Are Scottish Folds indoor cats? How to keep them safe, healthy and happy

Are Scottish Folds indoor cats?

The Scottish Fold breed has become more and more popular in recent years. People have many reasons why they end up choosing this specific breed: the cute aspect with the folded ears, the round head, and large innocent eyes, but also a very lovely person.

Since you are here, you must be in search of a Scottish Fold and you would like to know if this is an indoor or outdoor cat, before taking the decision and making the next step.

Being informed before having a pet is a very responsible thing to do since you will share many years together and the needs of both must be met and matched. In this article, I will present you detailed information on the most suited lifestyle for this feline breed.

There are many cat breeds that are perfect for a life inside and the good news is that the Scottish Fold is definitely an indoor cat.

Can you imagine this delicate creature roaming barns and chasing some mice? No, this innocent looking cat would never trade a comfortable yellow sofa and a soft cushion for a hunting race or some desperate search for food. Or even a walk in the muddy forest.

But everything in life works only with a carefully kept balance. It is the same with our lovely Scottish Folds: there are measures you must take, to make sure your furry friend is perfectly healthy and happy while offering a secure life indoor. And we both know that you are here because you want to do things by the book for your feline friend. So let’s find out more.

Reasons to keep cats indoors

Cat experts advise us all the time to keep our cats indoors if we want them to have a long and healthy life. How come, you may wonder? Isn’t this life like a prison? Well, we must take into account the huge number of dangers that are outside on the streets. These are important factors that can be stressful and harmful for a cat, posing even a threat to the cat’s life.

In a busy environment, life is way too dangerous for cats living outdoor and here are some of the main factors they must face on the street:

• predators (other dogs or animals)
• fighting with other territorial cats over basic resources (water, food, shelter) or in heat season;
•  fatal car accidents;
• getting lost;
• poisoning, diseases, and parasites infestation;
• Sadly, even human abuse.

A cat that lives outside or has unlimited outdoor access can be exposed to a lot of these dangerous situations and its life can end in a minute. Indoor cats are living in a safe environment and this is how you would want your Scottish Fold to be. Indoor cats are less likely to catch various contagious diseases, are not exposed to accidents and injuries.

Of course, there is a particular aspect to mention in the case of Scottish Folds: due to the folded ears, the cats from this breed are more likely to develop ear mites or other ear infections. These issues can be aggravated if the cat has access outside and is in a lot of fighting. A responsible owner will check and do regular ear cleaning.

For me these are enough reasons to keep the Scottish Fold indoor, don’t you think?

Indoor cats vs Outdoor cats

We talked about the risks that the outdoor cat needs to face.

On one hand, the outdoor cats have something of undeniable value: freedom. They can do whatever they feel like, they can wander and discover new territories, explore all kind of experience, socialize or fight, be lazy in the sunshine or hunt for some fun time. They can go fishing or watch the world from a tree. But all this comes with a too high price: the risk of death. They will live in freedom, but they have definitely a reduced lifespan.

On the other hand, indoor cats live much longer, in a safer environment. They are not exposed to outdoor dangers, but it does not all come naturally to them either. So an indoor cat involves more work from your side: from watching all behavioral aspects to offering the suited environment.

Do indoor cats get depressed?

The Scottish Fold is well adjusted to the life indoor as long as you make sure that the needs are met. We know very well that the cats come from a background of wilderness and freedom. They have been around the humans for a while, but still, have the genes of an imposing lion in them!

Due to their origins, cats love a mixture of outdoor and indoor time. If you live in a house with a small garden, you can prepare a nice enclosed pen outside and your cat will be able to experience the outside world, without being in danger.

But if you live in an apartment, you need to enrich the environment so that the cat does not become depressed. We arrange our houses focusing on our needs, but I tell you for sure that the latest gadgets don’t present too much value for your cat. Still, with a little bit of creativity and work, you can have an enriched space that meets the cat’s need.
Indoor cat care

How to keep it safe, healthy and happy

As I said before, keeping an indoor cat happy means more work from your side. Here is what you can do.
First of all, the cat needs stimulation: places to climb and explore, in order to get the right amount of exercise, both physical and mental. Cat shelves are a perfect solution, very easy to do.

Cats are curious beings, so putting their mind to work is very important. You can choose to introduce some new toys from time to time, play entertaining games and find interesting puzzles.

Another important aspect is the safe space: they must have those places where they can hide and escape from any stressful situations. Cardboard boxes are perfect, both for hiding and for playing time.
Interaction is definitely one major thing you must consider. The Scottish Fold, a perfect lap cat, would need its human’s attention, so spend daily some quality time with your cat (grooming, cleaning, playing or simply petting). Also, make sure to exercise the Fold daily and watch out for signs of overweight.

Keeping two cats indoor

Cats may be solitary hunters, but they do need socializing with their kind. So actually keeping two cats indoors is a great benefit for both of them. They can hang out together and chase the boredom away, but also learn to respect the needed space.

Two indoor cats living together can also learn from each other and go through different experiences, often offering the needed support. And last but not least, in a world full of strangers it is always refreshing to talk to someone in your own language, isn’t it?

Does Scottish Fold get along with a dog?

The Scottish Fold is a very well-adjusted breed: they handle very well indoor living, they are very comfortable around children and other animals also. As long as the dog is cat-friendly, they will get along just fine. Make sure that your dog behaves well with cats, though, since you do not want it to stress the cat.

Conclusion

The Scottish Fold is a very cute and intelligent kitty who will be happy to have you as a human friend. She will enjoy the relaxed life indoor, as long as you offer her the right attention and provide an enriched environment for her needs. The Scottish Fold will get along just well with another cat or with a cat-friendly dog, as long as they are all respectful.
I hope that my article has answered your questions and now you can take a responsible decision. Have you made up or your mind about enjoying the adventure of a life shared with a Scottish Fold?