recommend feeding kittens with balanced ready-made food. Babies up to 4 weeks can be fed with baby pate; after reaching the age of one month, dry food is introduced into the diet. Products and are preferred; they contain a minimal amount of carbohydrates and a lot of complete animal protein. The finished complexes are enriched with taurine, vitamins and microelements.

An ideal diet allows for alternating dry food and canned food. Clean water should always be freely available and changed daily. Giving milk is not recommended; Scottish kittens are prone to stomach upset. From time to time, you can offer your pet sprouted wheat or oats. Fresh grass helps remove undigested hairballs from the stomach.

You should not give your kitten food from your own table. Sometimes your baby can be treated to freeze-dried treats purchased at a pet store. As a tasty supplement, you can offer your pet boiled meat or fish, offal, vegetables or fresh bread. Sweets, smoked foods, and chicken bones are strictly prohibited.

Features of education

Scottish Fold kittens have a calm temperament, they are intelligent and very friendly.. The kitten quickly gets used to the owner and his family members and does not conflict with other pets.

Scottish Folds need companionship. You need to play and talk with the kitten every day, often repeating its name. The more time you spend with your pet, the more affectionate it will be. Without proper attention, Scottish cats become overly phlegmatic and unsociable.

From the first days you need to stop unwanted behavior. The kitten should not climb into bed or onto the dining table, or inspect shopping bags and closets. A firm “No” will let the child know that such behavior is undesirable. A guilty kitten should not be scolded or beaten; it will become cowardly and aggressive. With calm and consistent behavior you can achieve perfect obedience from the animal.

Kittens need to be vaccinated, this can be done from three months of age.

Scottish cats have good health and strong immunity. The only difficulty is the problem with a hard tail, which is transmitted at the genetic level. The mutation of the ears perpetuated problems with the last vertebrae. The defect is noticeable in the first weeks after birth. Painful, compacted areas appear on the kitten's tail; in severe cases, paralysis and death are possible. But if the kitten does not have hard tail syndrome, nothing threatens its health.

Some veterinarians believe that Scottish Folds may have, but there is no confirmation of this thesis. It is recommended to visit a veterinarian once a year for a health check. If you suspect illness, you should also show your pet to a specialist.

The kitten receives its first vaccination at three months of age.. Usually he is given an imported or domestic polyvalent vaccine that protects against calicivirus infection, viral rhinotracheitis, and chlamydia. The vaccination is given twice, with a three-week break, and then repeated annually. Adult cats also receive an annual rabies vaccination. For kittens, vaccination against is recommended; it is given at the age of 3 to 6 months. Vaccination records must be included in the animal’s veterinary passport.

It is necessary before vaccinations. Special sweet suspensions that do not increase salivation are suitable for kittens. You can also use drugs intended for children. It is important to strictly follow the dosage, since an excess of the drug can cause severe poisoning.

The first time the procedure is performed at one month of age. Subsequently, deworming should be carried out every four months; for cats walking outside, it should be done at least every three months. Before giving your pet anti-worm medication, make sure the kitten is completely healthy.

Fold cats are distinguished from other breeds by their unusual appearance and cute childish facial features. Friendliness, increased flexibility and high intelligence are their main characteristics. Every owner needs to know the specifics of caring for such a pet.

This breed is distinguished by its striking manifestation of sexual dimorphism: males are larger and stockier than females, cats are more graceful and elegant.

General features:

almost perfectly round head on a short neck;
elegant body;
well developed outstretched paws;
long straight tail.

The main feature that distinguishes them from the British is their miniature ears, triangular in shape. Because of the crease, they seem to be bent down and pressed against the skull.

International associations allow all colors - from white to tortoiseshell, but there are exceptions: lavender, chocolate and colorpoint.

MisterCat warns: advantages and disadvantages

The breed has various advantages and disadvantages.

Temperament

The Scots are moderately active, preferring sleep to aimless running around. This does not prevent them from being playful and active when necessary. They love various games with toys, and with proper training they quickly learn commands.

Dependent on human attention. They quickly become attached to the family. They don’t choose a “favorite” - they love every family member equally. They cannot stand being alone for long periods of time, so people without a family and with a job that requires constant absence should not get a pet.

This does not mean that the pet is annoyingly intrusive; on the contrary, their high level of intelligence helps them understand when they are in the way.
They are not loud, their voice is quiet and pleasant.

The only thing that throws a Scottish cat out of balance is moving or a new place. In this case, the owner should be nearby and help him adapt correctly.

Sociable pets calmly react to small children and other pets.

How to prepare for the arrival of a kitten

At the age of three to four months after birth, the kitten may leave its mother. Before his appearance, prepare the house by purchasing the following things:

Bowl. Preferred material: glass, steel, plastic.
Tray and filler.
House with a scratching post.
Carrying.
Toys.

Nutrition

The main disadvantage of the breed is greed and indiscriminate eating, which leads to serious illnesses. Experienced breeders advise creating a diet.

Before purchasing, find out how feeding went in the first house. The transition from the old regime should be smooth so that the baby’s fragile body is not damaged.

The first additions are soft canned or bagged food. After the fourth month, premium dry food is added, which contains enough protein, vitamins and essential taurine.

The main thing is to avoid excess calcium in the kittens’ diet so that their ears don’t stand up.

As a reward or just a treat, occasionally give meat or fish and vegetables.

Kittens should not eat:

homemade food;
sausages;
sweets;
bird bones.

Upbringing

From the first days, it is important to teach your baby a routine in the house, communicate with him, and show him who is boss in the house. An ill-mannered and uncommunicative creature will bring many problems in the future. Smart pets are prone to manipulation and whims if they do not see authority in a person.

Before buying, you need to come up with a name and say it more often so that he gets used to it faster.

You should not resort to physical punishment; the best method of education is a decisive “no” and patience. The most important thing is to show that the cat should not climb onto tables, beds and all forbidden places in the house.

Aggression and whims are condemned. Damage to things must not be allowed.

Care

Scottish Folds are not picky and do not require any maintenance skills.

Eyes

Month-old kittens are prone to eye infections. First of all, you need to show them to the doctor. Standard treatment is to periodically wipe with a cotton swab soaked in chamomile infusion or medicine.

Ears

The weak point of all such cats. Cleaning is carried out at least once a week. It is better to replace cotton swabs with tampons with a special liquid. It is important to be careful so that your little pet gets used to the procedure and does not experience fear.

A typical disease - ear mites - manifests itself in the appearance of a brown crust in the ear. At the first symptoms, you need to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Wool

The fur does not require special care. During shedding, it is enough to brush no more than once a week. Increased attention is paid to a pet that walks along the street in the spring-autumn period - there is a high probability of acquiring a company of ticks.

Water procedures

Professional breeders offer the following method of accustoming to water: at first you need to wrap the baby in a wet towel, then reward him with a treat. Thus, he will understand that water is not scary.

Before bathing in the bath, you need to protect your ears from moisture getting into them by plugging them with cotton pads. The water temperature should be warm and as comfortable as possible for the pet. To do this, measure the water with your elbow. Human shampoo will cause skin problems.

It is necessary to use special tools designed taking into account her needs.

Claws

Health and vaccination

Peculiarities of breeding have caused the appearance of several hereditary diseases:

Glaucoma, cataract, entropion. Also read the article about.
Demodicosis, eczema, allergies.
Congenital deafness, tendency to otitis media.

Even if the owner does not plan to let the pet out of the apartment, it is necessary to do so, since infections can be brought into the house on shoes or clothes. The first vaccination is given at the age of three months; you can learn about further procedures from your veterinarian.