Do Scottish Fold Cats Shed More Than Other Cats? Breed Characteristics & Facts
By Kit Copson
Updated on
The Scottish Fold is a truly intriguing feline with a very unique appearance. As such, they’re quick to win the hearts of cat lovers and prospective cat parents, but what are they like to care for? Scottish Folds are considered to be pretty low-maintenance cats thanks to their often chilled-out, quiet temperaments and the fact that they don’t shed a great deal.
That’s not to say that Scottish Folds don’t require any coat maintenance, however. Though they don’t shed more than any other cat breed, they still need to be brushed. The frequency will depend on the length of your Scottish Fold’s hair. Moreover, Scottish Folds are not considered “hypoallergenic” because they still shed moderately. Let’s explore this further.
Grooming Requirements
Scottish Folds shed moderately throughout the year, and, like other cat breeds, they shed more heavily during spring and fall—the shedding seasons for cats. For a short-haired Scottish Fold, a weekly brush should be just enough to maintain their gorgeous, dense coats and keep them free of dead and loose hairs.
Long-haired Scottish Folds will need a bit of extra TLC because they’re more prone to getting knots, mats, and tangles in their coats. It’s best to go over long-haired cats daily with a brush to keep their coats nice and smooth.
This doesn’t need to be a massive grooming session if you don’t want it to be—just take 5 minutes every day to go over your Scottish Fold with the brush or comb, focusing especially around the neck, armpits, and under the chest. Check for tangles and knots and gently work them out.
In addition to keeping your Scottish Fold’s fur in great condition by removing dead hairs, brushing can be very beneficial for your owl-like cat in a number of ways, including:
- Spreading healthy oils throughout the coat
- Removing dirt and debris
- Getting rid of dead skin
- Improving circulation
- Increasing the bond between you and your cat
Nail Trimming
As well as brushing your Scottish Fold’s coat, it’s hugely important to make sure their nails are trimmed on a regular basis. Overgrown nails can dig into your cat’s paw pads, resulting in the nail becoming ingrown.1 This is just as unpleasant for cats as it is for humans and can cause terrible pain. Cat nails are typically trimmed every few weeks, but some may need more frequent trimming.
Teeth Cleaning
A once-weekly tooth cleaning session can go a long way toward keeping your Scottish Fold’s teeth and gums healthy by reducing the risk of conditions like gingivitis and periodontal disease. Though Scottish Folds are notoriously relaxed, they’re still cats and some may not take kindly to a toothbrush!
It’s a good idea to start gradually by touching the teeth and gums with your fingers so your Scottish Fold gets used to the feeling. Offer treats to thank them each time you manage to do this, even if it’s only for a few seconds at a time.
When they’re used to having their teeth and gums touched, you can gradually move on to using a cat toothbrush and cat toothpaste. Again, don’t worry if you only manage to brush a few teeth at a time at first.
In Conclusion
Though Scottish Folds aren’t major shedders, they still have certain grooming needs like all other cat breeds, including brushing, nail clipping, and tooth cleaning. They’re also not the best choice for allergy sufferers as they’re not considered hypoallergenic (though no cat truly is hypoallergenic—they all shed dander to a degree, even Sphynx cats).
Featured Image Credit: serjiunea, Shuttestock
