Among many people who are still planning to get a kitten, but do not fully understand the breeds, there is an opinion that only the British Fold cat exists in nature, as well as the Scottish representatives of the cat family. But such an opinion is erroneous. Professionals of the breeding cattery, where, by the way, it is recommended to purchase a pet, will no doubt confirm that these are the names of completely different breeds, and only Scottish cats can be lop-eared, since the British are characterized only by straight ears. For this reason, you should understand how British and Scottish cats differ. To a professional, the differences between cats are obvious.

Many people know about the Scottish Fold feline. This breed of Scottish fold cats today enjoys considerable popularity among both professionals and pet lovers. Lop-eared Scots simply captivate with their grace and aristocracy. But their main unique and distinctive feature is their ears, bent forward and hanging down from their heads.

The history of the appearance of the breed originates in Eurasia. In literary works of the 19th century, one can find the first mention of a pet with curled ears. For example, one of the sources indicates that a cat or a lop-eared cat was brought from China to England. However, there is no additional information about this fact.

Directly in Scotland, lop-eared pets became known in 1959. This year, William Ross at the farmer, his neighbor, saw a pet with unusual ears. In 1961, the cat had offspring. Then the farmer gave William Ross a white lop-eared kitten. It was this pet that became the founder of a new breed.

Scottish fold cats came to Russia relatively recently - in the 90s of the last century. Breeders were puzzled by the question of breeding an unusual breed. As a result, the decision is made to cross a British cat with a Scottish one with folded ears.

This is how the British Fold cat was bred, the description of the breed, the nature of which will be given in more detail below, in Russia. They are characterized by curled ears and a massive British body. However, to date, this breed is officially unrecognized. All kittens born with the above parameters are called Scottish Fold.

Appearance

A little higher, the answer to the question was given - are British cats lop-eared, and now the external characteristics of these animals will be described. British Fold cats and cats are beautiful, strong and muscular pets with rounded shapes, graceful and flexible body. They are large from birth. Around 2-3 years old, the pet reaches maturity. In adulthood, cats weigh about 5-8 kg. Cats are inferior to them in weight.

You can see that the British lop-eared cats, the description of the breed of which is now given, are characterized by a rather cute muzzle. Its somewhat rounded shape further enhances the feeling of power and strength of a pet. But slightly curved ears soften the appearance of the cat somewhat and give the face a cute and surprised expression. The eyes of the animal are round and large. Eye color mostly has a copper tint. However, there are animals with greenish, golden, blue, and sometimes multi-colored eyes.

It should be noted that lop-eared cats, the price of which is sometimes high, have a very delicate coat with a thick undercoat.

The majority of fans believe that cats of this breed are exclusively blue, a classic shade. But in fact, the animal is characterized by different colors:

Above is a description of what a British cat looks like, this will avoid mistakes when choosing and buying an animal. The following is a description of some breeds of Scottish Fold cats.

Scottish fold

It should be noted that the Scottish Fold cat breed gave cute, beautiful creatures with a wonderful character, able to quickly adapt to people and new surroundings. Cats of this breed are very loyal, and, when in the family, they build a close relationship exclusively with 1st person. It is to him that they pay special attention, sometimes they even follow him from one room to another. However, they, in turn, require the same attention from the owner.

Characteristics of the Scottish Fold breed:

highland fold

It should be noted that the Highland Fold cat breed is characterized by a compact torso of medium size and a weight not exceeding 4 kg. The body is rounded, proportional, ending in a flexible tail, which tapers to the tip, the legs are of medium length with round paws. The head is beautiful, having a rounded shape with a strong-willed chin, a shortened nose with a small dimple located at the transition from the nose to the forehead and a well-developed jaw.

The eyes are huge, widely spaced, perfectly combined and in harmony with the shade of the coat. The coat is long and dense, uniform, of various shades, becoming a little wadded in adult animals, which refers to a slight drawback.

The Highland Fold is a good-natured cat, loving its owners to the point of madness and treating family members with deep respect and reverence.

They are great with children and get along well with all pets. Cats are smart, quick-witted and playful, they will never be able to cause any harm to children during the game, they do not tear curtains, they do not scratch furniture. They have absolutely no aggressiveness, which is inherent in certain breeds.

Summing up this article, I would like to note that lop-eared cats are very unpretentious and smart, and you can find the answer to the question - how much does a lop-eared cat cost without any problems on the Internet. Cats of this breed get along well with people and even dogs. Lop-eared cats are recommended for purchase as one of the best pets.

Today, British Fold cats are gaining great popularity among pets. Many lovers of cats and cats fell in love with them, as they are very calm in behavior and unpretentious in content. But you still need to know the rules for caring for them.

British lop-eared kitten

The main difference between lop-eared kittens is small ears that hang down. And also they have a hump on the nose. The head is round and has a well-defined chin. The eyes of lop-eared kittens are at a wide distance from each other and slightly protruding. Since the body of the cat is muscular, and their legs are short, it seems that they are clubfoot. The normal weight for them is 7-8 kg, so they are classified as large breeds.

With their appearance, British kittens resemble a plush toy, because their fur is short. The coat is usually dyed one color. For example:

• Ginger;
• Blue;
• Cream.

