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The Scottish Fold is a unique cat with their distinctive folded ears and easy-going personality. They are often seen lounging around in their favorite spot, but sometimes they will sit in an unusual way that may raise questions for their owners. In this article, we’ll explore why your Scottish Fold might be sitting strangely and how you can help them feel comfortable.
- Please note that the breeding of Scottish Folds is prohibited in some countries around the world, due to health and welfare implications posed by the genetic condition of osteochondrodysplasia, a developmental abnormality of the cartilage, that affects this breed.
The 3 Vet-Reviewed Reasons for Unusual Sitting Postures
Scottish Fold cats usually have an easy-going and relaxed nature, so it’s unusual to see them sitting strangely or in an unnatural pose. There could be a few reasons as to why your Scottish Fold is sitting differently than usual.
1. They’re Uncomfortable
The most common reason for Scottish Fold’s sitting awkwardly or seeming uncomfortable is because they are in pain. They suffer from a genetic condition called osteochondrodysplasia, which causes abnormality of the cartilage.1 While in some individuals, this may seem to only affect the ear cartilage, based on their genetics and whether they inherited one or two copies of the mutated gene, the cartilage abnormality will eventually affect the whole body. In some cases, this leads to severe pain and deformities early on in life, while in other cases, the condition progresses slowly, especially if they only have one copy of the abnormal gene.
For this reason Scottish Folds may be feeling uncomfortable and pained and may sit in strange positions in order to relieve some of the pain. If they are sitting differently than usual and you notice any other signs of pain such as limping, abnormal gait, stiffness, short or swollen limbs, reluctance to jump or play, or trembling, it’s important to take them to the vet right away.
2. Other Medical Conditions
There are other medical conditions that can cause a Scottish Fold to sit in an unusual way. These may include soft tissue injuries such as sprains, spinal conditions and others, which may further exacerbate their osteochondrodysplasia. All of these conditions will be painful for your cat and may cause them to assume an unnatural posture while sitting or lying down. It’s important to take your Scottish Fold to the vet if they are sitting strangely and you are worried about their health.
3. It’s Their “Normal” Posture
Due to their genetics and osteochondrodysplasia, some Scottish Folds may occasionally sit awkwardly, on their lower back with their back legs outstretched in front of them. It’s important to observe your cat closely in order to pick up on any subtle changes in their demeanor and comfort levels, as taking up this position more often may be a sign of a worsening cartilage condition, which will require veterinary attention.
Tips for Making Your Scottish Fold More Comfortable
Depending on the degree of osteochondrodysplasia your Scottish Fold is suffering from, there may be some things you can do to help them feel more comfortable. Provide them with soft and supportive bedding that will cushion their joints as they sit or lie down. Ensure they get an adequate amount of gentle exercise and back stretches using a cat scratch post and consult with your veterinarian on the best ways to keep your cat comfortable.
What Will My Vet Do to Test and Treat My Scottish Fold?
If your vet suspects that your cat carries both copies of the abnormal gene leading to severe osteochondrodysplasia or that they are suffering from another medical condition causing your Scottish Fold’s strange sitting posture, they may do some tests such as x-rays or more advanced imaging to get a better look at the joints and spine. Depending on the results of these tests, they may recommend treatment such as anti-inflammatory medications or physical therapy.
Potential Causes of Stress You Might Not Have Considered
There are a variety of potential causes of stress that you might not have considered, such as changes in their environment, the introduction of new pets or people into the home, and even boredom. It’s important to take your cat’s feelings into consideration when making any changes and to provide them with plenty of mental stimulation if they seem restless.
Ways to Reduce Stress in Your Scottish Fold
There are several things you can do to reduce stress in your Scottish Fold:
- Encourage playtime. Playing with your cat on a regular basis is a great way to reduce stress and keep them happy.
- Make sure they have access to plenty of toys, scratching posts, and other stimulating activities.
- Provide a safe and comfortable space. Make sure your cat has a place where they can feel safe and secure.
- Provide plenty of attention. Spend quality time with your Scottish Fold, petting them, playing games, and showing them affection.
Ways to Prevent Boredom in Your Scottish Fold
There are several ways you can help to prevent and reduce boredom in your Scottish Fold.
- Introduce interactive toys. Interactive toys such as treat puzzles, cat trees, and balls with bells inside are all great for keeping them entertained and their minds active.
- Set up a play area. Provide a safe place where they can play and explore without getting into trouble.
- Make time for playtime. Set aside a few minutes each day to play with your Scottish Fold and give them some attention.
- Spend time in nature. Taking your Scottish Fold for a walk outside is an excellent way to stimulate their senses and provide them with enrichment, if they have been trained to walk on a harness and a leash.
- Try new activities. Introducing new and interesting toys, games, and activities every once in a while, can provide them with an exciting challenge to keep them engaged. Gentle exercise with recommendations from your vet or feline physio can help a wide range of behaviors from stiff sore joints to an anxious mood.
Tips for Helping Your Scottish Fold Get More Gentle Exercise
Gentle exercise is an important part of keeping your Scottish Fold healthy, not just physically but also mentally. However, some cats may be in too much pain for this and will need to be assessed by a vet first. Others may need more personalized exercise routines and physiotherapy, as well as painkillers.
For cats that are comfortable and have no evidence of pain or mobility issues, here are 10 tips for helping your Scottish Fold get more exercise:
- Provide daily gentle playtime with interactive toys and puzzles.
- Take them outside on a regular basis to experience nature and stimulate their senses if they are comfortable with such adventures, or ensure access to a window.
- Let them explore the house or yard in a safe and secure environment.
- Introduce new toys, activities, and challenges to keep them engaged.
- Take them for regular checkups with their veterinarian to ensure they are healthy and free of pain.
- Set up a cat tree where they can climb and explore.
- Offer a variety of toys, scratching posts, and other activities to keep them entertained.
- Take them to the groomer for regular nail trimmings and brushing or do this at home.
Other FAQs About Strange Scottish Fold Sitting Posture
Q: Is it normal for my Scottish Fold to sleep in strange positions?
A: It can be “normal” for your Scottish Fold to sleep in strange or unusual positions. This is often because of their genetic condition affecting the cartilage and joints, causing them to take on a variety of shapes and positions for comfort. However, if you notice any pain or stiffness associated with their strange sleeping positions, it is best to take them to the veterinarian for an examination.
Can exercise help my Scottish Fold’s behavior?
A: Gentle and vet approved exercise can be beneficial for your Scottish Fold in many ways including aiding with physical health and joint strength, but it can also help to reduce stress levels, improve their mental state, and aid with behavioral problems. A healthy amount of daily activity and playtime is important for helping your Scottish Fold stay happy and healthy.
What other activities can I do with my Scottish Fold to keep them engaged?
A: There are plenty of activities that you can do with your Scottish Fold to help keep them engaged. Try playing games like hide and seek, offering puzzle toys or interactive treat dispensers, or setting up an obstacle course to climb and explore.
Conclusion
The Scottish Fold is a unique breed of cat that can move their bodies into strange positions, mainly due to an inherited health condition called osteochondrodysplasia. Although this can appear amusing for us humans, it is important to remember that this can often point to underlying pain and discomfort, which requires veterinary intervention. Gentle exercise, physiotherapy, and painkillers will help the cat be more comfortable, while interactive toys and puzzles, and plenty of attention can help reduce boredom and ensure that your Scottish Fold stays healthy and active. Additionally, regular checkups with their veterinarian will help identify any worsening medical issues.
Featured Image Credit: dien, Shutterstock
