Description of the British lop-eared cat, care and feeding, the nature of the breed. British Fold cat: history of appearance and distinctive features British Fold cat care and maintenance

From a large family of cats, the lop-eared Briton deserves attention - a plush toy with a kind character and good looks. This breed appeared in the 19th century, but the peak of popularity falls on the middle of the 20th century, when the first Briton was introduced to the public in Britain (hence the name of the breed).

The fold-eared cat was also called not by chance: the fluffy pet has unusual ears, strongly bent down. This is the hallmark of a thoroughbred cat.

The first lop-eared Britons appeared in Russia in the 90s of the last century and immediately won the hearts of millions of people who have kind and tender feelings for pets. An interesting fact: the lop-eared Briton has not yet been officially recognized.

This breed is a cross between the standard, from which they inherited a powerful body and short hair, and who passed on to the new generation the extraordinary ears that are the hallmark of a thoroughbred pet.

Appearance description:

• a muscular body of a peculiar structure, covered with thick short hair resembling plush;
• round head with strongly lowered ears;
• flat forehead;
• straight wide nose;
• smart and unusually expressive eyes of a round shape;
• chubby cheeks;
• paws of small length;
• average body size.

The weight of an adult lop-eared cat reaches 7-8 kg.

Fur color is varied. To date, there are 182 colors! Classic traditional - light blue color. Britons in black, chocolate, red, white, lilac and cream are also popular. Exotic representatives of the breed have a tortoiseshell and chinchilla coat color, as well as tabby and bicolor.

Features of the character of the lop-eared British

Representatives of this species, having the roots of traditional British and Scots, adopted the general character traits of each parent, and the result was an individual breed! Kind, cute plush creatures are a godsend for a family with small children and single citizens looking for a faithful and reliable friend in a pet.

They are unpretentious, quick-witted, smart and calm, do not show aggression and quickly get along with family members. I like to be friends with other pets, and even angry dogs with such a plush neighbor become friendly.

Features of the behavior of lop-eared British males:

• cats are self-sufficient;
• are independent;
• can remain alone for a long time;
• do not need excessive affection and "manual" gatherings;
• active, love outdoor games;
• restrained and undemanding.

Shorthair fold cat:

• quickly gets used to the new owner and does not tolerate loneliness;
• children like children and prefer outdoor games;
• appreciates attention, affection and care;
• allows himself to be stroked, carried on his hands;
• inquisitive and resourceful.

Kittens of this breed quickly become attached to a new home and owner. They feel the mood of the owner and will not distract from important matters. An affectionate pet will remind you of itself only at the right moment. With this furry friend, life is easy and relaxed!

The short-haired lop-eared cat loves to stand on its hind legs, gracefully straightening its back, which is very unusual for representatives of the cat family. Such gymnastics is useful for the animal's spine, so smart cats find time to "stretch the bones."

Unlike other pedigreed cats, British lop-eared cats are afraid of heights, so they will not jump and jump from the top shelves of the cabinet. But to ride on the curtains, as on a comfortable swing, is a completely natural activity for these representatives.

If you do not want the cat to “work such miracles” during the absence of household members, educate him from an early age and do not allow him to show such manners that lead to unhappy consequences.

Clever Britons learn quickly and are quite obedient, but keep a calm tone when bringing up and in no case show physical measures. It is unacceptable to offend a four-legged friend, even if he deserved punishment for the act shown.

A fluffy pet is too defenseless to defend an adult. Also try not to allow children to bully the cat, because they are created for love, affection and friendship!

The amazing fold cat of the British breed is beautiful and smart, but also overly clean. Caring for plush fur spends every day, diligently cleans the claws and paw pads.

The pet is happy to take a walk on the street. Walking in the fresh air will benefit the cat, but before you let him out of the house, take care of protection:

• vaccination according to the calendar against diseases transmitted from street cats;
• flea collar and other wool treatment products;
• twice a year, the animal must be given tablets from helminthic infection.

