Scottish Fold — breed guide
An owl-faced softie; the fold gene carries real joint concerns worth reading about.
At a glance
- Group
- shorthair
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 2.5–6 kg (6–13 lb)
- Life span
- 11–15 years
- Coat
- Dense short coat; the folded ears are the signature
Living with a Scottish Fold
- Low energy — happy with gentle daily exercise.
- Light grooming — a brush now and then.
- Moderate shedding.
- Trainable with consistency.
- Very quiet.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Generally content living with another cat.
- Suits apartment living, given its daily walks.
- Better with previous experience behind you.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Average cold tolerance.
Temperament
Sweet · Quiet · Companionable
Health to watch
- Osteochondrodysplasia (ear-fold gene)
- Arthritis
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Did you know
Every Scottish Fold traces back to one barn cat, Susie, found in Scotland in 1961.
Questions people ask
Is a Scottish Fold good with kids?
Generally yes. Scottish Folds are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Scottish Fold good with other cats?
Usually yes. Scottish Folds generally settle well with another cat, given a proper introduction and their own food, bed and tray.
How much exercise does a Scottish Fold need?
A gentle daily walk.
Can a Scottish Fold handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Scottish Fold's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.