Let's talk Scottish Straights
Is it a ball or a Scottish Straight cat? The medium-sized and oh-so-round Scottish Straight keeps their kitten-like sweetness, in both appearance and character, even in old age. The breed is pretty much a Scottish Fold but instead of ears that fold over, the Scottish Straight has upright ears. Their adorable nature means that the Scottish Straight is a real pleasure to live with, so they match well with most families. If you like a gentle pace of life, this is a good feline companion as they enjoy snuggling and napping with their humans.
Official name: Scottish Straight
Origins: Scotland
| Shedding level |  |
Warm weather? |  |
| Energy level (high, los, medium) *: | Low | Family pet? * |  |
| Compatibility with other pets |  |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
| Baby age: | Birth to 4 months |
| Puppy age: | 4 to 12 months |
| Adult age: | 1 to 7 years |
| Mature age: | 7 to 12 years |
| Senior age: | From 12 years |
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Origins of the breed
For many enthusiasts, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular all-round dogs worldwide. It’s thought that Labrador Retrievers originated from the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, where fishermen used dogs of this appearance to retrieve fish. The breed as we know it today, however, was established by the British in the early 1800’s.
The Labrador Retriever Club was founded in 1916 and the first standard followed soon after, predominantly tailored to working Labrador Retrievers who found early fame, having been originally introduced to the U.K. in the late 1800’s by Col Peter Hawker and the Earl of Malmesbury.
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2 facts about Scottish Straights
1. One grounded kitty
The Scottish Straight cat likes to stand on their own four paws, so does not take kindly to being picked up and carried around. This has earned them the nickname of “four on the floor” from breeders! Though if you do pick your Scottish Straight up, the worst that will happen is a small squeak to communicate that this is not to their liking.
2. Long and short of it
The Scottish Straight breed comes in both short and long-haired varieties. How to tell the difference? It’s all in the name. Shorthaired types have thick hair that does not sit close to the body. Long-haired types have all the trimmings: Full coats with toe and ear tufts and a feathery tail.
History of the breed
The Scottish Straight hails from bonnie Scotland and is practically identical to the Scottish Fold cat, with the exception of the ears, which sit up straight.
It all started with a white barn cat called Susie who caught the eye of Dundee shepherd William Ross in 1961. Charmed by her folded over ears, he asked her owner to have one of her kittens, who he then cross-bred with a tabby cat. One of the kittens from this litter was then bred with a British Shorthair. The result? Half the kittens had folded ears, hence the Scottish Fold, and half the kittens had straight ears, hence the Scottish Straight. Both cats can also have long-haired or short-haired coats.
The breeding standard remains the same today—that is to say a Scottish Fold can only be bred with a cat with non-folded ears. The Scottish Straight is not allowed in the show ring, which means that breeders show a preference for the Scottish Fold. However this is not a rare cat breed at risk of being lost. And that is a good thing because they bring so much joy to their human owners.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Scottish Straights
1. Ears
Small to medium sized ears that sit upright with rounded tips.
2. Coat
The coat comes in all colours and patterns.
3. Body
A round, medium-sized body with a round head.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Scottish Straight
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Caring for your Scottish Straight
Grooming, training and exercise tips
Scottish Straight cats with short hair are lowkey when it comes to grooming. One weekly brush, preferably with a steel comb, will handle loose fur removal. Long-haired varieties will benefit from 2-3 brushes per week to remove knots and prevent matting. Nails should be clipped regularly to prevent damage or infection to your cat’s paw pads. Exercising your Scottish Straight will be gentle as they’re far from being hyperactive. Do encourage play time with interactive toys and take them out for the occasional neighbourhood stroll (on-leash) if it is suitably calm. They are likely to appreciate the extra attention from your neighbours.
When training your Scottish Straight, be gentle but firm as their intelligence could make them a little wilful. They can be taught to play fetch, which is another great way to burn some calories. Ultimately, the Scottish Straight likes to please their humans so they will likely never be difficult.
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All about Scottish Straights
Predominantly yes. The Scottish Straight is not the most active of cat breeds, therefore they will be content to stay indoors. However, if you have some outside space such as a safely enclosed garden, their curious nature will get the better of them. They are descendants of farm cats after all.
The affection you show your Scottish Straight will be returned to you tenfold. This is a truly amenable cat who gets on with children, the elderly, and other pets. The Scottish Straight can fit seamlessly into a large or small household: The most important thing for them is a lap to curl up in and humans to play with!
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Cat Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book