While walking on the street, the plush Briton will show hunting instincts: to catch birds, chase butterflies and guard a lizard hiding behind a stone. After waiting for the right moment, he will attack and, if successful, will demonstrate the prey to the owner.

Conditions for living lop-eared British:

• apartments with a large area of ​​internal premises;
• private houses with a yard for walking.

Cats of this breed love space, they will be bored and uncomfortable living in a small apartment. They quickly get used to different climatic conditions.

Basic care for this breed

British cat care is standard. Not demanding, but sometimes need the help of the owner.

How to care for a British breed kitten:

1. The short-haired representative must be combed once a week to prevent wool from getting into the pet's stomach during licking. Periodically combing is carried out with a massage comb against wool, this gives the British pleasure!
2. The ears of representatives of this breed are very dirty, sulfur often accumulates in them. For cleaning, use cotton swabs and a special solution (in the pet store). Ears should be checked for contamination as often as possible. If you notice unusual dirt, a rash or an unpleasant odor, show the animal to the veterinarian.
3. Every day it is desirable to clean the cat's eyes from souring and plaque. For this procedure, cotton swabs and liquid for cleaning the eyes of the animal are used. Also prepare freshly brewed tea. Rinse with a slightly warm solution, gentle movements from the ear area to the nose. Change the cotton swab after each use.
4. Once or twice a month, it is recommended to trim the regrown claws. For a painless procedure, special tools for animals are used - a nail cutter or scissors with special edges. It is necessary to cut the claw with the provided distance, approximately 2 mm, so as not to touch the blood vessels. In case of accidental injury to the paw, disinfection is carried out using special means.
5. Bathing a lop-eared Briton is often not necessary. Enough 2-3 times a year bath procedures. The cat himself carefully monitors the coat and does not require additional care. You can wash the cat if necessary: ​​if the coat is heavily soiled after a street walk. To clean the plush pile, special shampoos for short-haired animals are used. The water in the bath should be warm, about 40 degrees. After bathing, the coat is wiped with a soft towel. Try to avoid drafts to prevent hypothermia after bath procedures.

To create a comfortable life for a plush pet, it is recommended to purchase:

• tray and special cat litter;
• a bowl for water and a separate plate for food;
• scratching post to prevent damage to upholstered furniture in the house;
• carrying for kittens (if you plan to take a pet over long distances);
• a place to sleep;
• toys for animals.

British fold feeding

British breed cats eat in small portions, 2-3 times a day. Small kittens eat more often, and as they grow, the number of feedings decreases.

For the diet of pets of this breed, exclusively safe food products that do not contain harmful elements and preservatives are suitable. You can't feed a Briton with food from the table. If the owner does not have time to prepare individual dishes, you can put ready-made food for the pet, but only premium varieties.

What foods to give a lop-eared Briton:

• boiled and raw meat of low-fat varieties;
• offal;
• boiled eggs;
• dairy products with a low percentage of fat;
• milk, only for kittens up to 3 months of age;
• freshly cooked vegetables;
• boneless sea fish;
• cereals in meat broth.

Do not give to a purebred animal:

• bones;
• fat meat;
• raw meat in an unprocessed form (freeze the product before feeding and pour over with boiling water);
• milk for an adult Briton;
• sweets, pastries;

British lop-eared cats appeared at the end of the 20th century as a result of an experiment by a group of felinologists from Russia. And although this breeding program did not receive further development, among pet lovers, interest in purrs with a gray coat and ears pressed to the head has been maintained for more than twenty years.

Where did the British "folds" come from

Initially, the auricles lowered forward were a breed-forming sign of the Scottish cat. And the latter was known in the UK in the middle of the XIX century.

British fold cats - descendants of Scottish cats

Some written sources report the arrival of lop-eared cats in Foggy Albion from China. Others claim that France is the birthplace of such pussies.

One way or another, but interest in the breed began to grow among breeders only after the Second World War. The beginning of the development of the Scottish variety of purrs was the appearance in 1959 of the offspring of a cat with ears pressed to the head, owned by Mr. William Ross. And since 1961, these cute creatures began to spread throughout Europe.

