Kerrilee Cattery - Scottish Fold Facts

SCOTTISH FOLD FACTS

What is a "normal" ear for a Scottish Fold?

The ear positioning of Folds can vary. The ears may have a very "tight" fold that keeps them down and close to the head. They may be only half folded, or slightly bent over, and can also be as straight as other cats. The folding of the ear is not painful, nor a deformity, and does not impair hearing or movement.

Can Scottish Fold ears be cleaned, and do they need to be cleaned more, or less often, than other cats?

Their ears require no more cleaning than an ordinary cat's. They are soft, flexible, and can be lifted or moved for cleaning without discomfort.

Can a cat with folded ears move them?

Yes, the Fold's ears are mobile. But the natural positioning means their motion is not as obvious. A Scottish Fold who can't move their ears may have suffered an injury or other trauma, such as frostbite.

Are their ears always folded?

No. Kittens are born with ears that are straight. The folding occurs at between 3 to 4 weeks after birth. Some cats experience a "lifting" of their ears (anywhere from a slight opening to nearly straight) due to stresses, such as birthing or a hot and humid environment. These ears may not return to their original degree of folding. However, a cat who has been born a Fold will always produce folded ear kittens when bred.

To be show quality, how far do the ears have to fold?

For show, the ears should be well folded, capped to the head, and set on the side, so the overall impression is of a rounded head. The ears should be small, with round tips that point downward. Ears that are too loose (where the tips are standing out from the head/base of the ear), or only slightly bent, are not show material - although they can be bred and have FE kittens. Scottish Folds with straight ears are not shown. Sometimes, the long-haired Scottish Fold enjoys the advantage of having their coat disguise a slight lifting or looseness of the ear, because the additional hair length adds to the rounded shape of the head.