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 * | 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 specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socializing your pet as well as covering their basic welfare needs (and their social and behavioral needs).
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
Contact your breeder or veterinarian for further advice.
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.
Male
20 - 25 cm
Height
4 - 6 kg
Weight
Female
20 - 25 cm
Height
4 - 6 kg
Weight
| 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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Get to know the Scottish Straight
All you need to know about the breed
A round face and body, as well as round eyes make the medium-sized Scottish Straight an irresistible breed - and that is before getting to their sweet and gentle nature. You will always know where to find your Scottish Straight - right behind you - as they like to follow their humans around the house.
In addition to their adorable appearance, this is a curious and intelligent breed. Some Scottish Straight cats can even be taught to play fetch, while others you have to watch out for as their chosen party trick is getting into cupboards. Yes they like cuddling close with you for a siesta, but be sure to keep your Scottish Straight stimulated and trim with interactive toys.
The Scottish Straight is a loyal breed and quietly confident: discreet but friendly, quiet but not mute. And that tiny voice they use from time to time is capable of melting hearts. When properly introduced to children, the Scottish Straight will enjoy their company, as well as other animals in the household.
With so much affection to give, it is unsurprising that the Scottish Straight does not handle being left alone very well. Another cat in the household will lessen the blow of your absence.
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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 with a feathery tail.
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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 by 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 of 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!
Read more on this topic
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Your guide to adopting a cat
The cost of owning a cat
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