In parallel, the history of the British shorthair cat developed, the first exhibition of which took place back in 1871 under the leadership of the breeder Harrison Fair. Further, in 1950, the breed was recognized by American felinological organizations and since then began to spread throughout the world.

After the 1990s both British and Scottish cats came to the territory of Russia, the question arose of expanding the population of both breeds. For these purposes, the breeders decided to cross the representatives of two varieties of purr. This is how the breed of British fold cats began to develop. The difference between the newly appeared fluffies was short, “stuffed” hair on a massive body (the heritage of the “British”) and ears bent forward (like those of the “Scots”).

The young breed began to be in demand among the inhabitants, but in 2004 the world felinological community issued a ban on crossing cats of the British and Scottish breeds. The reason was the negative impact of such breeding on the health of pets. Such purrs are often born with sore joints and a hard coat structure.

Thus, until now, British fold cats are considered an unofficial breed, and many breeders generally refer to these fluffy cats as culled Scottish cats.

External features of the breed

In addition to the main distinguishing feature obtained as a result of natural mutations (drooping ears), British fold cats stand out for their strong, stocky physique. Among breeders, this feature of appearance was called the cobby-type of the cat's body.

British fold - very stocky cats

With such a structure of the skeleton, the body of the purr takes the form of a square, and all parts of the body show a powerful and heavy appearance.

So, the head of the British Fold cat is quite round, with pronounced cheekbones and a wide bridge of the nose. Rounded eyes are set far apart and have a bright color of the iris. Most often, these are amber and honey shades, but there are also greenish eyes, and even multi-colored ones.

Other distinguishing features of the British Fold are:

• shortened neck;
• wide chest;
• massive shoulders;
• short powerful paws;
• thick tail, widened at the base.

In addition, this unrecognized cat breed belongs to the category of "heavyweights". After all, an adult male reaches a body weight of up to 8 kg, and a female is slightly less - 6–7 kg. At the same time, the growth at the withers of the animal is no more than 30 cm.

The pet's fur coat deserves special attention - plush, with a short pile and thick undercoat, it makes the purr look like a bear cub.

Colors for lop-eared "British" have a wide range obtained as a result of crosses with exotic representatives of other breeds, and has 180 variations. The most classic is the blue color of the fur coat, in addition to which there are:

• solid colors - black, black and white, cream, purple, chocolate;
• smoky tones - when the villi are painted white one third from the base;
• tortoiseshell coloration - red, blue or chocolate spots are located on a black background;
• color-point - color like Siamese cats with darkening in the area of ​​the muzzle, ears, paws and tail;
• bicolor version - a white fur coat here is decorated with red, blue, black or even tortoiseshell spots;
• tabby - striped coloring with brightly defined borders of the pattern and the letter "M" classic for the color on the forehead.

Photo gallery: types of colors of the British fold cat

Bicolor color is very common among the lop-eared "British" British fold cats of smoky coloring have a mysterious look The color of the tabby makes the British "fold" almost indistinguishable from the Scottish cats. Tortoiseshell coat color is a rarity among British fold cats The lilac color gives the British fold a gentle look. Black lop-eared British cats look very brutal Color-point makes lop-eared "British" look like Siamese cats

The nature of British fold cats

Plush purrs with ears pressed to the head are loved by many pet owners for their friendly, calm disposition and ability to avoid conflicts.

British fold cats have a balanced character

These calm animals easily allow children to play with them and only with an extreme degree of aggression on the part of the latter will they release their claws in self-defense.

The British "fold" is attached to the owner with all the devotion that a representative of the cat family can only experience. Moreover, only the one who gives the pet food will be chosen as the “mother” or “dad”. Therefore, it is desirable to deal with the issues of food for the purr to the same person.

Such a character trait of the British fold is also interesting - when the owner changes, the animal quite sincerely becomes attached to the new owner, forgetting about the former breadwinner.

