Got a Scottish Fold? Check your pet with Pawcode
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Cats
Scottish Fold
Owl-eyed charm with signature folded ears.
The Scottish Fold is a round-faced breed defined by a cartilage mutation that folds the ears forward, giving an owl-like look. Traced to a single farm cat named Susie in 1960s Scotland, it is sweet, calm and adaptable — though the defining gene carries welfare considerations.
OriginScotland
SizeMedium
Life span11–15 years
Weight2.5–6 kg (6–13 lb)
CoatShort or long, dense and plush
Temperament & personality
- Sweet
- Calm
- Adaptable
- Affectionate
Scottish Folds are easygoing, gentle and moderately playful, often forming a strong bond with one person and sitting in curious "Buddha" poses. They adapt well to families and other pets and are neither hyperactive nor especially vocal, making them relaxed household companions.
At a glance
Activity level2 / 3
Affection3 / 3
Shedding2 / 3
Grooming needs2 / 3
Vocalness1 / 3
Scale: low to high (1–3)
Grooming & care
Grooming needs are modest — weekly for shorthairs, a few times a week for longhairs. Because the folded-ear gene (osteochondrodysplasia) also affects joint cartilage, buyers should choose responsible breeders, watch for stiffness or reluctance to jump, and keep the ears clean.
Common colours
- Blue
- Silver tabby
- White
- Cream
- Black
- Bicolour
Good with
- Families
- Children
- Other pets
- First-time owners
- Apartment living
Health tendencies to watch
Every breed has predispositions. These are things worth discussing with your vet — not diagnoses.
- Osteochondrodysplasia — the fold gene affects cartilage and can cause painful joint disease
- Ear-wax build-up in the folded ears needs monitoring
- Polycystic kidney disease and HCM can occur
- Only one folded parent should be bred to reduce skeletal problems
Informational only. Pawcode is not a veterinary service and does not replace professional advice.
Fun facts
1
Every Scottish Fold traces back to one white barn cat named Susie
2
Kittens are born with straight ears that begin to fold at about three weeks
3
They often sit upright with paws on their belly in the famous "Buddha pose"
Frequently asked questions
Are Scottish Fold cats always folded-eared?
No. All kittens are born with straight ears; only some develop the fold. Straight-eared Scottish Folds (sometimes called Scottish Straights) are used in responsible breeding.
Do Scottish Folds have health problems?
The gene that folds the ears also affects cartilage and can cause joint disease, so ethical breeding and joint monitoring are important.