FAQs About Scottish Fold and Scottish Straight Kittens

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Our experience is that these cats are healthy, sweet, loyal, highly intelligent, communicative, inquisitive, gentle, playful, and trainable. Often, we don't have to communicate what we would like of them more than once before they understand and comply.  With this breed, most communication is non-vocal. They are quieter than most cats.  When they vocalize, they present a gentle whisper of a meow or silently move their mouth while making eye contact. Our experience is that they recognize activity patterns quickly.  They react demonstrably when things are different, like an intruder entering the home at night or you don't get out of bed on time.  They appear to understand many things spoken by owners and those they may be unfamiliar with.  There is scientific evidence to support this supposition.

There are many good texts online about the breed from reputable sources. To learn more about the breed, we suggest the website for the Cat Fancier Association:  Scottish Fold – The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc. (cfa.org).

We maintain good health records, provide exceptional premium-plus or custom-made food and treats, and make sure of additional vitamins and supplements appropriate for the breed.  Licensed veterinarian services have examined our cats in the Commonwealth of Virginia, USA. Our initial cats came into a newly built home after extensive examinations, inoculations, and quarantine.  Since that time, they have remained in a strict quarantine home environment maintained since January 2020.

We have often been asked by prospective purchasers to "come to see" the kittens.  However, we maintain a strict quarantine because we have small kittens or pregnant cats, and this isn't possible.   We post daily with movies and photos; we share extensively online in many formats, but we are very careful about risk. We even have a visiting veterinarian instead of going out, etc. We participate in online calls with the kittens, and we love to share about their personalities, etc. 

Parents asked us whether they could see if their child was allergic, etc. by "dropping by" to see the kitties. Our priority is health and safety, and suggest competent medical advice instead. We cannot risk the precious kittens that were reserved by others. Thanks for the understanding.

We contract for the sale of a Scottish Fold or Scottish Straight pet kitten. When the kitten is conveyed, no breeding rights are included unless specifically conveyed in the contract. We do not sell animals as breeders. That is because we are committed to a healthy legacy for the breed and discourage poor genetic breeding management (kitten mills) or "accidents." However, in rare cases, we may consider conveying these rights to certified, known parties who have demonstrated commitment to responsible breeding and plan to do so in a clean, home-based environment. 

We are not confident about shipping pets these days. We have seen documented tragic examples that we shall avoid. In particular, short-nosed animals do not do well in air cargo transport (in the cargo section of an aircraft), and most reputable airlines will refuse shipment in this way.

No cat will be released before it is mature enough. The Commonwealth of Virginia defines that as eight weeks of age. All cats will have age-appropriate vaccinations* per the Commonwealth of Virginia and any additional vaccinations required for travel. In addition, the cats will be dewormed.    

*A list of these vaccinations is listed in the public law: § 3.2-6510. In addition, vaccinations are required for dogs and cats; (virginia.gov).

The kitten will be examined by a veterinarian doctor licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  They look to see if kittens generally appear healthy, give them a standard physical, as well as bring them current on all legally mandated vaccinations.  The kittens come from a Feline Leukemia/Feline Aids negative, PKD negative household that maintains a strict quarantine protocol. The kittens may be DNA tested upon request and microchipped.  Each kitten/cat is in good health at the time of sale, and any identified health problems known are disclosed to the purchaser in writing before purchase is concluded.  All cats and kittens must receive two doses of vaccine three to four weeks apart, in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations against infectious enteritis (FPV), FHV, and FCV (‘cat flu’) at least one week before the sale and/or leaving for a new home.  

Parents of our kittens were tested by a certified laboratory that specializes in DNA testing for cats.  Such testing indicates many interesting facts, including recessive color genes and types of fur coats.  However, we focus on ensuring proper testing for genetic diseases. Therefore, the following tests were conducted on each parent of our kittens, and both have the same results: The cats were free from any tested defect, including six variants of Acute Intermittent Porphyria, five variants of Cystinuria, Feline Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency, PKD, and two types of Vitamin D-dependent Rickets.  For the entire list of tests, don't hesitate to get in touch with us directly. 

For the satisfaction, health, and safety of all involved, we provide a framework within which we can be best assured that the prospective family will be the cat's "forever family."  We would like to be assured that the kitten isn't going into an abusive situation, or that the new family won't be dissatisfied with the arrangement because of a misunderstanding.  For example, we would prefer to avoid a prospective family only "finding out" that they are allergic to a cat AFTER bringing it home.

Some patrons have chosen to place a reservation with great anticipation.  We often ask prospective families about the kind of kitten they want, and discuss the suitability of our kittens to meet expectations for a premium Scottish fold or Scottish straight kitten.  

The basic agreement is to provide a live, healthy kitten for consideration.  The understanding is that the cat is not for breeding purposes, but for pet purposes only, into perpetuity. A non-refundable deposit will be held for kittens once applicants are accepted, which is placed per conditions of a contract, and applied to the final remuneration.  No refunds are given, no exceptions.  All kittens must be spayed or neutered.  We are providing a sample contract for your consideration and acceptance online.

The Scottish Fold / Scottish Straight breed has been criticized for health issues concerning inbred animals in past years.  All breeds suffer this risk.  The folded kittens have a single gene mutation that allows different ear development.  Much has been learned recently with the increasing state of knowledge for genetic testing and genetic health management.

Choosing our cats

Over one year of analysis went into selecting our initial cats.  Scholarly medical papers tell us much about proper nutrition and health care, as well as screening out substantial defects while maintaining a diverse breeding pool.  We considered genetics, but also environment, diet, and each familys' medical history.  We introduced ourselves to many breeders internationally and maintained a careful watch on their practices and outcomes.  In the internet age, we were able to video conference into homes and see kittens and their parents. In addition, we followed the cat shows to observe each breeder's results. 

Once our selection was made, we prepaid and reserved cats from different regions in the world from champion bloodlines. We had particular outcomes in mind.  When the time came to pick them up, covid hit, and borders closed internationally-right behind us!  We returned to the United States on virtually empty planes (with kitties) to a country in lockdown. 

Maintaining good health

Before their international departure, each cat was subjected to several inspections (multiple vet visits to multiple veterinarians in different cities and the official government veterinarian inspector at the international departure airport) and inoculations above required by the European Union and the United States for transit and entry. For example, cats traveling by air in the European Union require a passport, microchip, and extensive inoculations requiring extra time before departure. 

Since that time, we have maintained a healthy balanced diet, good hydration, and a clean in-home environment. In addition, upon the advice of multiple veterinarians, breeders and using our own experience, each cat is raised with additional dietary supplements, including  (but not limited to) additions of Cosequin, bone marrow, probiotics, and omega-3 oils. 

With proper breeding, good veterinary care, and knowledgeable caregivers, health risks are minimized. In general, buyers understand the risks involved with the breed and any live animal and assume that risk when purchasing a kitten. When assessing that risk, good health decisions are important.