With other pets, unrecognized "folds" do not have problems in communicating - there are cases of strong friendship even with dogs.

But cats are wary of strangers at first, but after a while they get used to it and even allow themselves to be petted.

Among other things, the following positive features are inherent in the behavior of the British fold purr:

• cleanliness (ready to lick and wash all day);
• curiosity (they can even stand on their hind legs to examine an object of interest);
• non-obtrusiveness (they know how to work independently and often prefer the loneliness of a noisy company);
• affectionateness (often approach household members to rub against their legs and purr).

At the same time, these cats have several negative qualities in character:

• inactivity (permanent stay in a state of drowsiness);
• promiscuity in food (often leads to overeating and obesity);
• dislike for excessive "squeezing" (it is difficult to make even the owner sit on his lap).

In addition, due to the underdeveloped vestibular apparatus, British Fold cats are afraid of heights. This is a definite plus for the owners - the pet will never show a desire to jump from cabinets to tables and other furniture. That is, dishes and indoor plants will always be safe.

Despite the rather phlegmatic disposition, plush purrs are considered skilled hunters. And if the cat lives in a country house with the ability to go outside, this predator will spend hours tracking down the prey he likes from a secluded place.

Video: British fold cat playing with a ball

Health Issues

Since the British "fold" turned out as a result of interbreeding incest, the likelihood of genetic diseases among representatives of this feline variety is very high.

British folds are prone to genetic diseases of the skeleton

So, with age, osteochondrodysplasia may appear, which is expressed in lameness and deformation of the bones of the skeleton (paws, vertebrae). This disease is incurable, so it is important to visit the veterinarian regularly if the kitten's parents were two lop-eared individuals. If one of the parents had straight ears, the likelihood of pathology is significantly reduced.

In addition, British fold cats are prone to typical diseases of all purrs:

To maintain the health of a plush pet, it is necessary to regularly visit a veterinary clinic for vaccinations. Vaccination starts at 2.5 months of age and then every 3-6 weeks until the kitten is 15 weeks old.

This is followed by a comprehensive annual vaccination against respiratory tract infections, panleukopenia, ringworm and rabies.

Subject to the rules for pet care and careful monitoring of the health of the British Fold purr, the animal will live up to 12-15 years.

Purchasing a British Fold kitten

Since the breed is very common, despite its unrecognized status, there will be no difficulties in finding a pet.

British fold kittens are sold by many private breeders

The main thing in this matter is the cost for which breeders are willing to give a plush purr. Since it is forbidden to breed and send such cats to exhibitions, British “folds” are sold exclusively in the pet category. Accordingly, the price should not exceed 2-5 thousand rubles. for an individual. If the seller insists on a significantly higher price and provides a pedigree marked BRI (breeding permit), then you should think about fraud. Or that under the guise of a British, a Scottish fold cat of a blue color is being sold. However, the color of the fur coat can be any, which exacerbates the problems with the identification of the breed.

In order not to make a mistake in choosing, you need to keep in mind the following differences between British fold cats and Scottish ones:

• the "British" are massive and stocky, while the "Scots" are graceful and flexible;
• in British purrs, the nose is straight and without a sharp transition from the bridge of the nose to the tip (there is also no fossa);
• the tail of the unrecognized breed is thickened and rounded at the end, while the "Scots" have a cone-shaped end to the tail of the body.

Buy a kitten should not be earlier than the time until the baby is 1-1.5 months old. This is due to the physiology of the auricles. After all, all kittens in the litter are born with straight ears, and the latter begin to descend only on the 21st day of the purr's life.

In addition, when choosing a kitten, you need to pay attention to the appearance of the animal and behavior:

• the eyes and ears of the fluffy must be clean, without pus and mucus;
• the tummy does not have pathological swelling (evidence of helminth damage);
• the coat is evenly distributed over the body, without tufts and bald patches.

Without fail, the breeder must require a pet veterinary passport and a pedigree to identify a tendency to hereditary diseases.

