Scottish Fold Cats
Cat Facts

Scottish Fold cats are rare domestic cat breeds with folded ears. This is the distinguishing feature of the breed - the ears should be small, tightly folded and bend forward and downward. The tips of the ears should be rounded and set in a cap like fashion, thereby accentuating the rounded head and forehead. Sometimes, the ears may be large and loosely-folded, but this is less desirable. Kitten's ears only start folding at around the 3rd week after birth and the degree of the fold can only be seen after 6 weeks.

The Scottish Fold cat has a medium sized, muscular and rounded body which is firm and well padded. Even though they are stocky cats, they should exhibit good mobility and flexibility and should not be obese. The neck is muscular and relatively short.

Their legs should be well boned, flexible, exhibit no thickening and should be in proportion to their bodies. The Fold's tail should be medium long, thick at the base at taper to a rounded tip.

Scottish Fold Cat's have well rounded heads, domed foreheads and rounded, prominent cheeks and their nose is short and broad. The eyes are described as large, round and wide-open and are well-spaced giving the cat a sweet expression. Eye-color and coat color should correspond and the color ranges from hazel, green, deep blue, copper or even odd-eye (i.e. 1 blue and 1 gold eye).

The Fold comes in a longhair and shorthair version. The Shorthaired coat is medium-short and stands away from the body and the hair is plush, soft and dense and the texture of the coat may vary dependent on climate and the coat color.

The Longhaired cat, also known as the Highland Fold, has a tail plume, tufts of hair on the toes, britches and ear furnishings. Generally they have a full coat on the body and face, but shorter hair on and around the face is allowed.

Most coat colors and patterns are accepted - solid colors, tabby, calico, bi-color, shaded and smoke and pointed coats.

Scottish Fold Cat Information

Indoor or Outdoor Cats

Scottish Fold cats will do well indoors or outdoors - there are advantages and disadvantages to both.

If indoor cats are not provided with sufficient space and cat paraphernalia (cat toys, cat gyms, cat scratchers) they may become bored and resort to destructive behavior. Outdoor cats that are permitted to roam will be exposed to all sorts of dangers like unfriendly dogs, cats and humans. They are also at risk of been run over and contracting feline diseases.

If possible, provide your cat with an escape-proof outdoor enclosure or cat run with direct access to your home - this offers your kitty the best of both worlds.

Character

This cat has a wonderful disposition. It is a friendly, peaceful and non-dominant cat that will do well in any family including a home with dogs and other cats. They adore their humans, but are not considered lap cats. They are playful and known for their excellent hunting skills. This cat is best described as a quiet-voiced, discreet, loving, gentle and playful cat. The Scottish Fold will adjust to a single and multi-family household.

Cat Care and Cat Grooming

The shorthaired Scottish Fold requires minimal grooming whilst the longhaired variety requires brushing twice a week. Special attention should be paid to their ears.

Visit the chapter on cat hair care for tips on grooming longhaired cats and the chapter on cat dental care for advice on dental and general hygiene tips.

Cat Health Concerns

This is a healthy, robust cat breed but certain breeding lines may have genetic abnormalities. Genetic health issues can be avoided if proper breeding protocols are adhered to. Scottish Fold cats should be bred with 'pricked-eared' cats and are generally out-crossed to British and American Shorthairs to prevent genetic abnormalities. Two-folded eared cats should never be mated. It is recommended that you purchase your cat from a reputable cat breeder with a history of breeding healthy cats. Inbreeding may result in bone and cartilage deformities.

They are susceptible to ear mites and this is easily rectified if good ear hygiene is maintained. Weekly ear examination and cleaning is essential.

Your cat will need to be vaccinated against all the common infectious feline diseases. Veterinary fees are expensive, so you should always consider medical cat insurance for your pet.

Cat Diet and Nutrition

'Folds' as they are affectionately called are prone to obesity and a good low calorie diet is recommended.

The review on cat food provides excellent information on the different types of feline foods and the cat nutrition guide reviews the importance of specific nutrients in your cat's diet. Water and not milk is also an essential part of their diet.

The Average Weight

Weight differs between male and female cats, but on average they should weigh between 2.6 - 6.0 kg (5.7 - 13.2 lbs).

Life Expectancy

Cat life span depends on numerous things which are explained in detail in the chapter on how long do cats live. The average life span for these cats is 12 years.

Related Cat Pages:

Scottish Fold Cat Breed - the origin and history of cats with folded ears

Scottish Fold Breeders - international cat breeder directory