The most popular among animal lovers are fold british blue cats. This color is classic for them and has various shades of gray. At the level with these colors there are also such as:

• Brindle;
• Marble;
• Spotted.

And red is considered a particularly rare coloring for the British, so such a cat is considered very valuable. In addition, they have ingenuity and high intuition.

The history of the appearance of a blue British kitten

It was believed that Russian blue kittens, which were brought to England, are the ancestors of the British fold cat. In 1961, a cat was born in Scotland on a farm, whose ears hung down and she had a white color. She was the beginning in the breed of lop-eared British cats. They began to be considered a separate breed only from 2004, and before that they belonged to ordinary British.

British blue cat behavior

British breed cats great with children and can live well in the company of other animals. They are not aggressive at all and are very friendly. Even if something does not suit them, cats will not show their claws. British kittens are also very calm in complete solitude and the absence of the owner will not make them anxious. But at the same time, it is a great pleasure for them to be close to the owner, and the kittens are always greeted warmly.

In behavior, British cats show how well-mannered they are and will never get on their hands without permission. They are always reserved, although their physical condition allows them to instantly join any game.

As with any other small animal, the British Fold kitten needs prepare a place before he enters the house. This is to remove the wires from sight, because he can easily gnaw them, and hide all the chemicals that are used in the house.

Also, the kitten needs to determine a place for his rest and sleep, you can install a house and a scratching post. Thus, from the very first days you will be able to accustom the cat to order.

When a lop-eared Briton enters your house, you need to give him time to calmly study everything and examine the entire house.

British blue kitten care

The British cat does not need special care requirements. It will be necessary buy a special brush and comb it at least once a week. Only when the animal begins to molt, it will be necessary to do this daily. Such a period in cats comes once a year. And since the British coat periodically becomes dirty, it will be possible to buy a special dry shampoo and rub it into the animal's coat.

Washing a cat of this breed in water is not recommended. Water procedures can be used extremely rarely, in cases where it is impossible to solve the problem of pollution in a different way. Bathing water should not exceed 40 degrees, but should not be cold. It is tedious to avoid getting water in the ears and eyes of the animal. Shampoo must be selected according to the color of the animal. Drafts in this process can be very dangerous for lop-eared Britons. Immediately after the procedure, you need to wipe it with a towel and plant it for further drying.

Every day cat needs to be examined. Clean your cat's eyes and ears. Thus, the kitten is accustomed to these procedures from childhood and this becomes a way of life. Ears should be cleaned with a cotton swab and make sure that there is no rash or plaque on the auricles. The eyes are also cleaned with a cotton swab and monitored for the absence of pus, otherwise it will be necessary to take the cat to the veterinarian. The cat's claws need to be trimmed every month by half the length.

Nutrition of the blue British cat

As with any other pet, a balanced diet is important for the British, which will help him ensure longevity, an active lifestyle and, of course, health. You need to be prepared for the fact that cats of this breed are very picky about food. They cannot digest spicy food, salty and fatty. Food from the refrigerator is also dangerous for them, so before giving it to your pet, you need to heat the food to 26 degrees.

The most important thing in cat food is lean meat. The British can eat meat both boiled and raw. It is preferable to feed the cat with raw meat, as it contains more vitamins and promotes the development of the jaw. From poultry, it is preferable for the British to eat chicken, which has previously been heat-treated and the meat has been separated from the bones.

It is also necessary to include plant foods in the composition of his cat's diet. These are cereals, and vegetables, and greens. Of these, she prefers zucchini, carrots, cucumbers and even cabbage. Do not forget about dairy products - sour cream, yoghurts, cheeses. Cheese for a kitten, of course, is better to choose only slightly salted varieties.

For vitamin top dressing, you can purchase seeds of a special vitamin herb at the pet store and plant it at home.

Kitten toilet

In this matter, it is necessary have perseverance and patience. The kitten needs to choose the most secluded place, for example, a bathroom or a toilet. It is important that the toilet is not located near the place where the cat rests and eats. In a tray that is matched to the size of the cat, you need to pour a few centimeters of litter for toilets. It needs to be replaced frequently as it is used. It is better to wash the tray using baby soap and a sponge.

If a small pet cannot immediately get used to the tray, in no case should you shout and scold him. You need to put the tray in the place where it "shits" and gradually move the tray closer to the place that you have allocated for it.

The lop-eared British kitten does not require much trouble in keeping and caring for himself. And if you follow the simple rules of its maintenance, then the kitten will be active, healthy and will bring a lot of positive emotions to its owner.

Domestic felines with curved ears to match the shape of their heads, large expressive eyes, a dense build and plush fur are very popular. This is a British fold cat. The contradiction is already read in the very name of the breed. Representatives of the "British" have an exceptionally erect shape of the ears, and the "Scots" can have hanging ears. It turns out that the breed is non-existent. From an official point of view, this is true. But these lovely noble creatures have not left anyone indifferent for a single decade.

The beginning of the history of the lop-eared "British"

The first descriptions of a cat with curved ears were found in the literary opuses of writers of the 19th century. There is evidence that cats with unusually shaped ears arrived in the UK from China. To date, no evidence has been found to support this.