Video: blue British fold kittens

Representatives of this unrecognized breed of the feline family are distinguished by their love for cleanliness and are ready to wash or lick their fur all day.

British fold cats are very clean animals

British lop-eared cats require the same reverent attitude to their appearance from their owners.

Hygiene procedures

The fastidious British cat with downturned ears will be very happy if his plush fur is brushed at least twice a week. The dense thick undercoat needs to be treated with a soft massage brush with rounded teeth.

British Fold cats need to be cared for in the same way as other purrs.

And water procedures should be limited to once every six months so as not to disturb the structure of the coat and not deprive the fur coat of “stuffing”.

Also, caring for a British fold cat includes the following procedures:

• nail clipping once or twice a month (with the obligatory use of a scratching post);
• cleaning the ears twice a month (with a cotton swab dipped in a special solution);
• cleansing the eyes of impurities daily (with a cotton pad and drops);
• brushing your teeth daily (for the prevention of tartar - with a special brush and paste);
• removal of hairballs from the stomach every two weeks (with a special paste or cat grass).

If you teach your pet to all cleansing activities from the first weeks of life, then hygiene will not cause discomfort to the purr in the future.

A toilet for a British fold pet should be organized away from drafts and noisy household appliances, it is even possible to use the master's bathroom. The tray can be anything - both open with low sides and closed. Since the animal is quite careful about the administration of natural needs and at the same time loves solitude. As a filler, it is desirable to use clumping options (wood and bentonite). Pour the contents into the tray with a layer of 50–60 mm, then the fluffy paws will always be dry and clean. Yes, and the cat will be able to dig in the tray to its heart's content.

Feeding

In matters of food, British lop-eared cats do not tend to be gourmet. This often leads to weight gain.

British fold cats easily gain extra pounds

Therefore, it is important to follow the sequence of feedings and portion sizes. Despite the fact that it is necessary to give out food to the purr three or four times during the day, at one time the gourmet should receive no more than 150–200 g of food.

The British "fold" is fed with both premium ready-made feeds and natural food. It is important to separate these types of food to maintain the health of the pet's digestive system.

If the animal is set to eat dishes from natural products, then the owner should always add vitamins and minerals to the menu.

But what should be included in the diet of a cat:

• lean fresh meat (beef, chicken);
• boiled meat and poultry (rabbit, turkey);
• boiled fish without bones and fins;
• hard-boiled eggs of chickens and quails;
• boiled vegetables (carrots, zucchini, pumpkin);
• fresh vegetables and greens (cabbage, cucumbers, parsley);
• cereals (oats, rice, millet);
• fermented milk products (cottage cheese, kefir).

But fatty sour cream is best given no more than twice a week in order to avoid stress on the liver.

It is mandatory to provide the plush purr with round-the-clock access to clean drinking water.

It is forbidden to feed the British Fold cat with spicy, salty and smoked food. It will spoil the condition of the pet's stomach and confectionery products, bread, fresh milk, as well as alcohol and spices.

Features of breeding British fold cats

Often representatives of the breed are sold already castrated and sterilized, since the breeding of unrecognized purrs is prohibited by the global felinological community.

British Fold kittens are not officially bred.

However, if the owner was lucky enough to get an individual that has retained reproductive functions, you can think about the possibility of procreation with a plush pet. In this case, it is important to remember that it is impossible to cross two lop-eared animals. Otherwise, the offspring will turn out to be unviable and have pathological disorders in genetics.

British "folds" become sexually mature at the age of 7-9 months. However, mating is best done no earlier than 10 months for seals and one and a half years for cats. Since it is precisely by this period of life that the animal's body will be sufficiently ready for reproduction and bearing offspring.

Pregnancy of the lop-eared "British" lasts 64-68 days, 3-4 kittens are born in the litter. As a rule, they all have straight ears, like a “dad”.

If the owner does not have the goal of breeding lop-eared British cats, it is best to take care of the issue of castration or sterilization of the animal.

