Scottish Fold Cats

Scottish Fold cats are a pretty special breed in many ways. 

They get their name from the unique way their ears are folded forward.

Gorgeous Scottish Fold cat

The long-haired variety is known as the 'Coupari' in Canada and the 'Highland Fold' elsewhere.


All Scottish Folds can trace their genetic lineage back to one specific ancestor who lived in Scotland during the mid 20th century!

History of Scottish Fold Cats 


Sweet Scottish Fold cat (aka Highland Fold)



She was a little white female whom they adopted and called 'Snooks',.

The Ross' were so enchanted and intrigued by the looks and personality of these cats that they started a breeding program (mating with regular domestic and British Shorthair cats) to establish the breed and called them 'lop-eared' or 'lops', as they reminded them of lop-eared rabbits who have long, droopy ears.


Luckily for these gentle and beautiful cats, US breeders took up their cause.



Scottish Fold Cats - appearance & personality


This makes them almost unbearably adorable and they retain this kitten-like cuteness even when adults.



This folding is due to a genetic mutation that affects the cartilage in their bodies.

Scottish Fold kittens are all born with straight ears, but by the time they are around 3 to 4 weeks old their ears may begin to show signs of folding.

About 50% of kittens will have ears that fold.

The tips of the ears are always rounded.








  • Tortoishell

  • Calico

  • Blue-Cream





Scottish Fold cat. Blue with amber eyes.What a cutie!


Here is a quick summary of the nature of Scottish Folds:

  • Affectionate, loving and loyal - but not 'clingy'

  • Not given to loud vocal displays


  • Adaptable and easy going, good with children and other pets

  • Mid-range in terms of activity level

  • Intelligent - like to play games/puzzles



It's just too funny!

Scottish Fold Cats - health issues

As with all purebred animals, there are certain health issues that are common to Scottish Folds.

Scottish Fold cat, blue

The genetic mutation that gives these cats their adorable folded ears affects the cartilage in their whole body and may also be linked to skeletal problems and deformities.

These might include an unusually short, thick and/or stiff tail, and as 'thickened' or stiff paws or 'fused' leg joints.





Scottish Fold Cat Long-hair

It is possible that those without the genetic folded ears may have an above-average tendency towards developing arthritis in later life, but currently there is not sufficient evidence to say that this is a definite finding.

It is possible that Scottish Fold cats with tightly folded ears may have more problems with ear mites or ear infections so it's a good idea to take a look inside their ears now and then to make sure there's nothing 'brewing'.

Two other fairly major health issues that Scottish Fold cats can suffer from are Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (FHC)

When you're thinking about buying a Scottish Fold kitten it's a good idea to make sure the parents have been tested for both of these diseases and are free of them.

Overall careful breeding practices have given this adorable cat a new lease on life and Scottish Folds are now a generally healthy and vigorous breed.


Related Pages:

The Scottish Fold Kitten

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