Scottish Straight Cat Breed: Plays a Key Role in the Breeding of Another Breed

The Scottish Breed Group, recognized by TICA (The International Cat Association), consists of four breeds: the long-haired and short-haired varieties of the Scottish Fold, and the long-haired and short-haired varieties of the Scottish Straight (or Scottish Straight-eared). These types can be born in the same litter. Both the Scottish Fold and the Scottish Straight share the same structural characteristics and personality traits.

TICA recognizes all four types, including the Scottish Straight, as distinct breeds.

History of the Scottish Straight

The first Scottish Fold cat was discovered in 1961 by a shepherd named William Ross. Susie was a long-haired, white barn cat with drooping ears, living on a farm in Scotland. Breeders used her as the foundation for breeding Scottish Folds, crossing her with various breeds such as the Persian, American Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair, and Burmese. All Scottish Fold cats alive today can trace their lineage back to Susie.

The straight-eared variety continues to play a key role in breeding today because it’s not possible to breed Scottish Fold with Scottish Fold. Doing so almost guarantees the development of a condition called osteochondrodysplasia, a skeletal disorder responsible for the folded ears, as the cartilage cannot support its weight. The problem with this disorder is that it doesn’t only affect the cartilage in the ears but can also affect the spine and joints. This can result in abnormalities in joint growth (such as abnormally thick and stiff tails or short, stiff legs), arthritis, or even complete paralysis in affected cats. In many cases, euthanasia is the only solution. However, this problem is absent in the Scottish Straight.

Breed Standard of the Scottish Straight

The Scottish Straight is a breed with a round face, round eyes, and a rounded body. It is medium in size with medium bone structure. All Scottish Fold kittens are born with straight ears, but in Scottish Straights, the ears remain upright into adulthood (small to medium in size, with rounded tips). The breed does not carry the mutated TRPV4 gene variation, which is associated with the disorder mentioned above. Typically, about 50% of the kittens in a litter have straight ears, and the other half have folded ears.

Like the Scottish Folds, Scottish Straights come in all traditional colors and patterns, with both long-haired and short-haired varieties. The coat is always dense and plush-like, with the long-haired version being soft and standing away from the body. Eye colors vary, usually matching the coat color, and the most common eye color is copper.

The Character of the Scottish Straight

Scottish Straights are intelligent, curious, and loyal cats. They are known to follow their owners wherever they go and don’t typically hide from visitors. Interestingly, while they appreciate human company, they are not particularly fond of being picked up, preferring to observe from their own four feet. (Of course, as with all cats, there are always exceptions.)

Due to their intelligence and curiosity, you can teach them tricks. Be sure to cat-proof your home, as they can easily learn how to open cabinets. Many enjoy drinking from running water and may use their paws to scoop water or food. It’s also common to see these cats sitting upright on their “bottoms,” relaxing or surveying their surroundings if they notice something unusual.

The Ideal Environment for the Scottish Straight

This breed is generally calm and quiet. They get along well with children, and with proper socialization and a careful introduction, they can also get along with other pets in the family. However, they can suffer if left alone too often or if they lack mental stimulation.

Caring for the Scottish Straight

Both short-haired and long-haired varieties shed year-round, with more intense shedding in the spring and fall. The short-haired version should be brushed weekly, while the long-haired version may need to be brushed a few times a week to prevent matting and tangles.

As with all cats, you should regularly clean their eyes and ears, and brushing their teeth daily or every other day is recommended. Feed them the highest quality food you can afford, ensuring it has high protein content and is appropriate for their age and health. Always provide fresh water, and clean the litter box daily.

Common Health Problems of the Scottish Straight

The Scottish Straight typically has a lifespan of 11-14+ years. Since they do not carry the mutated TRPV4 gene variation, they do not suffer from joint or bone growth issues. However, it’s important to check them for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Always buy from a reputable breeder who can provide genetic testing for hereditary diseases in the parents.