Scottish Fold, also known as Selkirk Rex, was first discovered in Wyoming in 1987. It is a curly-haired cat, but its curly hair genetic is different.
It has a gentle and lively personality, likes to play, and can get along well with other small animals. It is an excellent companion. It has a medium size body, but it is the largest in size among all curly-haired breeds, with strong bones.
The Scottish Fold originated from Montana and was born in an animal shelter in 1987. It is a descendant of a straight-haired female cat and a curly-haired male cat. Among the other 5 straight-haired short-haired cats in the shelter, it stands out with its curly hair. As a result, it caught the eye of Persian cat breeder Jerry Newman and was eventually adopted and named Miss Depesto. Three out of the six kittens she produced were also curly-haired, indicating that the gene for this characteristic is dominant.
Later, Newman named it "Selkirk" after his grandfather and added "Rex" to indicate the cat's curly-haired trait, which resembles wool. Some say it is named after the Selkirk Mountains. As early as the 1990s, these cats had already gained international recognition, and the CFA registered the Scottish Fold in 1992.
For families or single individuals with or without children and other pets (not recommended for people allergic to cat hair)
1. Soft stools and diarrhea
Soft stools and diarrhea are also common in cats. Normal stools are yellow-brown in color, well-formed, and moderately moist.
Causes: catching a cold, changing food, poor food quality, stress reactions, parasites, etc.
Symptoms: soft, sticky, shapeless, watery.
Solutions: If it is caused by parasites, it is recommended to deworm. If it is due to stress reactions such as changing to a new environment, it is not a big problem. It is recommended to observe for a few more days. In terms of diet, avoid frequent switching of cat food to reduce gastrointestinal burden. Also, pay attention to portion control, feed the cat small meals several times a day, and feed on a regular schedule. In terms of drinking water, make sure it is clean and fresh. Do not feed the cat mineral water, as it can easily lead to urinary stones.
2. Depression
Cats are sensitive animals and depression is common for them.
Causes: lack of companionship, partner's death, abuse, being kept in confinement for a long time, etc.
Symptoms: loss of appetite, lying down all day, hiding, being easily irritable and fearful.
Solutions: Cat depression is a mental issue. It is recommended for the cat owner to spend more time with the cat. You can interact with the cat more often using treats or interactive toys. Try to reduce the cat's stress as much as possible.
After bathing, it is best not to blow dry the Selkirk Rex directly with a hairdryer, as it will make it look like a poodle, and the fur will appear too fluffy. It can be placed in a warmer location to air dry to prevent catching a cold.
It is best for the owner to regularly deworm and vaccinate the Scottish Fold to prevent disease. It is also necessary to clean the ears, eye area, and teeth. You can use a moist cotton ball to wipe away tear stains or dirt from the outer ear. It is best to check once a week, and clean the teeth every day to prevent gingivitis.
The Selkirk Rex is a carnivorous animal, but it also needs to maintain a balanced diet. It can be fed primarily with dog food, supplemented with some vegetables and fruits to provide vitamins and other nutrients to prevent the cat from getting constipated.
The coat of the Scottish Fold is quite curly, so it is easy to become tangled and knotted. Therefore, it is best for the owner to comb it multiple times a week, which can effectively remove the dead hair hidden in the coat and promote the blood circulation of the Selkirk Rex's skin.
In addition, the Scottish Fold sheds almost every day, so in order to prevent hairball problems, it needs to be fed hairball paste every day. It is also necessary to clean the corners of the house in a timely manner to prevent the accumulation of shed hair, which may be ingested by the cat and cause intestinal blockage.
Due to the long and curly fur of the Selkirk Rex, it is easy to get dirty and accumulate a lot of dust and dirt. Therefore, it needs to be bathed. It is best to start bathing after three months of age, 1-2 times a month, not too frequent. It is also recommended to use pet-specific shampoo or bath lotion, which is less irritating to the cat's skin.