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Your hunt for the right cat has been narrowed down to the Scottish Fold and the British Shorthair. But how are you supposed to pick between these two darling kittens?
The Scottish Fold is an affectionate, social cat without a demanding attitude. Their appearance is unique due to their folded ears, giving them an adorable edge in this competition. That said, the British Shorthair is one of the most recognized cat breeds. They are beloved for their soft, plushy coats and great personalities.
Either the Scottish Fold and the British Shorthair would make an excellent companion. If you are having difficulty deciding on one for your family, there’s no need to stress. Here, we look at the breeds’ similarities and differences, so you can determine which will be best for you.
Visual Differences
At a Glance
- Average height (adult): 8–10 inches
- Average weight (adult): 6–13 pounds
- Lifespan: 11–14 years
- Exercise: 30 minutes each day
- Grooming needs: Minimal
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Other pet-friendly: Often
- Trainability: Intelligent yet occasionally stubborn
- Average height (adult): 12–14 inches
- Average weight (adult): 7–17 pounds
- Lifespan: 15–20 years
- Exercise: 30 minutes each day
- Grooming needs: Minimal
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Other pet-friendly: Often but has a high prey drive (small pets not recommended)
- Trainability: Intelligent and loyal
Scottish Fold Overview
Personality / Character
The Scottish Fold may be hard to beat if you’re looking for an easygoing yet affectionate cat. They adore their families but also appreciate their personal space. While they will be eager to socialize and hang around you, they won’t demand to sit in your lap when you walk through the door.
Scottish Folds are often described as sweet, calm, and intelligent. They love human companionship and are incredibly loyal to their families. Although they can be extroverted at times, they tend to be quiet.
They love to be showered with affection, but they are just as content sitting on the couch with you. They also do well with other pets if they are introduced properly.
Enrichment Needs
Scottish Folds can thrive in all sorts of environments. Whether you live in a one-room apartment or a large home, this cat will be content. Still, they will require certain amenities to keep busy.
Like any cat, they need the basics: scratching posts, perches, hiding places, and toys. However, the Scottish Fold is an intelligent cat that may need a little extra to remain mentally stimulated. Interactive or puzzle toys are perfect for entertaining this breed.
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That said, Scottish Folds are not particularly active compared to other breeds. They need daily exercise but enjoy relaxing in a window or on the couch.
Grooming ✂️
A weekly combing is enough to keep the Sottish Fold’s coat in good shape. For Scottish Folds with long fur, the brushing will need to be more frequent. As with any breed, you must trim your cat’s nails and keep up with dental care. Since the Scottish Fold has a unique ear structure, it is important that you regularly check for earwax buildup and ear infections.
Health & Care
Scottish Folds are prone to a few health complications. The folded-ear look is due to a genetic defect that alters the cartilage, which can lead to irregularities. This is known as osteochondrodysplasia, which can cause lameness, hindered mobility, and chronic pain.
Other conditions that the Scottish Fold may be predisposed to include polycystic kidney disease, a condition in which cysts displace the tissues of the kidney, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a disease where the muscle in the heart is thickened.
Since Scottish Folds are not that active, they are also prone to obesity. Monitoring your Scottish Fold’s diet and activity levels will be important for maintaining a healthy weight.
Suitable For:
The Scottish Fold is an affectionate, friendly cat. They are an excellent companion for children, families, and seniors due to their sweet disposition. They are also a great companion for families with multiple pets in the household. Although they tolerate being alone, they do not appreciate being left behind for long periods, so extremely busy families may not be the right choice for this cat.
British Shorthair Overview
Personality / Character
The British Shorthair has a great temperament. They are active yet not exhausting, affectionate but not demanding, and intelligent without being too mischievous. By all accounts, this is an incredibly balanced, well-mannered cat.
They love socializing and are happy to befriend other household pets. At the same time, the British Shorthair also requires private time and may not be willing to indulge in as much affection as the Scottish Fold. They will treat everyone in the household as a great friend as long as they are socialized and introduced properly.
Enrichment Needs
Much like the Scottish Fold, the British Shorthair can thrive in various environments. As long as the cat has the basics, they will be content. Interactive toys may interest this breed but may be less entertaining than they are to Scottish Folds. British Shorthairs don’t misbehave often, so you won’t have to worry about them getting into anything while you are away.
Grooming ✂️
British Shorthairs require about as much grooming as the Scottish Fold, which isn’t much. A weekly brushing will be enough to remove the loose hairs from their coat and keep them from shedding. Typically, the British Shorthair is an excellent self-groomer. You still must regularly trim their nails, clean their teeth, and check their ears.
Health & Care
The British Shorthair has a remarkable lifespan; they can live up to 20 years. They tend to be healthy, though they are prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and obesity, much like the Scottish Fold is. Like many breeds, they may also be at risk of urinary tract or kidney issues.
Suitable For:
The British Shorthair is a great companion for children, families, and seniors due to their pleasant temperament. This breed is also friendly with other pets, assuming that all parties have been properly introduced and socialized. Their balanced personality makes them a great choice for first-time cat owners; they are also easy to train. However, they have a strong prey drive, so smaller pets are not recommended.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Depending on what you want in a feline companion, the Scottish Fold or the British Shorthair could be the perfect fit. The Scottish Fold may be a better choice if you are looking for an extroverted, unique-looking cat. While the British Shorthair is also affectionate, they prefer more alone time. They also have fewer health issues and a longer lifespan.
Both of these breeds can make excellent companions. They are the perfect fit for families with children or other pets and have friendly dispositions and fun personalities. Ultimately, it’s impossible to go wrong with either of these choices.
Featured Image Credit: Top – Scottish Fold (hannadarzy, Shutterstock) | Bottom – British Shorthair (Павел Карсаков, Pexels)