British fold cat - the standard of grace and style

Scotland is considered to be the country of origin of the breed. It was there that the cat Susie was born with soft white fur and curved ears, the appearance of which marked the beginning of the era of Scottish Fold cats. Susie, in turn, gave birth to a kitten, also with hanging ears. It turned out to be a cat, which was later crossed with the "British". Their offspring presented cats of the Scottish Fold breed.

Note! Breeders and breeders began to study the lop-eared gene, which in the end, not without reason, was recognized as pathological. This gene is responsible for the formation of cartilage tissue. The ears are bent in view of the failure of the cartilage. In this case, the components of the musculoskeletal system of the animal can also be deformed, which leads to its disability, up to the loss of the ability to move independently.

Since the lop-eared gene is dominant, the inheritance of the trait is almost inevitable. So in the early 70s. 20th century The European Community has banned the breeding of the breed. A lifeline for unusual cats was thrown by the American geneticist R. Peltz. It was found that pronounced pathologies of the musculoskeletal system can be observed in offspring from two lop-eared cats. When a lop-eared cat is crossed with a straight-eared cat, the gene is inherited by kittens, but does not cause serious health problems.

When the breeders were faced with the question of breeding an unusual species, they decided to choose a British cat in European countries, an American shorthair in the USA. Based on scientific research data, developed breeding schemes for mating in 1976, the Scottish Fold breed was registered at the official level.

In Russia, fold-eared Scots appeared in the post-perestroika period and immediately gained popularity.

Lop-eared "British": description and characteristics

A set of external data by which a cat can be classified as a particular species is called a standard. These are the parameters of an animal that is an ideal representative of the breed. But British cats with floppy ears are not officially recognized. Therefore, the standards are indicated only for Scottish Fold cats (Scottish Fold).

Short-haired "British" with the appearance of an aristocrat

This situation arose for a number of reasons. The main ones are the differences between the British and Scottish cats, which are the ancestors of the breed.

British and Scottish cats

Before proceeding to the description of the controversial breed, for clarity, one should compare the spring features of the "British" and "Scots". It's not that hard to tell them apart.

Parameter	British (British)	Scots (Scottish)
Body type	Muscular, stocky built body of medium size. Closer to big.	They have a graceful, harmoniously developed physique.
Paws	Powerful and large paws, with rounded tips.	Paws have a proportional length to the body, refined, graceful.
Tail	Short, rounded tail.	Elongated tail, conical to the tip.
Head and neck	Massive round head with a developed chin and cheekbones. Expressed cheeks. The neck is very short.	The head is gracefully shaped with a well-defined chin. The neck is pronounced.
Ears	They have a strictly upright shape of the auricles. The ends are slightly rounded.	Representatives of the Scottish Straight group have straight ears, and the Scottish Fold have hanging ears.
Wool	Hair of medium length, plush to the touch with a thick undercoat.	The coat is soft, but looser than that of the British. Hair length can be short or long.

The difference between the breeds is clearly visible. So are there actually lop-eared "British"? The answer is obvious from the description of the breeds: no, British cats are exceptionally straight. Then why then there is such a name of the breed? Due to ignorance, people often call “Scots” this way. Fig. 4. Scottish Fold with floppy ears

Description of the "British" with hanging ears

The cat "British" lop-eared has an outward resemblance to representatives of other breeds. She combined the muscularity, cheekiness of the "British" and the graceful plasticity of the "Scots". Among the ancestors of a non-existent breed, exotic types of cats are noted: Persians, French blue cat.

To know everything about a cat, you need to start with a description of the British Fold cat breed. Representatives of this species have a powerful, harmoniously developed body. The weight of an adult cat can reach up to 8 kg. At the same time, it is larger than a cat, whose weight rarely exceeds 6 kg.

The chest is quite wide. The neck is shortened. The paws are of medium length, they are muscular with rounded tips.

A cat born from a "British" and "Scottish" with floppy ears, combines the best of both breeds

British fold cats are distinguished by a round head and characteristic features of the muzzle. The folded, far-set ears cover the opening of the auricle, giving the head an even more rounded shape. Large eyes of amber color or yellow with a greenish tinge are very expressive. It is they, in combination with hanging ears, that give the cat prettiness. The nose is wide, straight and not distinguished by length. The coat is very smooth and velvety with a thick undercoat. Color can be varied.

Note! There are about 180 colors of British fold cats.

British fold cat color

The woolen cover of representatives of the species has such properties as softness, silkiness, a variety of colors. Wool can be plain or multi-colored, combining 2-3 colors.

Solid colors can be:

• light blue;
• ash gray;
• white;
• brown;
• black;
• peach;
• rich red.

Combinations of coat colors can be in the form of tabby (striped distinct color), haze, bicolor (combination of light and dark shade), Siamese or tortoiseshell.

Note! The presence among the ancestors of the French blue cat determines the main monochromatic light blue shade of wool, which is recognized as a classic.

Character and behavior

Pretty lop-eared "British women" are endowed with an even, conflict-free character. Aggression is shown extremely rarely, only in openly threatening situations. Animals are kind to children, not leaving scratches and bites without a good reason. They are tolerant of other pets.

