Undoubtedly one of Scotland's most beloved exports, the Scottish Fold has earned its' place as one the world's most unique and identifiable cat breeds!

This domestic puss has a naturally occurring gene-mutation which can affect  their body's cartilage, most visibly the ears which fold wards and down towards the face.

With a round face and beautiful wide-spaced eyes, they are often compared to teddy bears or owls and have fast become a much sought after kitty.

They originated back in 1961 from one white barn cat called Susie. She came from a farm near Coupar Angus in Perthshire, Scotland and was noticeable by a quirky fold in the middle of both ears.

When she later had kittens, two of which shared the same trait, local farmer and cat-fancier, William Ross, adopted one with the idea of breeding "fold" or "lop-eared cats" as they were initially referred to.

Come 1966 Ross had managed to register the breed with the UK Governing Council of Cat Fanciers (GCCF) and began a breeding program with the aid of Pat Turner, a geneticist. In their first three years of breeding, 76 kittens were produced with 42 "folds" and 34 "Straights", they concluded that this ear mutation came down to just one simple dominant gene and carried on with their breeding program.

However by 1971 the GCCF withdrew and refused all Sottish Fold registration over concerns due to some limb and tail deformities as well as serious ear infections and deafness.

This breed only survived due to it's exportation to America where breeders quickly established  cross-breeding with both British and American Shorthairs.

Since then, many of the ear problems associated with this beauty have disappeared, however some worries still remain as they can suffer from osteochoendrodysplasia which is a painful condition emanating from cartilage and bone abnormalities; misshapen limbs, arthritis, alongside fused tails, ankles and knees.

This usually comes down to over-breeding and thankfully is relatively rare these days but always buy from a reputable breeder!

Did you know that these beauties are all born with regular pointy ears? Only until they reach 2 to 4 weeks of age do their folds begin to appear. Sometimes their ears may stay straight, in that case they are know as "Scottish Shorthairs". 

Either way, short or long-haired, blue or copper eyed, these adorable cats have a temperament second to none.

Typically they are super placid, good-natured and get along very well with other household pets.

Highly affectionate with a tendency to build strong relationships with their favourite human, these cats do not like to be left alone for a long period of time. They can really suffer from loneliness and depression without company.

So if you have the time for this amiable kitty and can't wait to enjoy their repertoire of odd of human-like poses (like standing on their hind legs or sitting"Buddha" style on the sofa ) then this is the kitty for you.

Expect a long waiting list and to spend a few hundred pounds but they say once you've lived with a Scottish Fold you'll never want another cat!