Cat breed · Shorthair / Longhair
Scottish Fold
Known for folded ears caused by a cartilage mutation. That same mutation affects cartilage throughout the body, and several veterinary bodies advise against breeding folded cats on welfare grounds.
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Shorthair / Longhair
- Origin
- Scotland
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 3–6 kg (6–13 lb)
- Height
- 20–25 cm
- Lifespan
- 11–15 years
- Coat
- Short or long, dense
- Temperament
- SweetPlacidCompanionableQuiet
History
Traced to a folded-eared farm cat named Susie found in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1961.
Appearance
Rounded head with forward-folded ears and large round eyes.
Exercise and activity
Gentle daily play; watch for stiffness or reluctance to jump.
Care and grooming
Regular brushing and lifelong monitoring for joint pain; discuss pain management with your vet early.
Health considerations
- Osteochondrodysplasia
- Degenerative joint disease
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Ear infections
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Scottish Fold
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: Gentle daily play; watch for stiffness or reluctance to jump. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Osteochondrodysplasia, Degenerative joint disease, Polycystic kidney disease, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Ear infections), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- International Cat Care — cat health, behaviour and welfare advice