Striped fold "British" real tiger

Lop-eared pets are devoted to the owner. To earn the trust and affection of a cat, it is necessary to regularly provide him with food and care.

The main advantages of the lop-eared "British" are:

• calm disposition;
• self-sufficiency (they do not impose themselves on the owner, they feel comfortable in moments of solitude);
• curiosity (naturally curious animals can stand in a column in the meerkat pose to examine the subject);
• tenderness (“folds” are cute and affectionate pets, they can purr in the hands of the owner, ready for moderate tactile contact).

Note! The aristocratic style is traced not only in appearance, but also in the behavior of the lop-eared cat. The pet carefully monitors the cleanliness of its plush covers.

Character traits include the fear of heights in the lop-eared "British", which is not typical for most breeds. But this does not detract from their hunting abilities. They know how to hunt down prey no worse than other more daring cats.

The disadvantages include:

• phlegm (often cats are half asleep);
• lack of a sense of proportion in food;
• rejection of constant close contact.

The habits of the animal are a reflection of its intelligent English origin. In case of dissatisfaction, it is unlikely that the cat will begin to hiss, make screams. He will most likely turn around and leave.

Health

British Fold cats are at risk for genetic diseases. This is due to the crossing of two different breeds endowed with their own genotype.

The weakest point is the musculoskeletal system. Its vulnerability is a consequence of the influence of the lop-eared gene, which carries the pathology of the development of cartilage and bone tissues of the body. Manifestations of osteochondrosis, joint dysplasia, bone deformities are possible. Such pathologies are not curable. Kittens born from two lop-eared cats are most susceptible to them. Crossing with the "British" partly solves the problem, but minor risks are still present.

British "folds" are prone to the following diseases:

• hearing impairment (it is not uncommon for kittens to be born deaf);
• feline respiratory viral infections (usually resolve without medical attention within 72 hours);
• dermatophytosis - fungal infections of the claws (require drug treatment with fungicides);
• helminthic invasions;
• flea infestation;
• cardiac pathologies;
• kidney cysts.

Important! In order to prevent diseases, the pet should be regularly examined at the veterinary clinic. Do not neglect preventive vaccinations that successfully protect cats from rabies, ringworm, panleukopenia, respiratory system infections.

Under favorable conditions, proper care and good health, cats live up to 15 years.

Features of care

In order for a fluffy pet not to have problems with health and development, it is important to provide him with regular hygiene, rational nutrition, and prevention of possible pathologies.

Balanced Diet

Lop-eared "British" are distinguished by excellent appetite and in a global sense are not picky in matters of nutrition. It is important to monitor what and how much the animal eats.

An adult cat should eat 3-4 times a day. A serving should not be more than 200 g. It is permissible to use food from the host's table as food. But veterinarians advise feeding the "fold" with specialized premium foods, the composition of which is adapted to the digestive characteristics of the cat's body.

When deciding to feed a cat with food from the master's table, the owner must understand what can be given to the animal and what is strictly prohibited. The permitted products are:

• lean meat (beef, rabbit, chicken, turkey);
• boiled fish without hard fins, large scales and bones;
• vegetables (zucchini, carrots, cabbage, pumpkin, cucumbers);
• low-fat cottage cheese;
• kefir;
• boiled eggs;
• some types of cereals (rice, oatmeal).

Make sure your pet has constant access to fresh water.

Note! Do not feed cats with smoked foods and processed spices. Under the ban salty, bakery products, whole milk.

Hygiene procedures

To keep your pet healthy and well-groomed, the following procedures must be carried out regularly:

• cleaning of the auricles (carried out twice a month using a cotton swab moistened with a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide or a special agent);
• eye cleansing (clean tissue or cotton swab using eye drops);
• claw processing.

Castration and sterilization

Hair care

How to choose a kitten

Kittens are born lop-eared. The tips of the ears droop at the age of three weeks. Therefore, it is not recommended to purchase a kitten younger than 30-45 days.

The choice of a kitten consists in an external examination and verification of documents, of which a veterinary passport must be present, as well as information about the parents.

Note! Pedigrees marked with international classifications cannot be authentic, as the breed has no official status.

Fold kittens can be "British" or "Scottish". Determining which kitten is presented and identifying external differences in babies can be difficult, but this can be done with a careful examination.

Fold-eared "British" kittens are more dense and stocky with a wide straight nose, not a long thick tail ending in a rounded tip.

"British" kittens with cute floppy ears are hard to distinguish from "Scots"

During an external examination, the buyer should check the cleanliness of the eyes, ears, uniformity and quality of the coat.

British fold prices and the best breeders and nurseries

To determine how much a kitten can cost, you need to evaluate all the information. Prices for representatives of the Scottish Fold breed with a good pedigree reach up to 50 thousand rubles. * Lop-eared "British" are inexpensive, as they are not a recognized breed. The price of a kitten starts at 500 rubles. and usually does not exceed 5000 rubles.

There are a lot of breeders and catteries of British and Scottish cats with hanging ears. Here is some of them:

• Glamor Dreams;
• Elemurry;
• Lady Bri;
• Murkino;
• Kalistofius Cats.

