Foldex Cat Breed Information

Group

Long Haired, Short Haired

Weight

4-6 kg

Length

20-30 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Foldex Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

If you’re looking to add a new feline companion to your family, the Foldex cat might be a perfect choice. Known for their uniquely shaped ears, this cat breed is a cross between a Scottish Fold and an Exotic Shorthair.

Sweet-natured and active, these cats enjoy spending time outdoors and cuddling with their favourite humans. They’re a great option for first-time cat owners due to their chilled-out nature and fun-loving, sociable temperaments.

If you want to learn more about the Foldex breed and what they’re like once you welcome them into your home, keep reading!

What Is the History & Origin of the Foldex Cat?

The Foldex cat breed was first bred in Quebec, Canada, in 1993 and introduced in 1995 at the Quebec Feline Showcase by Betty-Ann Yaxley. Developed as a cross breed of the Scottish Fold and the Exotic Shorthair, these cats are known for their adorable appearance and wide eyes. Often, they’re likened to teddy bears.

It wasn’t until fifteen years later, in 2010, that Foldex cats were recognised with full Championship breed status by the Canadian Cat Association. It’s important to note that this is the only organisation that recognises them, which is why they’re mainly bred and found in Canada. However, they can also be found in some parts of Europe and the US.

Despite their cute and innocent appearance, there was some controversy surrounding the breeding of the Foldex Cat. This is because one of the parent cats of this breed is the Scottish Fold, which are known to suffer from various health conditions as a result of a genetic mutation passed down through the generations. This often leads to these cats experiencing a short and painful life.

The Foldex Cat inherits this mutation, which means they can experience health conditions as a result despite another breed being present in their genetic makeup.

What Is a Foldex Cat Breed?

Foldex cats are an experimental breed that are a mixture between Scottish Folds and Exotic Shorthairs. You might also hear a Foldex referred to as an Exotic Fold. Their characteristic folded ears, round faces, and short hair make them one of the most adorable cat breeds around.

They’re cute cats that generally have a friendly, playful, and curious nature. They’re often said to look like teddy bears, which makes them irresistible to hug!

Who Is a Foldex Cat Best For?

They’re one of the best cat breeds for first-time cat owners due to their sweet nature and gentle personality.

Cats are pets that are suited to any type of person, as they don’t require the same level of maintenance as a dog. Cats can be left to their own devices, so you don’t have to worry about walking them. However, these cats do love cuddling – so an owner with an affectionate nature is a must!

Foldex cats are great with kids. They’re calm and patient, so they won’t mind entertaining your little ones for hours on end. They’re very playful and immediately start playing along if a string is placed in front of them. They’re also extremely cuddly, so they’ll love anyone who wants to snuggle up on the sofa or in front of the fire at the end of the day.

When they feel intimidated, this breed’s first instinct is to run away and hide somewhere rather than to fight back, hiss, or scratch. Although this can cause some problems if they’re allowed to roam outside, it also means they are difficult cats to annoy.

What Does a Foldex Cat Look Like?

They’re cute cats that have rounded faces, short legs, and folded ears. They have very wide and round eyes that give them the appearance of being surprised all the time, which is also extremely endearing! Their folded ears are small with smooth, rounded tips, as opposed to the straight ears of other cat breeds – which is the defining characteristic of this breed.

Coat

This cat has a soft, short coat that doesn’t require much maintenance. It’s soft and shiny and can come in various colours and patterns, so each Foldex looks unique.

Colours

Typically, Foldex cats come in a variety of colours, including black, grey, white, tabby, and calico.

Patterns

Foldex cats’ fur can feature a variety of patterns. It might be all one colour, or they might have stripes.

Foldex Cat Grooming & Shedding

Because they have short fur, these cats don’t generally need cutting or trimming regularly. However, it’s a good idea to comb your Foldex once or twice a week to ensure his coat stays sleek and shiny. Plus, they’ll probably love the feeling of being combed too!

The fact that they have a folded ear means that they can be susceptible to ear infections. For this reason, be sure to clean your kitty’s ears regularly with a cloth or cotton wool ball. Don’t forget to trim their nails every few weeks to ensure they don’t accidentally scratch you or get caught in things around the house.

How Do Foldex Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

These cats are curious, intelligent, and confident little things. They love having plenty of attention throughout the day, particularly cuddles at night!

They’re extremely sweet-natured and can be timid in the face of any adversary, which is why they’re more likely to go and hide than to stay and put up a fight. It’s possible to teach Foldex kittens basic tricks, such as responding to their name, but they can be messy sometimes, so be sure to have one eye open all the time!

Living Needs

Like most cats, Foldexes don’t require much to live a happy life. As long as you give them plenty of affection and love, they’ll be content lazing around the house or left to their own devices to play in the garden to get their daily exercise.

They tend to get on well with other pets, including dogs and other breeds of cats. Early interactions with other animals can help ensure they don’t get overwhelmed and scared. Early socialisation when they’re kittens can help them to feel more confident around people and other pets.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of Foldex Cats?

Curious and energetic, these cats exhibit the ideal level of playfulness and relaxation.

Habits

These cats tend to have an active streak a few times during the day. They’ll get a sudden burst of energy, run around, and then return to snooze or cuddle with their owner. They tend to enjoy spending time outdoors, so it’s a good idea to let your Foldex roam free if you have a garden.

Activity level

Foldexes are very active cats. These cats love to play and are always keen to explore the world around them. They love engaging their minds with puzzles and will gladly play with a toy or a piece of string – until they get bored, that is! Foldex kittens, in particular, will keep any new cat owner on their toes!

Vocalness

Foldex cats are generally very quiet and gentle. They have a soft purr and don’t meow loudly unless they sense danger. They don’t like being in environments that are too noisy and will often run away to hide.

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of a Foldex Cat?

Height

Foldexes generally reach up to 20-30 centimetres.

Weight

Typically, a Foldex weighs between 4-6 kg, depending on how much you feed him!

Size

Foldexes are medium-sized cats that make a great addition to any household.

Are Foldex Cats Easy to Train?

Intelligent cats that are curious about everything around them, Foldex kittens are easy to train in comparison to other cats. They’re engaged and responsive and can even do well with other kinds of training like leash training or playing fetch.

Does the Foldex Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

The Foldex cat is generally healthy; however, they are genetically predisposed to feline polycystic kidney disease and congenital osteodystrophy, as well as more minor conditions such as bone abnormalities and respiratory issues.

When searching for your Foldex kitten, it’s a good idea to visit breeders that have a good reputation and can provide you with all the necessary health checks.

What Is the Lifespan of a Foldex Cat?

Foldexes generally live between 12 and 15 years.

How Much Does a Foldex Cat Need to Be Fed?

These cats require high-protein cat food that’s made with quality ingredients. Look for cat food options with the main ingredient as chicken or fish.

This breed is considered to be an obligate carnivore, which means it’s vital that they have animal protein in order to remain strong and active. When deciding between dry and wet food, seek veterinary advice to see which is best for your feline friend.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a Foldex Cat in Australia?

Most Foldex kittens cost between $500 and $2000.

Foldex Cat FAQs

Are Foldex cats hypoallergenic?

No, they are not hypoallergenic as, though minimal, they still shed fur.

Do Foldex cats suffer from separation anxiety?

This isn’t a given. However, due to the smaller and more sensitive nature of female Foldexes, they can be prone to becoming anxious when their owners aren’t around.