Scottish Folds are known for their distinctive folded ears, which give them a unique and expressive look. They have a round head, short nose, and big round eyes. On the other hand, British Shorthairs have a more traditional cat look, with round heads, wide-set eyes, and short, thick coats in various colors and patterns.
Difference Between British Shorthair and Scottish Fold
Historical
The Scottish Fold is a domestic cat that originated in Scotland in the 1960s. The breed was first discovered in a barn in Tayside, Scotland, where a cat with folded ears was found. The cat was named Susie, and her kittens were also born with folded ears. The breed was then developed by breeding Susie’s kittens to other cats, and the Scottish Fold was officially recognized as a breed in the 1970s.
On the other hand, The British Shorthair is a domestic cat that has been around for centuries. The British Shorthair is one of the oldest cat breeds in the world and is believed to come from ancient Egypt; and was brought to Britain by Roman soldiers, where they were used to control the rat population.
Personality
British Shorthairs and Scottish Folds are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities, however, they do have some distinct differences in their personalities.
British Shorthairs are known for their calm and relaxed personalities. They are easy-going and adaptable, making them great for families and people living in apartments. They are not overly demanding of attention and are content to relax and spend time with their owners, and they are also known to be good with children and other pets.
Scottish Folds, on the other hand, are known for their playful and energetic personalities. They are known to be affectionate and enjoy human interaction. They are also known to be curious, love to explore their surroundings, are known to be loyal and bond closely with their owners, and are also known to be good with children and other pets.
Temperament
The Scottish fold cat tends to be more independent and stubborn than the British shorthair cat. This can lead to different interactions with people and other animals. One of the ways that these cat breeds differ is in their outgoingness and sociability. For example, the Scottish fold cat is typically more outgoing and friendly than the British shorthair cat, making for an exciting interaction between these cat breeds.
Activity Levels
The British Shorthair and Scottish Fold are known for their relaxed and calm personalities; they are generally low-activity cats. Scottish Folds are typically more active than British Shorthairs and usually more laid-back.
Additionally, Scottish Folds are known for their curious and playful nature and can be pretty active and energetic. On the other hand, British Shorthairs are known for their laid-back and easy-going personalities and are often described as “gentle giants” due to their large size and calm temperament.
Grooming Requirements
The British Shorthair’s coat is thick and plush, requiring regular brushing to remove loose hair and prevent matting. A weekly brushing should be sufficient to keep their coat in good condition. However, they do not require regular haircuts, but it’s recommended to trim their nails and clean their ears as needed.
The Scottish Fold’s cost is also short, thick, and plush. They require regular brushing to remove loose hair and prevent matting, the same as British Shorthair. They may require more frequent grooming if they have a gene that causes them to have a longer coat. Additionally, they are known to develop ear wax, so it’s essential to check their ears regularly and clean them as needed.
Health and Life Expectancy
British Shorthair cats tend to have a longer life expectancy than Scottish Folds—around 14-20 years, according to PetMD. However, some health concerns are specific to Scottish Fold cats, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polydactyly. These conditions can be fatal, so it’s essential to take them seriously and seek veterinary care if you notice any concerning signs or symptoms.
Intelligence
British Shorthairs are known for their adaptability; they can learn quickly and are generally easy to train. They can be taught to do tricks and commands and are also known to be good at problem-solving. They are known for their relaxed and docile personalities, which means they are less likely to become stressed or anxious when faced with new challenges or changes in their environment.
On the other hand, Scottish Folds are known for their playful and curious personalities. They are quick learners and are known for their problem-solving skills. Scottish Folds are good at getting what they want, such as opening doors or drawers to get to their treats. They enjoy interactive toys and games and can be trained to do tricks and commands.
Similarities Between Scottish Fold and British Shorthair
- Both breeds have a medium to large size, with the Scottish Fold typically weighing between 7-13 pounds and the British Shorthair typically weighing between 9-18 pounds.
- Both breeds have a round and sturdy body type, with the British Shorthair slightly more muscular and stocky.
- Both breeds have short, dense fur that requires minimal grooming.
- Both breeds are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities, which makes them great pets for families.
- Both breeds tend to be low-maintenance and happy to be indoor cats.
- Both breeds are known for their calm and relaxed personalities and do not have high energy levels. They make great pets for people who prefer a more passive companion.
- Both breeds become attached to their owners and enjoy being around people.
- The British Shorthair and Scottish Fold need a diet rich in animal-based protein, such as meat, fish, and poultry. They also require a source of taurine, an essential amino acid found in animal-based protein.