The non-official status of the breed deprives the owner of the British lop-eared cat of the opportunity to participate in exhibitions and competitions. But a pretty, peaceful, moderately playful pet will become a devoted companion to its owner and a true friend to family members. Without requiring special care, a pet with a surprised muzzle, silky hair will delight others and will find a common language with each of them.

*Prices in the article are for September 2019.

Lop-eared cats and cats do not leave indifferent adults or children, as the unusual shape of the ears gives them a special attractive look. But there is still confusion between the breeds of fold cats, as experts say that there is only a Scottish species that is generally recognized. And the British Fold cat breed does not exist at all. Therefore, it is worth figuring out whether this is true or not. And if it does exist, then what features does it have.

Breeding features

The British Fold breed exists, although it remains unrecognized by official nurseries. This is due to the fact that it was bred against the rules of international cat communities.

This variety was obtained as a result of self-crossing by the owners of animals. Representatives of the Scottish Fold breeds became its basis, and as a result, the resulting offspring received a combination of an unusual color and lop-eared ears. Therefore, among cat lovers, the breed began to be called the British Fold.

Despite the lack of documents confirming the pedigree, representatives of this variety of cats are very popular. But you can buy a cat or a cat of this type only from private owners.

In the photo above - a British Fold cat, which still remains not officially recognized.

Appearance description

Despite the high similarity with the Scottish Fold cats, the British still have differences. Representatives of an unrecognized breed are distinguished by a harmonious rounded shape of the muzzle, they are also characterized by a large head size with ears pressed to it. The eyes are expressive, slightly surprised. This feature is manifested due to the unusual structure of the skull.

According to the classic description of British Fold cats, the animals are large in size. At the same time, they are characterized by muscular short legs and a strong chest. The weight of an adult animal reaches 8 kg. But if the pet is neutered and leads a measured lifestyle, then the indicator can grow rapidly, which negatively affects its health.

The coat of representatives of this species is thick and short. The nose is medium in size, wide. The eyes are large, set far apart. Mostly they have an orange tint, but there are representatives with blue and green eyes. The chin is strong and wide.

According to the description, the British fold cat is characterized by a thick tail rounded at the end. The combination of a rounded body with short legs gives the impression of a pet's clubfoot. But this is a feature of this breed.

Pictured is a British fold cat. The difference between the breed lies in the stocky body structure.

Varieties of color

The classic color of the British Fold cat is solid blue, gray, lilac.

But there are representatives with the following colors of wool:

• white;
• redhead;
• silvery;
• tabby;
• bicolor;
• tortoiseshell;
• black.

British fold cat breed. Character

By nature, representatives of the British Fold breed differ from their ancestors. At the same time, behavioral differences are also present between cats and cats. But you should not focus on this when buying a pet, since its character and behavior will largely depend on the upbringing and attitude of the owner.

A cat of this breed is characterized by an independent disposition and waywardness. He is very attached to his master and his family members, but at the same time he keeps a little apart. He does not like being picked up and being forced to play any game. He remembers the offense and, if the opportunity arises, they will try to teach the offender a lesson.

According to the description of the breed, the character of the British Fold cat is more gentle and affectionate, so she prefers to be the center of attention. Whenever possible, it is located closer to the owner and takes part in calm, measured games with pleasure.

All representatives of the British Fold breed are characterized by English pretentiousness. This is expressed in their special grace and narcissism. But this trait is weakly manifested if the cat is not spoiled and properly educated.

By their nature, British fold cats are distinguished by patience and restraint. Therefore, they prefer not to enter into open conflict with other animals. In the event of a conflict situation, they decide to retreat and find a secluded place where their peace will not be disturbed.

Often, representatives of an unrecognized breed show a strong sense of jealousy. The trigger could be another pet, a child, or a new family friend. And sometimes jealousy reaches a critical point. As a result, the cat refuses to eat, critically loses weight, licks itself until bald patches appear, and becomes apathetic to everything.

To correct the situation, you will need the love and attention of the owner. Only by returning the location and trust of the cat, the condition of the pet will improve.

Behavioral Features

British Fold cats are distinguished by their intelligence and calm disposition. It will not be difficult to accustom her to a scratching post and a tray. Representatives of this species easily accept the rules of living in the house they enter.

According to reviews, the nature of British fold cats is measured and calm, so even kittens will not jump on cabinets and hang on curtains.

Lop-eared Britons prefer the company of older people and children. In this environment, they allow themselves to relax and enjoy life. In addition, they calmly endure coexistence in the same house with a dog.

Cats of this breed can stand on their hind legs for a long time. Moreover, this habit is due to their physical structure. Thanks to this stance, the animal kneads the spine.

Also, the British Fold breed is characterized by a fear of heights, which justifies the lack of desire among representatives of this species to jump from cabinets and windows. This feature is due to the specifics of the work of the vestibular apparatus.

Development and mating

Offspring differ in the species qualities of their parents. Kittens have the same short strong paws, a large head and a strong chest. The coat is dense and short.

The growth of kittens occurs unevenly: paws grow first, then the body and finally the head. But this is the norm, so there is no cause for concern.

