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I’ll be the first to admit that I have gone to bed early only to spend more time laying there watching cat videos, and not sleeping. Sometimes it’s a video I’ve seen before, but I watch it again and laugh hysterically. From cats climbing and falling, to howling at each other, and then running up and down a hallway, cat videos are responsible for lots of entertainment and distraction. Why are these silly videos so mesmerizing? A Juxtaposition
Cats have been domesticated over the centuries (or so they let us think). We see them as sleek and regal creatures, so watching them jump and miss a cat tree makes us burst into laughter. The bottom line is that cats are wild creatures just like their larger relatives, so it’s fun witnessing the contrast of being a bit more domesticated, and goofy, inside our homes. Their naturally wild nature captures our attention, so much so that people who don’t own cats, or particularly care for them, also enjoy watching cat videos! Cats also don’t care that they’re being watched. The innocence and inhibition of quirky felines shows that they simply do what they want, when they want, with no mind to the consequences. Sometimes humans dream of being so uninhibited, and maybe watching cats do it successfully helps relieve some of our stress over the matter. Cats Rule While there tends to be more internet searches for dogs rather than cats, the videos for cats outnumber dogs. Perhaps it is because the US has more internet usage than other countries, and we tend to favor cats. It could also be because trying to get a cat to like you is tough, while dogs usually beg for human attention. You have to earn a cat's love and attention; they can be a tough audience. While they are domesticated animals, we tend to put our human behavior into cats’ actions. We see them trying to make friends, be sneaky, and outsmart one another. Anthropomorphizing cats lets us believe that cats think like us, even though they definitely don’t. Cat Therapy Laughing out loud, and distracting yourself from a moment of anxiety or stress can be therapeutic. Pet therapy can happen in many forms, but with the rise of cell phones and social media, we don’t always need to be with the animal itself to reap the benefits. Even my brother, who is allergic to cats, has been known to watch some funny cat videos and have a good laugh! Studies have also shown that there is a rise in productivity after watching some hilarious cat antics. The next time you find yourself laughing at a cat on a vacuum, or swatting at a football on the TV, relax and enjoy, and know you’ll probably sleep better because of it. (Today’s funny cat video is a favorite around here).
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Years ago, my sister and I were in a mall walking by a pet store, and there was the most unique looking cat in the window. My sister explained it was a Scottish Fold, but I had never seen or heard of one! Now that a certain high-profile singer/celebrity owns a few of these kitties, the breed is in the headlines like never before. Here at Rock The Cat Spa we have been lucky enough to have multiple Scottish Fold guests stay with us! We instantly fell in love with the breed, and we think you will too. As with many other breeds, there are several factors to consider before adopting, and there is some controversy over their folded ears.  History of the Scottish Fold
This breed started in Scotland, with a white barn cat named Susie, in 1961. She was the first cat with folded ears, and her kittens also developed the signature folded ears because it is a dominant gene. Someone adopted one of the kittens, started breeding them, and registered the breed as Scottish Fold. By the early 1970s, Scottish Folds could be found in the United States, however many countries will not allow their breeding, and have now banned the sale of them. Scotland is among the countries who no longer allow Scottish Folds to be bred or sold, and many cat registries have stopped recognizing the breed. Medical Concerns Osteochondrodysplasia, also known as “Scottish Fold Disease,” is an inheritable disorder characterized by skeletal deformities, and the reason so many countries don’t support the breed. Not only can the ears be affected, but any cartilage throughout the body and tail may be susceptible to discomfort or pain due to arthritis. The affected cats may show lameness, a reluctance to jump, or stiffness walking. Along with the osteochondrodysplasia, Scottish Folds are prone to heart and kidney issues, and have a tendency to be overweight. This could add to the joint issues they’re predisposed to, so being aware of weight and activity is very important. Folded Ears If you do decide to adopt a Scottish Fold, their ears will not develop for the first month, and they do not all fold. You may end up with a “Scottish Straight” instead! There is roughly a 50/50 chance of a Scottish Fold’s ears folding. If they do, the folded ears add to an owl-like appearance, because this breed is very round all over. More Breed Characteristics Scottish Folds can have fur of every length, every color, and are not hypoallergenic. The short haired varieties have thick, dense coats, while the longer hair kitties tend to be thicker coated on the back legs, tails and thighs. You will also sometimes see them with two different eye colors! Scottish Folds are typically medium-to-large sized, and are healthy up to 13 pounds. Their average life span is 15 years. Personality The Scottish Fold personality is calm and sweet, and they make for a great family cat. They tend to attach to their owners, so be aware if you plan to leave them home alone often; they do not like that. They are very neat cats, and really like a tidy space and litter box. Many also like to sleep on their backs! There are a lot of factors to consider about the Scottish Fold, and talking to your vet or another Scottish Fold owner is very important before deciding to adopt one. They are a financial investment not only in their potential veterinary need, but they also cost up to $2,000 per kitten. While they are cute and super unique, a lifetime of potential health issues is a serious matter when it comes to your furry friend. If you’re lucky enough to have Scottish Fold in your life though, you’ll have a house full of love! (Today’s photo features our gorgeous Scottish Fold friend Remington!) |
AuthorWhen Cari has some free time from all the kitties, she likes to share her knowledge of all things cat in this bi-monthly blog. Enjoy the read! Archives
June 2024
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