Hello everyone!
I'm beyond excited to share my review of the Scottish Fold, a breed that's taken over my life in the best possible way. I'll tell you all about how she came into my life, what I feed her, how I potty-trained her, whether she needs a nail clipper and a stroller, and what toys we play with. Get ready for a heartwarming story, because my kitty is thriving and healthy!
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, development, photos, reviewSo, how did this miracle cat end up in my life? I've always wanted a kitten, but my parents wouldn't let me, citing the smell, torn wallpaper, and unnecessary expenses. Even when I moved out, my friends and family members kept telling me I wasn't ready. That all changed on my birthday, when I received a tiny ball of fluff in a stroller – she was only a month old, and I'm not exaggerating, she was tiny!
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, development, photos, reviewApparently, the young man who bought her from a shady breeder. So, I'll share my story to help you avoid falling prey to unscrupulous breeders.
Don't buy kittens under 2 months old. They're not physically developed enough to leave their mom yet. My first two days were a nightmare – I had a screaming kitten searching for her mom everywhere. As for this breed specifically, it's best to get them from 4 months old, since their adorable hanging ears might perk up before then.Purchase a kitten only from licensed breeders who're part of the club and have permission to participate in breeding programs. Yes, it'll cost more, but you'll have fewer problems, and it'll come with a vaccination.If the breeder doesn't have permission to participate in breeding programs, it's best to avoid them altogether. You're more likely to get a mixed-breed kitten or one with health issues. In such cases, breeders often pair up a male and female 'on a whim' without any guarantees.Make sure to see the kitten's parents – it's crucial. A purebred Scottish Fold can only be obtained if one parent is a Scottish Fold and the other is a straight-eared Scottish cat. Breeding with British cats is a no-go – it's been prohibited for ages! And don't even get two Scottish Fold parents, as the kittens won't live long.To avoid future career problems, the breeder will provide a 'pedigree' – essentially a birth certificate for your kitten.My cat's breeder showed me all the documents, family trees, and parents. The only downside was that she was in a hurry to make some cash, so she sold the kittens at a young age.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, reviewI have to admit, it's way more fun to see her when she's tiny and contribute more to her upbringing than I could, but still, it's a huge risk. Oh well, it didn't affect her.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, reviewNow that I'm a full-fledged cat mom, what do I do with her? I didn't have any experience with this before, so I read up on what to do and how not to harm her every day. By the way, I named her Kiska. We had a council, and several names were on the agenda, but Kiska won out.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, reviewSo, what was I saying? Oh yeah, feeding her. We went to the usual store to buy wet food, and for kittens, they only had Whiskas, ugh! We got it, started giving it to her in small amounts. Kiska ate it with pleasure, but that was a huge mistake – don't feed this crap to your beloved pets. There's nothing nutritious in it. Thanks to my friend, who came over three days later and gave me 'MNYAMs' (she has more experience).
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, reviewI was lucky to catch the consequences of bad food early on, and it was a good thing we stopped in time! The button started to itch so badly that it could've ripped out a clump of her young fur. And the dependency was evident too – all it took was a rustle of the purple packet, and she'd be off, not even noticing anything around her. My friend's food sorted out the problem, and all the unpleasant side effects disappeared. Now she just had to grow and get back to normal.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, reviewAfter a while, we realized it was time to switch to dry food, and leave wet food as a supplement. Lucky us, there are options allowed from the first month. Our first dry food was this one. She didn't really want to eat it, and to avoid leaving Kiska hungry, we still gave her wet food. That's when the pads came in handy, which I wrote about here, thanks to them Kiska started eating. As time went on, I was searching for better food. Holistic was okay, but neither Acana nor Applaws are delivered in Russia for some reason, so the new dry food became a Russian brand – read about it in my review. It's a super-premium food that we devour with both our paws. We never gave up on wet food, and we're still eating it (we're already 4 months in). If you're interested in what we give, here are these and these.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat Care, Development, Photos, and Review I have to say, this photo is adorable. My cat loved to squeeze into tight spaces, nose-first, as long as she could fit. But one day, we made her life easier by letting her use her tail to push herself in. She'd sit like that, looking totally content. Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, reviewSo, how did I housebreak her? On the first day, she was just exploring, sniffing around, and totally freaked out, so toilet training was out of the question – she just wouldn't go. This is normal when a cat moves to a new place, so there's no need to worry. But if this continues for more than 4-5 days, it's time to take her to the vet – the consequences can be fatal! On the second day, we took her to a small, dark corner with a litter box. It's convenient because you can gently sweep it with a litter scoop, simulating the act of digging. I decided to place the litter box there, as she had chosen it herself. The litter box I'm using is a standard one, not a fancy house, with a removable grid. I chose a natural pine litter for Kuzia. It's essential to wipe the area where the kitten went with a damp cloth and either press or place it in the litter box. For the first time, kittens rely on their sense of smell to find the litter box, so there shouldn't be any issues. My mistake was not removing the litter scoop immediately, and it took a few more hits before I learned my lesson. Training didn't take much time from me – just about a week. As soon as you see the kitten assuming the characteristic position, grab it and take it to the litter box right away. It's not the end of the world if the process has already started – the key is to develop a reflex that associates the litter box with doing its business.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, reviewPlease don't scold your kitties if they don't get it right away. No way, hitting them won't make them understand what they did wrong. On the other hand, if they do go to the loo, be kind and give them a treat. I've personally tried it, and a positive approach to training really works.