Mating of cats under the age of 1 year is not carried out, since the British Fold breed is characterized by a late development period. Ignoring the length of the waiting period before the first mating can have a deplorable effect on the health of the offspring and delivery. After the second birth, the formation of a cat is completely completed. The duration of estrus is individual for each animal.

Delivery in cats of an unrecognized breed is normal. At the same time, cats manifest themselves as clean, caring and attentive mothers.

Hygiene and care

1. Special attention should be paid to cleaning the ears. This is due to their unusual structure, which leads to the accumulation of sulfur, dirt and dust in the auricle. It is recommended to check the cleanliness of the ears once a week. In this case, it is necessary to clean with a cotton swab dipped in a special hygienic liquid for cats. If, as a result of cleaning, an unpleasant smell is felt from the ears, and the sulfur has a dark color, then you need to contact your veterinarian, since this is most often a symptom of a pet’s disease.
2. It is recommended to comb the cat once every 7 days. To do this, use a special brush that does not cause irritation to the pet. It is impossible to forget about this procedure, as this can lead to clogging of the stomach with hairballs when licking. Lop-eared British love combing against the wool, which is a kind of massage for them.
3. Eye care does not require special skills. It is enough in the morning to wipe the corners of the eyes with a clean cloth dipped in boiled water. But in the presence of purulent discharge, you should visit a veterinarian.
4. It is recommended to cut the claws of representatives of this breed once every 20 days. To do this, use special tools: a claw cutter and a scratching post. In this case, you need to cut off no more than 2 mm. It is forbidden to use ordinary scissors for the procedure, as this can cause injuries and damage to nerve endings. Before cutting the nail, you should carefully look at it in the light. In this case, it will be clearly visible where the blood vessel is located so as not to hurt it.
5. Bathing cats should be rare, no more than once every six months. But if the pet is very dirty or has fleas, then the water procedure should be carried out as needed. In this case, the water temperature should be within 40 degrees. For washing, it is recommended to use special cat shampoos. After the water procedure, the cat should be wrapped in a dry towel and protected from drafts. It is worth remembering that cats are not afraid to swim, but do not like the moment of immersion in water. Therefore, to instill a love for bathing is necessary from an early age, and then this procedure will not cause any particular difficulties.

Nutrition Features

You can feed the lop-eared British with both natural and dry food. But at the same time, it must be balanced and contain all the useful vitamins and minerals.

When using natural products, you need to make a diet for your pet:

1. The basis of nutrition is lean meat. Fresh beef liver is used, and boiled - fish and poultry without skin and bones. Also, the British love to feast on boiled eggs.
2. The diet should also include cottage cheese and kefir. Dairy products with a high percentage of fat (sour cream, cream) should be given no more than 1 time in 2 weeks. Ignoring this rule leads to liver dysfunction.
3. From vegetables, preference should be given to zucchini, cabbage, carrots and cucumbers.
4. From cereals it is better to choose rice, oats millet. It is recommended to cook porridge with milk or meat broth. When serving, you can add a little meat.

When using dry food, you should not additionally feed the animal with other products. Dry nutritional mixture contains the whole complex of essential vitamins and minerals, and in an accessible form and in the correct ratio.

It is recommended to feed the cat no more than 3 times a day, giving food in small portions. Fresh drinking water should be in the drinker at all times, and it must be changed regularly. Bowls for food and drink should be chosen wide so that the pet does not get dirty while eating.

Moulting in the British Fold occurs twice a year: in spring and autumn. Its duration is 1 month, but this process may be delayed due to temperature changes.

To speed it up and reduce discomfort, you should adhere to the following rules:

1. Maintain indoor temperature stability.
2. Protect your pet from stressful situations.
3. Bathe the animal regularly during this period with the use of hair care shampoos.
4. Every day, gently comb the coat with a massage comb.
5. Provide a complete and balanced diet.

Often, the owners of this breed are concerned about the winter shedding of pets. This process can be associated with various provoking factors:

• moving to a new house, which causes stress for the cat;
• childbirth, which takes a lot of strength and energy from the animal;
• allergy to dry food;
• hormonal failure during the period of feeding kittens;
• the presence of concomitant diseases;
• improper nutrition.

How many live?

The life expectancy of the British fold is 12 years. But if from the age of 10 you regularly visit the veterinarian at least 2 times a month, then this figure can be significantly increased.

British Fold cat: character traits, reviews

According to reviews, this breed is very popular. This is due not only to its unusual appearance, but also to other advantages.

The main advantages that animal owners highlight:

• friendliness;
• independence;
• unobtrusiveness;
• easily tolerates loneliness;
• smart;
• do not require complex care.

The disadvantages of the breed include excessive shyness and a tendency to be overweight.

Based on this, we can say that not only due to their appearance, but also to their character, British fold cats stand out significantly from other breeds. And if you want to have a smart, obedient and sedate pet, then this is just about them. However, these qualities can be instilled only by proper education.

The British Shorthair cat has its own unique character. It is unlike the habits and characteristics of any other breed. But, like any other, the British cat has its fans and haters. Every Briton values ​​independence very much. Therefore, they do not like it when even the owners pick them up, not to mention strangers.

