Scottish Fold
Famous for its forward-folding ears and round owl-like face, with a soft dense coat; sweet, calm and affectionate, but the fold gene needs careful breeding.
Overview
The Scottish Fold is famous for its forward-folding ears and round owl-like face, with a soft dense coat. Sweet, calm and affectionate, but the fold gene carries health and ethical considerations requiring careful breeding.
History & Origin
The first Fold was a white barn cat, Susie, found in Scotland in 1961. The dominant fold mutation spread the breed, but breeding fold-to-fold causes severe osteochondrodysplasia, so ethical programmes mate folds with straights.
Appearance & Coat
A medium-sized, rounded cat with a round head, large round eyes and ears that fold forward and down. The dense coat comes short or long (Highland Fold) in all colours.
Temperament
Scottish Folds are gentle, quiet and devoted, often “loafing” or sleeping in odd positions. They are tolerant companions for families.
Care & Grooming
Routine brushing by coat length. The key concern is health: only buy from breeders who avoid fold-to-fold matings and screen for joint disease.
Health & Lifespan
Lifespan is 12–15 years. All folds can develop cartilage/bone changes; responsible sourcing and vet monitoring are essential.
Recognition
Recognised by TICA, WCF, FIFe; not by the CFA or GCCF (fold health concerns).
