If an owl and a cat had a baby, it would look a lot like a Scottish fold. Scottish folds are a medium-sized, stocky breed that loves human attention from everyone in the family, but may focus their attention on one lucky person.
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These gorgeous cats have rounded heads, short necks, and large eyes that, combined with their folded-over ears, give them a unique, owl-like look. Their coat is generally short and dense, but long-haired Scottish folds can also be found. Colors include white, blue, cream, silver, black, cameo, and brown. Coat patterns include solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, bicolor, spotted, and shaded. Their large, gorgeous eyes can be gold, green, or blue.
Scottish fold cats are also a good choice for apartment dwellers because they don’t get too large. Male 12 pounds, while females generally range between 8–12 pounds. Scottish folds are a healthy breed and the folded ears do not make them more
Because most Scottish folds have a short, dense coat, grooming can be as simple as to remove loose hair and dead skin cells.
Temperament
Scottish folds are prized for their easygoing, affectionate personality. They love their families, but won’t be climbing all over you for snuggles as soon as you walk through the door.
“Scottish fold cats are typically sweet, calm, easygoing, intelligent, loyal, and adaptable,” says Alison Gerken, DVM, clinical behavioral medicine resident at “They are social cats who enjoy human companionship. While they like attention from their human family, they are not demanding and are generally quiet, soft-voiced cats.”
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A Scottish fold is just as happy relaxing on the couch next to you as she is being lavished with attention. Scottish folds are (but, of course, they are cats, so any training is always on their terms).
These happy-go-lucky felines also enjoy each other’s company and don’t mind having other furry roommates—dog or cat—if
And, despite their forward-folded ears, Gerken says Scottish folds still use their ears to communicate and express emotion.
“They may go back when fearful or frustrated, and they may move forward during play or when they hear their food container opened,” she says.
Living Needs
Talk about a wash-and-wear kitty! Because Scottish fold cats are medium-sized and mostly short-haired, they can live almost anywhere with minimal work on your part. They can be as happy in a one-room apartment as they are in a spacious mansion.
But there are some must-haves before bringing home a Scottish fold kitten—or any cat, for that matter.
“Like all other cats, they require adequate mental and environmental enrichment,” Gerken says. “So ensuring they that should be rotated on a weekly basis to provide novelty, and structured social and play sessions with the family is essential for their well-being.”
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While they need stimulation and ways to stay occupied, Scottish folds are not super active felines, so you won’t find them climbing your curtains or leaping back and forth across your living room furniture.
Scottish folds are good family cats and can be happy living with a single person or a Gerken says. Just make sure to teach any kiddos how to properly interact with feline friends.