This breed is quite self-sufficient. Such a cat will never ask, give a voice. If he wants to get food, he will sit for a long time waiting near his bowl.

The Brit is very arrogant. He will only respond to his nickname. You don’t need to say any “kiss-kiss”, he will not respond to these clicks.

british cats

You can’t decide to get a cat without looking at the description of the breed, the British Fold cat is very well studied in this regard.

The British Fold cat is a strong and beautiful animal. The breed is distinguished by a powerful torso and large size. The cat has a well-developed, strong, flexible and muscular body, which gives it grace and smoothness of movement. Even small kittens very early begin to keep well on their paws.

The muzzle is what so many people love British Fold cats for. The main pride of these animals is the ears bent to the head, and plump cheeks and a short nose make them charming.

The large, round eyes, most often a warm honey color, show intelligence, and the facial expression often appears surprised because of the eyes and ear movements. In addition to the classic honey-colored eyes, there are green and golden, some kittens are born with eyes of different colors.

The coat of the lop-eared British cannot be confused with any other breed. It is because of her that kittens and even adult cats look like plush toys. Thick and smooth coat with a very delicate undercoat boasts both shorthair and longhair British cats. Any characteristic of the British emphasizes their sophisticated and neat appearance.

We are talking about different breeds, and their characters will also be different. Let's say right away: it makes no sense to start a Scottish fold if it is not possible to feed him three times a day. The total amount of food should be small, and the number of feedings sometimes has to be increased up to four per day. Well, the "British" always manages with two daily portions ... Of course, if we are not talking about kittens.

"Lop-eared" becomes attached to the owner

The Scottish, or as it is incorrectly called, British Fold cat will always be the same in character: it is very attached to its owner. Or rather, to the one who feeds her. And it is desirable that it be one person.

Over time, the owner may change, and then the animal will begin to experience the same attachment to a new breadwinner.

What they, that is, cats and cats, like:

• To be near a person, preferring not even to play, but simply to sit nearby;
• Lie on the couch, watch TV with the owner;
• To feed them more often;
• To always have water in the drinker.

And representatives of the Scottish breed can sleep lying on their backs.

Now consider what they don't like:

• So that their ears are cleaned of sulfur less often than once every two weeks;
• When their long tail is not handled with care enough.

Scottish fold cat or cat can do what others cannot:

• Quickly adapt to new family members;
• It is not bad to get along with children due to its character. He is, in general, light and even a little phlegmatic;
• Get along with other pets;
• And it will be difficult to frighten a real "Scotsman" with anything.

Only the feeling of hunger can bring the animal out of balance. Loud meowing and a disgruntled appearance is not all that an angry cat or kitten is capable of ...

By the way, regardless of gender, the breed is characterized by a high tone of voice. But the animal will use this "weapon" infrequently.

Temperament

Worthy of our society, smart and affectionate companion - this is how the British Shorthair breed is characterized. Cats and cats of this breed are very affectionate, but they do not like to sit on their laps. In English, there is a word lapcat, which means "a pet that is picked up." So, "British" is not "lapcat".

Both cats and cats of the breed in question are very fond of the following:

• Stay close to your owner
• Do exercises with a sharpener for claws;
• To as needed claws are still trimmed.

Consider what they don't like:

• When the undercoat is combed out with a special brush less than 2 times a week;
• If they begin to drag the tail;
• If a lot of sulfur accumulates in the ears.

Cats of the British Shorthair breed look solid, while males, on the contrary, are more careless.

Relationships with other household members (children and dogs)

Everyone knows about the specific features:

• A cat or a cat will get along well with a dog;
• There will be no problems in relations with children either ... If they just leave the tail alone;
• Often representatives of the breed die on the roads: the animal does not understand well what a car is.

"Circle of the family" is the basic concept for every "British". If they offend him, then they offend the family, and, therefore, you need to defend yourself ... If someone from “friends” offended him, then the person who offended the animal ceases to belong to the “family circle”. Well, when the owner himself offends, there is only one thing left - to disappear, that is, to leave the house.

Only a Scottish fold can hold a grudge, and a British cat shows character right away. What is their difference.

How to distinguish a lop-eared Scot from a "rejected" British?

The latter has a more "heavy" constitution. Powerful withers, strong paws and tail distinguish this breed from others. The cat may look like a kind of sturdy bear cub with a low-set head. In profile, the transition to the nose from the forehead looks smoother, there is no stop, that is, a sharp transition with a dimple. But the Scottish cat looks graceful and light, has longer limbs, no withers, and the tail gradually tapers to the tip.

It is impossible to distinguish one breed from another by color, since the color of the animal can be any. It will be great if you are also shown a photo of the parents of the purchased kitten. It is by them that one can judge the breed of a pet.

So, it became clear that the breed called "British lop-eared", even as an experimental one, was not recorded anywhere. So, there are some dangers in buying such a pet. The first, far from the most terrible, is the impossibility to participate in exhibitions of thoroughbred cats, he will be able to show himself only in the class of domestic cats. Also, as already mentioned, there can be no question of breeding a breed, as well as obtaining a pedigree for its offspring.

