Also called Fold, Lop-eared cat (original name), Highland Fold (longhair), Scottish Fold Longhair, Longhair Fold
Recognised breedDeep profile
From Scotland, United Kingdom: descended from Susie, a white farm cat with folded ears found near Coupar Angus in 1961; much of the later development took place in the United States123
Roundness is the theme: a round head, big round eyes, round whisker pads and a compact, well-padded body on sturdy legs with a short neck. In fold-eared cats the ears bend forward and down so they sit on the head like a snug cap, giving an owl-like face. The shorthair has a dense, springy coat that stands out from the body. The longhair has a longer, soft coat with a plumed tail, breeches, toe tufts and ear furnishings.321
Coloursany genetically possible colour and patternsolid colourstabbytortoiseshell and calicobicolourpointed321
Personality what they are like
A gentle, easygoing homebody that likes company without being clingy. Folds tend to follow their people from room to room and chat in a small, polite voice. They are clever and can learn tricks, get on well with children and other pets when properly introduced, and may be a little shy with strangers at first.324
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate. Enjoys wand toys, interactive play and puzzle games, plus a scratching post and a sunny spot to lounge. Short daily play sessions suit it well.42
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Shorthairs need a brush or comb about once a week; longhairs need combing a few times a week to keep tangles away. Both shed through the year. Add routine nail trims, ear cleaning and tooth brushing, and always handle the tail gently.234
Home where they are happiest
Settles happily in a house or an apartment. Provide comfy resting places, a scratching post and toys for daily play.4
Company who they like around
A people-loving cat that prefers company and does not enjoy being left alone for long stretches. Mixes well with children and other pets after proper socialisation.324
The story where it all began
In 1961 shepherd William Ross noticed Susie, a white farm cat with oddly folded ears, near Coupar Angus in the Tayside region of Scotland. When Susie's kittens also showed the folded ears, William and Molly Ross started a breeding programme with help from geneticist Pat Turner. Susie's daughter Snooks became a foundation queen, and early breeders used local farm cats and British Shorthairs, later adding American and Exotic Shorthairs, Persians and Burmese. The cats were first called lop-eared cats after lop rabbits and were renamed Scottish Folds in 1966. Every Fold today traces back to Susie. The breed gained a strong following in North America, reaching CFA championship in 1978, with the longhair following in 1992 and straight-eared cats joining the CFA breed in 2022.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Every Scottish Fold alive today can trace its family tree back to one white farm cat, Susie, found in 1961.2
2
Fold kittens are born with straight ears, and the fold only starts to show at around 18 to 24 days old.2
3
Folds often sit upright on their haunches, a pose fans call the Buddha sit, and may rise up like a prairie dog to check out a sound.2
4
The folded ears do not affect how well the cat hears.3
5
The breed was first known as lop-eared cats, a nod to lop rabbits, before being renamed in 1966.1
6
Pop star Taylor Swift has two Scottish Folds, Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson, named after TV characters.1
7
Straight-eared kittens from Fold litters are called Scottish Straights.1
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed is named for its distinctive folded ears, which are caused by a dominant gene mutation. The name 'Scottish Fold' reflects both its Scottish origin and the characteristic ear fold.1
I woke to the kettle whistling and padded into the kitchen for a gentle head rub. My human sat down with a book, so I curled beside them and offered a soft chirp. Later, I batted a wand toy across the floor and did a trick for a treat. I checked on the children in the next room, then found a warm patch of sun on the carpet. At bedtime, I followed my person upstairs and settled on the quilt, purring us both to sleep.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
CFA
Shorthair championship status 1978, longhair 1992; straight-eared cats accepted in 2022, giving four divisions3
TICA
Recognised in shorthair and longhair; TICA was the first to accept the longhair version (1987-88 season)1
GCCF
Not registered; GCCF stopped registering the breed in the early 1970s1
A typical home-care rhythm for a Scottish Fold. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Nail trimevery 3 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
Litter scoopevery day
Litter changeevery week
PlayAbout 20 minutes of play a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Scottish Fold tip
Scottish Folds love food and can easily gain weight, so measure treats as part of their daily calorie allowance. Look for dental-friendly treats or those with joint-supporting ingredients like omega-3s, but always check with your vet first.
These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.
You need
1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
1 egg, beaten
250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
Extra water as needed
How
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
Allow to cool completely before storing.
How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Scottish Fold, and at what times?
Feeding schedules vary by age and activity. For specific times and amounts, please ask your vet or a good breeder.
What should a Scottish Fold eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed your Scottish Fold a balanced cat food. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA.5
Does a Scottish Fold need baths?
Scottish Folds rarely need baths. Only bathe if they are very dirty or sticky, as per general cat care advice.6
How often does a Scottish Fold need brushing?
Brush a shorthair Scottish Fold about once a week, and a longhair a few times a week. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests weekly brushing.2346Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Scottish Fold's claws, and how often?
Trim claws every two to three weeks. Go slowly, trimming only a couple of claws per session at first, as recommended by the ASPCA.6Pet Wiki plan
How much play does a Scottish Fold need?
Scottish Folds enjoy about 20 minutes of interactive play daily. Wand toys and puzzle games are great choices.42Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Scottish Fold's teeth and ears?
Brush your cat's teeth daily or every other day. Clean ears gently when needed, as part of routine care.234Pet Wiki plan
Is a Scottish Fold good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are good with children and other pets when properly introduced. They are gentle and easygoing.324
Can a Scottish Fold be left alone?
Scottish Folds prefer company and do not like being left alone for long periods. They are people-loving cats.324
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
British Shorthair
Exotic Shorthair
American Curl
Highlander