The age at which such an operation can be performed, thanks to modern medical technologies, starts from 2 months after the birth of the purr. Removal of the genital organs and their ligation is done using laparoscopy, so the recovery period is limited to 1–2 weeks for cats and 3–5 days for cats.

Before going to the clinic, you need to unload the pet's digestive tract (do not feed for 12 hours). And a month before an important event - be sure to deworm and rid the fur coat of fleas.

In addition, the "British" do not tolerate anesthesia well, so it is necessary to ensure proper care of the purr after returning from the veterinarian. Every half an hour you need to offer a cat to drink and accompany during the day around the house. This will avoid unnecessary stress on the pet's body and insure the fluffy from falls or injury.

Video: British cat immediately after castration

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 feeling 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 necessary. 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.

For the British Fold cat, a description of the breed cannot be given, since in reality there is no such breed. It is replaced by two others - Scottish Fold,. In the second case, we are talking about a more powerful Ostyak, as well as a cobby-type physique. Even the "British" has a typical color - light blue. But they do not and cannot have the main sign of a fold cat, which is called the "Scottish Fold" or "Scottish Fold".

"Exterior" of the British Fold cat

Thick and dense short hair with a thick undercoat - this is how the British breed is characterized. The color can be any, but, in general, the first representative, more precisely, the representative of the breed had white wool. Eye color is usually bright orange.

Typical representative of the breed

Short and thick limbs and tail, short back and wide chest - these are the typical features of the British cat. By the way, for adult cats, a weight reaching 6-7 kg is typical. The "Scots" everything looks more modest ...

If the coat is long or close fitting, this is already a disadvantage. However, it is typical.

Characteristic species or types of color are almost everything: solid, tortoiseshell, smoky, also tabby, including marble, bicolor and "Siamese". For tortoiseshell colors, a combination of two, but on several colors is preferable: blue and cream, red and black, etc.

Color - tortoiseshell, color - cream and black

White paw tips for the breed in question is a disadvantage, unless we are talking about bicolor.

The tortoise color didn't quite work out...

Based on the information given here, it will be easy to make a choice.

As mentioned above, British fold cats do not exist in reality. There is only "British Shorthair".

We study the exterior of the British Fold breed

For a Scottish fold cat, unlike the "British", the "cobby" physique is not at all characteristic: the weight will be small, the body will be narrow, the limbs will be medium in length. The long tail always ends in a cone.

Representative of the breed, red and white color

The coat can be both short and long, but the main pride of every Scottish fold is the ears hanging forward. They are located high, close to each other. In the extreme case, the ears are tightly pressed to the head - the cat cannot even turn them. The auricles will then look "strictly forward".

If we talk about colors, the Scots are characterized by everything the same as for the "British" (see above). However, there is an important addition - the color "calico". We are talking about a combination of bicolor and tortoiseshell patterns. That is, the lower part of the body will be painted white.

Calico scheme

Know that the lop-eared breed is characterized by an exorbitant appetite. But it is impossible to indulge all the desires of the pet, otherwise obesity will begin to develop, which will be difficult to get rid of. Weight norms:

• For an adult cat (over three years old) - 5-6 kg;
• For an adult cat (not in a state of pregnancy) - 4-5 kg ​​or less.

Be careful.

Character Description

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 there is no opportunity. 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.

Understanding "Scotsman" is quite simple

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

Betrayal in relation to the former owner is not at all evidence of a flawed character. It must be remembered that we are talking about animals, and much remains unclear in the logic of their behavior.

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.

Typical sleeping position

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 ...

Hunger that drives you crazy

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".

Nail sharpener + hammock

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.

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.

Because there is no need to offend ...

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

Hunger brought the "Scot" to hysterics - an example in the video

British Fold cats are cute creatures. Outwardly, they resemble a teddy bear. The main feature of the animal is curved ears, plump cheeks, wide-open eyes, and a neat nose. In fact, there is no standard for this breed. There are special systems that breed cats, and if a new breed is recognized, it is entered in a special register.