And if the future owner cares little about exhibitions and fame, the second point is more unpleasant. A lop-eared British shorthair kitten, obtained as a result of a genetic failure from random mating, can have all certain diseases, for example, osteochondrodysplasia. Description of the disease: it is characterized by deformation of the paws and skeleton of the kitten, lethargy and inactivity, lameness.

	British Shorthair	scottish fold
Ears	Rounded at the tips, wide at the base. Definitely short.	The ears are small, but lowered down and forward. Together with the head, they should form a triangle.
torso	We can say that the chest is wide, like a good fighting dog.	More rounded, also sporty, but more even from shoulder to tail.
Paws	Powerful paws on a small body, they are not long, so the animal looks massive.	The average length of the paws, which are proportional to the body. More slender than the British.
Head	Cheeks stand out against the background of a round head.	Something like an owl. The lower part with a chin is well developed.
Nose	No bend when transitioning from the forehead. Should be with a recess at the forehead.	Volumetric and short nose with extension to the base.
Tail	Relatively short and thick, rounded towards the end.	Medium length and thickness, very mobile, pointed towards the tip.
Eyes	Round like buttons. Far away from each other	Forever surprised and strongly open.
Wool	Plush, but feels more elastic.	The soft also has a good undercoat and plush character, can be long, not close.

Breeds recognized in the world immediately acquire standards, according to which judging takes place at exhibitions. The selection of a kitten should also be based on these criteria. Compliance with them indicates the purebredness of a representative of a particular species.

Below are the CFA standards for the two species under consideration.

	British	Scottish fold
Body	The body of an athlete in a cat's role. The tail is long and not very mobile. Its tip should be rounded. Short paws.	Round and medium, strong. The paws are not short, which resemble the legs of a slender model. The tail is medium or long. Tail flexibility is high. It must be pointed at the end.
Head	A strong chin stands out on a round head. Little nose. Well defined cheeks.	Well rounded with a strong lower part. Set low on the neck. Well-defined cheeks, more in boys. Let's say a small stop on the nose.
Ears	Medium height, wide at the bottom. They should also be rounded at the tips.	Small and bent. The tips look not only down, but also forward immediately.
Eyes	Large, strongly open, different color.	Constantly surprised expression. Odd-eyed cats are allowed, but only with white or bicolor.
Wool	Short with well developed undercoat. The texture is not woolly, but fleecy.	Dense, plush, length from short to slightly elongated. Soft. The texture depends on the season, place of residence and color.
Color	Any color and with points (spots, stripes), except for white patches.	Any natural colors (blue, white, black, striped)

These standards also talk about defects that can disqualify a cat or a cat. This means that their professional breeding will become impossible. For the British, this is the presence of a stop at the transition from forehead to nose. For lop-eared Scottish folds - prominent brow ridges, a short and inflexible tail with a hook, splayed fingers, lilac, chocolate, or a combination of them with white.

Both of these breeds are great friends and adapt to any conditions. They are friendly and easy to care for. When choosing a kitten, decide whether you want a more massive and large cat (British) or a plush friend with higher legs and less muscular body (Scottish Fold).

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It is believed that British cats were brought to English lands by the soldiers of the Empire of Rome. This happened many centuries ago, and the goal was the most practical: to save feed grains from rats and mice. How exactly the selection was carried out is not fully understood, but gradually the breed characteristics became dominant, although the breed was officially recognized only at the end of the 19th century.

This is a strong, big cat. She has a very characteristic muzzle: round, broad-cheeked. Her ears are small, but stand upright. The neck is almost absent, just under the muzzle there is a characteristic skin fold. The cat has low strong paws, a thick tail of medium length. The British cat has a fairly thick undercoat.

As a result of a mutation, a pair of British cats had lop-eared kittens, from which the breed of Scottish fold (Scottish) went. It happened already in the last century, quite recently. The Scottish cat is more graceful, with an elongated body, the tail is longer, noticeably thinner. She has a pronounced neck, quite long and strong.

The muzzle is broad, with prominent cheekbones. But the ears of the Scottish breed are amazing: folded in half, they are firmly pressed to the head. However, lop-earedness is not characteristic of all Scots, some kittens have straight ears. When this happens, it is very difficult to distinguish them from the British. If the ears are folded in half, then we are talking about Scottish folds. Straight ears in Scottish Straights (but they retain the lop-eared gene).

The problem with these breeds is that they have the same color standards. Apparently, that is why amateurs listen little to the arguments of breeders and still believe that this breed is called the British Fold cat.

Price when buying a kitten of the British Shorthair breed

The breed of British cats has not been a shortage on the animal market for a long time, and with the current approach to breeding, these interesting animals are able to satisfy the taste of the most biased buyer, striking with the richness of fur colors, the originality of its shades and pattern.

Despite this, the average prices for thoroughbred British kittens are in the range of 300 to 500 US dollars. And for individual representatives who have a special position and pedigree or a rare color - much more expensive (from 750 US dollars). For example, purebred kittens with a rare golden coat color and high-quality pattern (or without it) cost from $2,000. So, there are enough options, and in any case, you will find that one cat that is intended only for you.