Scottish Fold Cat Breed Information

Group

Long Haired, Short Haired

Weight

2.7-6 kg

Length

20-25 cm

Lifespan

11-14 years

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About the Scottish Fold Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

What Is the History & Origin of the Scottish Fold Cat?

Scottish Folds share ancestry with Susie, a white barn cat from Perthshire in the 1960s. Found to look owl-like due to her unusual ears that had a fold in the centre, Susie had kittens – two of which had folded ears too.

This breed was registered with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy in 1966 in the UK. A breeding program helped to grow this breed and the ear fold was found to be a dominant genetic mutation.

What Is a Scottish Fold Cat Breed?

The Scottish Fold is a breed of domestic cat with folded ears and bright, round eyes. They have a medium-sized build and are extremely charming and friendly.

They gained the most popularity in the United States. The people of the USA fell in love with this cat breed and developed it, making it what it is today!

Scottish Folds can only be outcrossed with the American or British Shorthair. Two Scottish Folds with folded ears should not breed as this can lead to a litter of kittens with physical impairments.

It is also important to note that it is not uncommon for Scottish Folds to have litters of kittens that have straight ears.

Who Is a Scottish Fold Cat Best For?

Demanding constant attention, Scottish Folds require a home that can offer this to them.

If you are not at home often, the Scottish Fold breed is not for you. They thrive the most when surrounded by family and get on well with other cats and children. This beautiful cat is extremely affectionate and should have an owner that can give them the same in return.

What Does a Scottish Fold Cat Look Like?

Instantly recognisable, Scottish Folds are beautiful, lop-eared cats. Although they are medium-sized, they are stocky!

Described as having an ‘owl-like’ look about them, this is evidently due to their round heads (highlighted by their folded ears), short necks and large, bright eyes. This stunning cat can have eyes that are blue, green or gold and even have oddly coloured eyes!

Coat

The coat of the Scottish Fold can vary but is mostly short in length and fairly dense.

Some registries allow a long-haired version of this breed, named – you guessed it – the Scottish Fold Longhair. This cat’s coat can vary in texture too!

Colours

The coat of a Scottish Fold can vary in colour too. The colours that their coat can be, include (but are not limited to):

White
Blue
Red
Silver
Tortoiseshell

Patterns

This breed can also have a coat with a multitude of patterns: solid colour, bicolour, tricolour, tabby, ticking, smoke, shaded, spots and tortoiseshell.

Scottish Fold Cat Grooming & Shedding

Unfortunately, Scottish Folds do shed and are not hypoallergenic but this does not mean their coat requires an abnormal amount of attention.

No more than a weekly comb of your cat’s hair will be necessary. Though, the longhaired variety of this breed may require slightly more brushing, however, this is still not an excessive amount.

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

First and foremost, Scottish Folds are intelligent felines and can actually be trained to do basic tricks! They enjoy playing with their toys, especially toys that challenge their intelligence and require them to use it.

Overall, this gentle and loving breed adores spending time with their humans and would love nothing more than to cuddle up on your lap or play games for human interaction. However, they’re extremely easy to live with too and will not be too demanding – mostly just happy to be in your company!

Another furry friend as a roommate is not off the cards when it comes to the Scottish Fold. As they enjoy company, another cat (or dog) friend is definitely an option… with a careful introduction that is.

Living Needs

The Scottish Fold, though moderately active, is not as active as other cat breeds. They can be kept indoors, which is a great way of protecting them from danger and disease.

As pet parents, it is important to understand the importance of occupying your cat daily through play and quality interaction. Purchasing items such as cat trees, scratching posts and a comprehensive variety of cat toys is a good way to help with this.

You should keep your cat’s litter box spotlessly clean. No one likes an unclean bathroom and your feline friend is no exception, and in fact, cats are very particular about their bathroom hygiene!

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of Scottish Fold Cats?

Habits

A habit that is common in Scottish Folds is their ability to be found in the most strange, yet hilarious positions. Whether she is sat up straight, posing as though she is the Queen of England or flat out, laying on her back, legs in the air – this loveable cat is sure to give you a good laugh.

Activity Level

Scottish Folds are not lazy cats but are also not abnormally active or hyper. They enjoy playing games but are just as happy cuddling up on the sofa with their human after a long day.

Vocalness

Scottish Folds are not the most chatty of cat breeds but will speak their voice when necessary or when they want something.

When they do speak you will notice they are extremely soft-spoken and have tiny voices.

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

Height

Scottish Folds have a similar height to most other domestic cats, between 20 and 25 cm.

Weight

Though they are not particularly big, Scottish Folds can be quite stocky and typically weigh between 2.7 and 4 kilograms. Male cats of this breed can weigh up to 6 kilograms.

Size

This cat is an average size and has a fairly compact build.

Are Scottish Fold Cats Easy to Train?

You can train your cat if you want to. The intelligence of Scottish Folds means that they can be taught basic tricks. But try not to forget that cats are cats… not dogs!

Does the Scottish Fold Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

Caused by a natural gene mutation, the ears of Scottish Folds fold forward in the first 3-4 weeks of their lives. Although this does not cause them issues, this can be caused by something called Osteochondrodysplasia which can cause abnormalities in your cat’s cartilage and bones.

In turn, this can lead to degenerative joint disease and cause pain. Look out for signs of stiffness or pain and also for signs of arthritis.

This breed is also predisposed to being overweight, therefore it is important to ensure they get enough exercise and do not indulge in too many treats.

If possible, you should also try and brush your furry friend’s teeth once a week. Regular brushing is important to prevent periodontal disease.

What Is the Lifespan of a Scottish Fold Cat?

Scottish Folds typically live to the ages of 11-14 years.

How Much Does a Scottish Fold Cat Need to Be Fed?

Just like all cats, this quiet breed is carnivorous and gets most of its nutrients and energy from meat. Although they can handle some plant matter in their diet, this should not make up a significant portion of it. You should, however, keep an eye on portion sizes as this breed is prone to weight gain.

Feeding times vary between each individual cat, so you should keep an eye on their habits. Decide whether they would benefit from specific mealtimes with the family, or if they would prefer to graze throughout their day.

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

Scottish Fold kittens’ prices start from around $450 and you will struggle to find one that is priced much lower than that. However, pricing is affected by the degree of fold in their ears and even coat colour.

Scottish Fold Cat FAQs

Can Scottish Fold cats suffer from separation anxiety?

In short, yes. This breed loves to spend time with its owners and have human interaction daily. If they are left alone for a long period of time, they can suffer from separation anxiety.

Is it safe to give Scottish Fold cats milk and dairy products?

You should not feed your cats dairy products. Most cats are lactose-intolerant and allowing them to have dairy can upset their stomachs.

What colour eyes do Scottish Fold cats have?

Scottish Folds can have odd eye colours, but most often this breed has eyes of blue, green or gold!

How often should you brush a Scottish Fold cat’s teeth?

You should try and brush your Scottish Fold’s teeth once or twice a week (at the least). They can be prone to having problems with their teeth and so taking them for regular check-ups is important.

Do Scottish Fold cats get along well with other household pets?

The only thing that could be better than having one is having two Scottish Fold cats! But if you’re thinking more about a different breed or even a different species, not to worry. This affectionate cat enjoys company in any form – so the answer is yes!