Scottish Fold: All About the Scottish Fold Cat Breed

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Updated on: 09/13/2022

Scottish Fold cats have taken the world by storm thanks to the famous singer Taylor Swift, who is a cat parent to two of them. These kitties are known for trademark physical features, including “folded” ears that aim downward and their large, dazzling eyes. These cats also have very affectionate and loving personalities, so it is no wonder why they have become such popular pets.

There is a lot to learn about a cat or dog breed before bringing one into your life, so doing research is so important. If you are curious to learn about all there is to know about the Scottish Fold cat breed, you’ve come to the right place. Continue reading to find out more about these adorable and unique-looking felines.

Photo by Tony Park from Pixabay

Characteristics

Weight	6 to 9 pounds (female); 9 to 13 pounds (male)
Height	10 to 12 inches
Colors and Patterns	White, Brown, Black, Blue, Cream, Red, Silver, Tabby, Tortoiseshell, Bicolor, Calico
Lifespan	11 to 14 years
Suitable for	single people, families, apartment living

Breed Origin and History

Cats with droopy and folded ears date back to 1796. During this year, an English sailor discovered a cat as such in China and decided to bring one back to the United Kingdom. However, the Scottish Fold cat that contributed to why the breed is so well-known today was not born until 1961.

In Perthshire, Scotland, there was a litter of kittens born, and one of those had folded ears. Her name was Susie, and she was a white barn cat. Susie was bred with British Shorthair cats to create the Scottish Fold breed. Any Scottish Fold kitten born in the present day can trace their ancestry to Susie.^[1] They became incredibly popular across the pond in the United States due to their adorable appearance and friendly demeanor.

Fun and Interesting Facts

One very definitive fact about the Scottish Fold cat breed is that they can be challenging to breed. Only one of the parent cats must possess the folded ear gene rather than both of them. If both parents have folded ears, the kittens in the resulting litter will likely have hearing problems and other ailments due to bad breeding. Because of this, Scottish Folds usually have a small litter, and not all of the kittens will have folded ears.

Another interesting fact is that Scottish Fold kittens are typically born with straight ears. If they inherited the folded ears gene, their ears will begin to fold when they are around three weeks old.^[2]

Photo by Esin Deniz from Freepik

Some people may think that Scottish Folds cannot hear as well due to the shape of their ears, but they can hear just fine. Their ear shape, round faces, and large eyes make them resemble an owl. Some also say that Scottish Folds have a habit of posing and lying down in odd positions, which is a trait that stems from their goofy personalities.

Are Scottish Fold Cats Hypoallergenic?

Though some cat breeds produce less allergy-triggering pet dander than others, there is no such thing as a cat that is 100% hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, Scottish Folds do not fall under this umbrella, and people with moderate to severe cat allergies should probably steer clear of this breed.

Personality and Temperament

Many cat breeds possess their unique personality traits and levels of temperament. Here are some features of a Scottish Fold:

Potential for Playfulness	3 out of 5
Activity Level	4 out of 5
Friendliness to Other Pets	4 out of 5
Friendliness to Children	5 out of 5
Grooming Requirements and Shedding	2 out of 5
Need for Attention	4 out of 5
Affection Toward its Owners	5 out of 5
Intelligence	4 out of 5
Independence	3 out of 5

Activity Levels

If you are searching for a cat breed that is playful and happy-go-lucky, the Scottish Fold may be the right one for you. These cats are very friendly and social and love to be around their people. They are not incredibly active, but they enjoy mentally stimulating playtime that includes teaser toys or chasing a laser light around the floor. You can also try giving them a puzzle game to keep their mind sharp.

A Scottish Fold cat will be happy to be by your side wherever you are. Because of their social and friendly nature, this is not a cat that enjoys being left at home alone for a long time. If you work outside the home or travel a lot, it might be a good idea to consider having a second cat so your first cat can have a friend and playmate.

Photo by Cagdas Demir on Unsplash

READ MORE: Friendliest Cat Breeds

Care

Grooming Needs

It is necessary to develop a regular grooming routine with your cat to keep them looking and feeling good. A Scottish Fold’s medium-length coat should be combed at least weekly. This will help remove stray hair, distribute skin oils, and prevent any mats from developing. Another good habit to get into is to wipe the corners of their eyes to prevent tear stains, especially if the cat has a light-colored coat. Be sure to use a separate damp cloth for each eye.