It includes British and Scottish felines, and these are different breeds. Only the Scots are lop-eared, but the British always have straight ears. British fold cats are not even registered as an experimental breed.

British Fold - what kind of breed is it?

Real ones can only have straight ears. They are divided into two types:

• shorthaired;
• longhaired.

In turn, Scottish cats are:

• with straight ears (Scottish Straight);
• lop-eared (Scottish fold).

To get a purebred British, a Briton is crossed only with a Briton. And to preserve the health of the Scottish representatives, Scottish Straights are crossed with Scottish Folds. But subject to certain standards in professional nurseries, it is allowed to cross a Scot with a British, but kittens are classified as Scots.

The network has a lot of information about the British fold, they are offered in transitions, in the markets. But there are no special documents confirming the thoroughbred origin of the pet. Very often the seller himself does not really know what breed of animal he has. By mating his purebred cat with a similar cat, he got "unrecognized" British fold kittens. In a pair of British and Scots, offspring are born, which can have straight and lop-eared ears. However, there is no description of the breed in the reference books, despite the fact that animals are actively sold.

Such a kitten cannot participate in exhibitions, breeding. But since many need it for the soul, the origin does not always matter. In addition, a purebred animal is much cheaper than its purebred ancestors. Such representatives of the cat family have long enjoyed popular love.

How are the British different from the Scots?

If you want to purchase or have already acquired a pet, it is worth finding out who it is - the "unrecognized" fold British or lop-eared Scot. If the kitten is small, this is not easy to do. But some signs indicate that the animal belongs to a particular breed.

In general, the British are characterized by a heavier constitution. This is such a strong man, a bear cub with plump paws, a short thick tail. The Little Brits have a powerful withers, which stands out against the background of a low head setting, and the transition from nose to forehead is smooth.

Scot- easier creation. It has graceful proportions, longer legs, a tail narrowed towards the end, resembling a carrot. He also has no withers, and the transition from the nose to the forehead is more pronounced. The actual color of the wool of the British and Scots can be different.

british fold characterized by a massive body, curved ears that hang down slightly. Unusual ears are their main attraction. Despite the fact that they have a strong, muscular body, they are flexible, graceful creatures. An amazing feature is that they are easily held on their hind legs.

From birth, kittens are large, boys are larger than girls. The cat can grow up to 8 kg, and the girls have a slightly smaller weight and size. A distinctive feature of the representatives of the breed - they mature at the age of 2-3 years.

Due to the original shape of the ears, the muzzle looks very unusual. Round eyes are copper in color, but there are blue, green, golden eyes. Wool, undercoat soft, tangled. The color can be completely different, and not just blue, as many people think.

The temper and character of the British

Each British Fold has a personal individual disposition. It usually has features that British and Scottish representatives have. It can be a quiet affectionate animal, a bully who loves to play, as well as a modest intellectual, capricious.

The lop-eared Briton is a very clean animal. He loves to groom his coat, which is short in most representatives. If the animal is sloppy, this may indicate a painful condition of the pet.

Distinctive character traits:

• they are very attached to their owners, but they also tolerate loneliness very well;
• they do not like to be carried on the handles for a long time, squeezed, that is, treated like a living toy;
• restraint, independence and even pride.

Nevertheless, the lop-eared British are friendly, adapt quickly, get used to their master. Many of them get along well in large families, love children, can forgive any pranks, demolish a lot peacefully, get along well with other animals.

However, do not forget that their ancient ancestors are predators, so they do not like humiliation, the hunting instinct sometimes wakes up in them. Representatives of this breed are not aggressive, but are distinguished by stubbornness, independence.

If the cat gets the character of Scottish relatives, he will be more active, with a certain "cunning". The Scots are hunters, they can wait for their prey for hours. Another inherent feature is spontaneous activity. A just calm cat can rush sharply at a moving object.

Both those and others, as a rule, do not give their master a continuous caress. They are either too lazy or have a sense of dignity, so they will not constantly purr, suck up.

