Scottish Fold Cat: Info, Care Guide, Characteristics & Facts (With Pictures)
By Ed Malaker
Updated on
| Height | 7–10 inches |
| Weight | 6–10 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Colors | White, black, blue, red, chocolate, lilac, cinnamon |
| Suitable for | Families, apartments, homes |
| Temperament | Affectionate, loyal, needy |
The Scottish Fold is an adorable cat with an owl-like appearance due to a genetic condition that affects the cartilage in its ear. It causes the ears to fold forward and down, making this feline’s head appear large and round. Scottish Folds are friendly and make wonderful pets, so if you are thinking about purchasing one for your home, keep reading while we look at the price, grooming, health conditions, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Scottish Fold Kittens
When you’re looking for a Scottish Fold, you may notice that prices vary a lot. Take your time to find a reputable Scottish Fold breeder. Better breeders will usually charge more, but they have the experience to create a cat with fewer health problems and a longer lifespan. Many breeders will even let you meet the parents so you can see how your cat might turn out.
If you want a cat that you can enter into cat shows, you will likely need to pay extra, and if you want to breed the cat for profit, you will need to purchase breeding rights, otherwise, you’ll need to get the cat fixed as part of the contract.
Another alternative is adopting a Scottish fold from a shelter or rescue group. This way you will save lots of money and you’ll change a kitty’s life for the best.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Scottish Fold
1. All Scottish Folds are the offspring of a cat named Suzie that lived in a barn.
2. Despite originating in Scotland, they are not recognized as a breed there.
3. The genetic condition that affects their ears also affects the tail, causing arthritis as they age.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold is a gentle cat that is also very sweet. Unlike most other breeds, they tend to sleep belly up, and its folded ears cause it to have a large, round head accented by orange eyes. These are typically small cats with soft meows that tend to use furniture and walls to stand on their hind legs. It’s a calm breed that likes to be around family members.
The Scottish Fold is smart, and though they’re not likely going to learn many tricks, their intelligence is demonstrated through the clever tricks and schemes they use to get what they want. They will learn your schedule and will be waiting for you when you get home. They have an amazingly accurate internal clock and will likely notice you are late when no one else does.
Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪
Yes. The Scottish Fold is a calm animal with plenty of patience. They get along well with children and usually don’t seem to mind if the children get a little rough. They are nosey, so they will usually come out to meet guests and see if they are friendly. They will often cling to your feet while you are in the kitchen and will also sit by you while you watch television and may even climb into bed with you, especially if the weather is cold. Basically, they’re a very affectionate breed of feline.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
Yes, the Scottish Fold gets along well with other pets and rarely gets aggressive or shy. After a short introductory period, your pet is likely to find a high perch they can use to watch over the other pets from a distance. Early socialization can help your cat become more social and accepting of other animals.
Things to Know When Owning a Scottish Fold:
Food & Diet Requirements 🐡
Your Scottish Fold is a carnivore, so we recommend checking the ingredients list on your cat food to ensure it has real meat listed as the first ingredient. Turkey, duck, and salmon are great choices and will provide your Fold with the protein it requires to stay healthy. We also recommend looking for brands with omega fatty acids, which can help reduce swelling associated with arthritis later in life. Omega fats also have other benefits, including helping to produce a shinier coat and locking moisture into the skin.
Exercise 🐈
Your Scottish Fold will not require you to set aside too much time for exercise each day and usually gets what it needs running around the house. However, we recommend dedicating 10–15 minutes each day to help your pet be more active. A laser pen works great, and it can even help heavier cats get on the path to a healthier lifestyle. Paper balls work well, as does rubbing toys with catnip.
Training 🧶
As we mentioned, the Scottish Fold will not learn tricks like a puppy but can learn your routine and have a pretty good idea of what you expect from it. These cats have amazing internal clocks and will know when it’s dinner time and when someone is due home. Many cats will also retrieve a specific toy you asked for and will come running when you call their name.
Grooming ✂️
Your Scottish Fold will only require weekly brushing if you have the short-haired variety, but you’ll need to brush them every few days if you choose a long-haired version. The longer hair on Folds tangles frequently, but it shouldn’t require trimming. We also recommend brushing your cat’s teeth as frequently as possible with pet-safe toothpaste to help slow the progression of dental disease.
Health and Conditions 🏥
- Osteochondrodysplasia
Osteochondrodysplasia is the condition that causes the folded-over ears. It can also affect other parts of the body, including the limbs, resulting in malformed joints and severe arthritis. As it progresses, it can cause lameness in your cat, and there is, unfortunately, no cure.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney disease is a condition that causes multiple fluid-filled cysts to form in the kidney. These cysts are present at birth but tiny, though they grow as the cat ages. Eventually, they can disrupt kidney function, resulting in kidney failure. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this genetic disease, but special diets, fluid therapy, and medication can help ease your pet’s discomfort and slow the growth of the cysts.
Male vs Female
There is no discernable difference between the male and female Scottish Fold. Though some of the males may grow slightly larger, there is no difference in temperament or behavior. This will be even truer once you’ve had your cat fixed.
Final Thoughts
The Scottish Fold is an adorable cat with a cute face that is practically irresistible. Their friendly personalities make them great pets, and they will be a huge hit with the children. You can carry them around or set them on your lap and they will stay there for quite a while, content to survey the room from a new position. They get along with other pets and will come out to meet any strangers that stop by your home due to their insatiable curiosity.
We hope you have enjoyed reading over our look into these owl-faced cats and found the answers you needed.
Featured Image Credit: LightField Studios, Shutterstock