A Scottish Fold’s most important grooming requirement is to ensure their ears remain clean. The folded ear shape can make them more prone to build-up. It is a good idea to get into the habit of checking their ears weekly. If they are dirty, use a cotton ball moistened with a 50-50 mixture of warm water and apple cider vinegar to wipe them gently.

Health

Unfortunately, there have been some health issues noted in Scottish Fold cats. Perhaps the most prominent one is a degenerative joint disease, which causes pain and poor mobility. The body part where this shows up most often is the tail. If you have children interact with the cat, it is important to teach them to be gentle with their tails. Joint problems can also occur in the cat’s knees and ankles.^[2] If you begin to notice your kitty acting as if they are in pain, take them to the vet.

Diet

Since Scottish Folds are not the type to constantly be running around and burning calories, they are prone to weight gain. They should be fed high-quality cat food and should not be overfed. An overweight Scottish Fold can put more stress on their joints that are so prone to arthritis. If you are unsure about which food to buy, talk to your vet about recommendations.

Popular Scottish Fold Mixes

Scottish Folds cannot be bred with one another because it would result in their offspring having severe genetic deformities.^[3] Because of this, it is common to see these cats crossed with other cat breeds that have straight ears. Some common mixes include:

Persian Mix
Maine Coon Mix
British Shorthair Mix
Ragdoll Mix
Siamese Mix

Adoption and Rescue

Scottish Folds are in higher demand due to their surge in popularity. However, it is not easy to breed these cats. If you choose to bring a Scottish Fold cat into your home, you will need to do extensive research to find a reputable and reliable breeder. Breeders as such are incredibly careful and educated on the entire process. Remember, a trustworthy breeder will be completely transparent about the grounds where the cats are held and the parents’ health history. Even the healthiest of Scottish Fold cats are prone to their share of health issues, so it is important to not skimp on finding a breeder who is the best of the best.

If you are unlucky in finding a breeder, you could also try heading to your local shelter and rescuing a cat. You never know; there may be a Scottish Fold or a mix of them waiting for you to take them home. Remember to check back often if you don’t find one on your first visit. Shelters take in new animals every day. The perfect cat for you and your lifestyle is out there somewhere!

It is also important to note that just because Scottish Folds are popular cats amongst celebrities, that does not mean that they should be seen as “trendy.” They are animals that require love and commitment for many years.

Conclusion

Adopting a new animal is a big step. It is something that takes a lot of consideration and careful planning. It should not be an impulsive decision by any means. A Scottish Fold is an excellent family cat and they sure do have a lot of love to give. If you are ready to do extensive research in finding a top-notch breeder and commit to caring for one, then a Scottish Fold may be the perfect cat for you.

FAQs

How much does a Scottish Fold cat cost?

The price of a Scottish Fold can vary widely. Since they are considered a rare breed, it is fair to assume that they have the potential to be expensive. The cost of a Scottish Fold kitten will depend on how high-quality the breeder is. It is estimated that most kittens are within the $250 to $500 range, but kittens that come from high breeding standards might cost as high as $1,500.^[4] Naturally, those who are available for adoption at an animal shelter will be less expensive if you are lucky enough to find one there.

Is a Scottish Fold cat a good pet?

Whether or not a cat is a good pet is entirely subjective. However, overall, Scottish Folds are very friendly and sweet by nature. They enjoy being around people and typically get along well with other cats and dogs. They also like to play with mentally stimulating toys but are not overly energetic. This makes many people conclude that they are good pets.

Why should I not get a Scottish Fold cat?

You should not get a Scottish Fold cat if you travel a lot or are away for a long time during the day. These cats are very extroverted and do not enjoy being alone for long periods. You should also not get a Scottish Fold if you are not committed to potentially needing to pay some high vet bills. These cats are prone to some health issues, especially joint problems. This is something that will require vet visits to diagnose them and potentially some medications, too.

Are Scottish Fold cats rare?

Yes, Scottish Fold cats are considered to be a rare breed. This is largely due to being unable to breed a Scottish Fold with each other, which would cause severe genetic deformities in the resulting kittens. To avoid this, they are bred with cats with straight ears, such as a British Shorthair. This means that not all kittens in the litter are guaranteed to inherit the folded ear gene.

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