Features of maintenance and care

Representatives of the breed are great for keeping in private homes. They prefer space, freedom. They can walk and hunt on their own, so a private house is the best solution. However, they also feel good in the apartment, but in such conditions they can be somewhat cramped. The British Fold is not very demanding on temperature. She tolerates cold and heat very well.

To prevent viral diseases, rabies should be vaccinated at regular intervals.

At the age of 9 months, the cat can be castrated. This will prevent the physiological suffering of the animal, but will also save the owner from unpleasant odors, as cats tend to mark their territory.

Hair and ear care

Animals from an early age are quite independent and clean. They regularly lick the wool, the owner can be helped to clean the eyes and ears.

In general, care consists of doing the following:

1. gently clean the ears from sulfur at intervals of several times a month;
2. wipe the eyes weekly with a damp soft cloth;
3. if the pet does not grind down the claws completely on the scratching post, cut them off once a month.

Grooming consists of brushing and bathing. Depending on the conditions of detention (house, apartment), you can bathe every one and a half months or six months. In order for the coat to always look beautiful, the pet's diet should include trace elements, calcium, and vitamins.

Particular attention should be paid to hanging ears. They attract the attention of many insects - fleas, ticks. Periodic examination of the auricles, treatment with special disinfectants will help solve the problem.

British food

By nature, the Briton is a predatory animal, so the menu should contain a lot of goodies. He tends to eat a lot and eats everything at once. It is not advisable to overfeed him, therefore it is important to control his appetite, since he, not knowing the measure, can become catastrophically fat. A sedentary lifestyle also contributes to weight gain.

Nutrition should be either natural all the time, or consist of ready-made feed. Feeding mixed food is not recommended, so as not to cause digestive disorders.

As natural products, representatives of this breed prefer meat, and you should not feed too fatty food. You can give whole milk, not too fatty cottage cheese, small amounts of kefir, cheese, as well as cereals and vegetable dishes. Vitamin and mineral preparations can be added to the diet according to the instructions.

If you use ready-made feeds, give preference to a reliable manufacturer. Cheap food can harm your pet. And make sure you always have access to water. Ideally - filtered or purchased water for drinking.

Pitfalls - hereditary diseases of the British

Unfortunately, when buying a kitten, you may encounter the development of hereditary diseases. Experienced breeders monitor the manifestations of each disease, eliminate the defective gene in time, achieving healthy offspring, which cannot be said about amateurs who cross a cat with a similar cat.

An illiterate mating of a British and a Scot can lead to various diseases of the offspring, even if the mother and father are completely healthy. The most common problem is the incorrect formation of the skeleton. As a rule, these are deformations of the spine, bones of the fingers of the paws.

Outgrowths can form on the bones of the paws, it becomes difficult for the animal to walk, it limps. Help consists in surgical intervention and removal of bone growths. In some cases, heart disease develops, which usually manifests itself after a year. To diagnose the disease at the initial stage, it is worthwhile to conduct an ultrasound of the heart annually.

If you are lucky enough to get a healthy kitten, most likely he will be the owner of a typical British disposition. He will be calm, balanced, love sleep and food. In childhood, the animal can be naughty, but in the future it becomes more and more lazy.

Buying a kitten

If you decide to get a British fold, take a closer look at the animal from the shelter. It is worth remembering that such a pet is not suitable for exhibitions, breeding, but as a beloved pet it is quite. When buying a kitten from the hands, you should be careful not to get an animal with a bunch of hereditary diseases.

How much does a british fold cat cost

Since British folds are not considered purebreds, they are worth less than their purebred relatives. A beautiful cat can be found for a symbolic price. The cost of a pet without documents can range from 2-6 thousand rubles and more. You can buy via the Internet, in underground passages, in the market. Some owners simply give them to good good hands.

No matter what breed your cat is, it is, first of all, an animal, and it needs affection, love. In return for the warmth, the owner will receive a lot of positive emotions.

BRITISH LOPE KITTENS 6 WEEK FUN WITH KITTENS

The cat wants meat!

Read about the breed here.