I recall one time when, after two months, she started going around the litter box, and I wrote about how we solved the issue with our older cat check it out.
Tell me a life hack with a bonus. If you're using wood pellets too, you don't need to buy them from a specialized store. You can find them at a construction store or on Avito – just search for 'wood pellets.' I bought a 20kg bag for 300 rubles, and it's no different from what you'd buy in a store – it breaks down into sawdust just the same.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, reviewI won't go into details about the nail clipper, as all the info is in my review.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, review
I can confidently say yes to a carrier! If you're serious about your pet's health, this is an essential tool. It's way easier to take your kitty to the vet when you've got a carrier. I wouldn't recommend holding them, though – there's a risk they'll make a break for it or develop a strong dislike for you.
And it's not just about taking them to the vet – sometimes you need to run errands without leaving them alone. In the car, it's best to keep them in their own little house. We once let ours out, and she's such a curious girl that she was fascinated by the dirty pedals and space under the seats. We had to keep a close eye on her, that's for sure.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, review
There are certain traits that are commonly associated with this breed. Now, I'll tell you which ones are true and which ones we're not experiencing.
Scottish Folds are affectionate. This is a fact, but only when they're in the mood. If they're set on playing, forget about getting any affection – all you'll get is a dismissive swish of their tail.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, review They're not aggressive. Don't confuse aggression with playfulness. They can give you a good scratch or nip, but that's just because they're not calculating their strength, intentions, or goals to hurt my cat.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, review They bond with their owner. Yeah, yeah, and yeah again. You can't take a step without them. I'm cooking – they're with me, I'm getting in the shower – they follow. Here they're helping me do laundry.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, review By the way, about bathing, I think I messed up the system and my cat has stopped being afraid of water.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, review I'll also talk about caring for them, but a bit later.
They love being with their owner, but not on their lap. In my case, it's more like they're happy to explore the house with me. They also sleep with me on my lap freely.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, review Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, reviewAnd to be honest, it sleeps with me in the same bed – no way to get rid of it.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, reviewSo, in my case, a cat bed is completely useless.
Painful breed. Yes, they have a predisposition to certain health issues, but with proper nutrition and care, the risk is minimal. Of course, if the genes are good. Kittens from parents that were bred incorrectly have a higher chance of getting sick. My Knoopka has never had any health problems – we stick to a schedule like clockwork, her eyes don't run, and her coat doesn't get greasy.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, reviewCare for the breed. In many ways, the rules are similar to other breeds, but there are some moments that need extra attention.
One thing I've learned about Scottish Folds is that they need their ears cleaned regularly. Since their ears are folded back, they can't do it themselves.Bathing is a topic of debate, with some people saying it's not necessary because they clean themselves with their tongues. But there are some areas they just can't reach! I only bathe my Scottish Fold every six months or so, using special shampoos that are safe for cats – human shampoo is a no-go!
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Grooming, growth process, photos, review Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Grooming, growth process, photos, reviewNail trimming is a must, even with a catnip toy to help keep those claws in check. In the wild, they'd naturally wear down their nails, but at home, they need a little extra TLC.Regular brushing is a win-win: my Scottish Fold loves the attention, and I get to enjoy a hair-free home!Proper nutrition is key. I've learned to avoid cheap foods that can lead to health issues like kidney stones. It's worth investing in a good quality cat food.But I also want to talk about her personality. My Scottish Fold is a feisty little thing – if she doesn't want to do something, forget about it! She's a tiny little queen.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, review I've found that my cat isn't picky about food, but she's super finicky about what she eats. If she doesn't want it, she just won't touch it.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, review She's incredibly curious. To the point where she can't resist sticking her head in my plate to see what I'm eating.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, review And it's not just about the food. She loves drinking water from my cup, like it's her personal water bowl. She's got a bit of an attitude, that one.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, review By the way, she's always the first to check the packaging from the store. You never know what might be inside!
And it's not just the packaging – she's got a thing for boxes. I thought it was just a myth, but nope. If I put a box, a toy, or a play structure in front of her, the box is always the clear winner.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, reviewWe're a pretty playful and energetic bunch. We love anything that'll keep us entertained, like a mouse with a bell inside or a homemade ball made from foil. They're scattered all over the house, hidden under every cabinet and behind every corner. I recently got us a laser pointer, and I'm not sure what's so fascinating about that red dot, but my cat can't stop chasing it. She's even started to pant like a dog.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, reviewHide-and-seek is also one of our favorite games. She likes to hide without warning, but I guess that's just the way the cookie crumbles. I'm not the one writing the rules, after all!
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, review Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, reviewI'd say this – my Scottish Fold is a total sweetheart. She's also super entertaining, loves to sit on her hind legs like a human or stand on her back paws and just chill. That's just part of the breed's charm, I guess.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, reviewThroughout the time she's been with me, my Scottish Fold has become a full-fledged member of the family – my tiny, mischievous little kid who can be a bit of a handful sometimes, but still manages to steal my heart.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, review
Scottish Fold/ Scottish Longhair Cat. Care, development, photos, reviewBut what are some downsides to having your own little furball? NONE! And honestly, she's acting just like a human kid – I've seen plenty of kittens watching cartoons!
Scottish Fold/ Scottish Longhair Cat. Care, development, photos, reviewSometimes it seems like our love is making her smile, and that adorable little face just melts my heart.
Scottish Fold/ Scottish Longhair Cat. Care, development, photos, reviewTwo months in, and we've both grown a bit and learned to be a bit mischievous. How's that showing up? We're getting a bit more intentional with our pouncing – it's not mean-spirited, just a fun game for us. And if you catch us in the act, she'll just give you this completely unimpressed look, like nothing's going on at all!
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, reviewMy little one's gone through a teething phase, and now we've got sharp new teeth. Sometimes I swear I've got a tiny snake living in my house, especially when she yawns – it's pretty hilarious, actually!
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, reviewI'm not restricting Knoopka's diet at all – she's got a voracious appetite. I'm still using Organix wet food, by the way. I've tried other brands, but she doesn't seem to enjoy them as much. Holistic options are hard to come by, and the ones that are available aren't imported from abroad.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, growth process, photos, reviewMy Scottish Fold's become a lot more feminine – it's not just her elegant gait, either. I've discovered she loves flower bouquets, and she'll actually jump up to sniff them. She doesn't even try to chew on them, which is a relief.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Deaf Cat. Care, growth process, photos, reviewI've seen her true hunting instincts kick in. She's learned to camouflage herself and wait for the perfect moment to pounce. One time, she even caught a fly on the window and gobbled it up – I didn't even notice she had her paws out of her mouth at first. You'll want to splurge on the good stuff for her after this, she needs live food!
Scottish Fold / Scottish Deaf Cat. Care, growth process, photos, reviewShe's super energetic, so it's a rare sight to see her just chillin' and not running around like a madcat. Usually, when she's getting ready to snooze or I'm in the shower, she likes to curl up in front of the sink.
Scottish Fold / Scottish Deaf Cat. Care, growth process, photos, reviewHer curiosity is still at an all-time high – we need everything! Don't even get her near a rustling bag, or she'll be all over it. She's also started trying to sneak out the door when it's open, she wants to go for a walk, but it's still too chilly. We'll be hitting the pavement on a leash in about a month, though!
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, Growth Process, Photos, ReviewI've had this little princess for almost six months now, and it feels like just yesterday I was holding her in my hands. Thankfully, there haven't been any health issues, and I'm still puzzled by the breed's reputation for being prone to health problems. With proper care and attention, everything's been great!
Scottish Fold / Scottish Fold Cat. Care, Growth Process, Photos, Review★ HOW MUCH I EARN ON IRecommend ★