Scottish Fold
Owl-faced cat with folded ears. Sweet temperament — but the gene that folds ears causes painful skeletal disease.
The Scottish Fold descends from a single Scottish farm cat in 1961 with a natural ear-folding mutation. They're famously sweet-natured and owl-faced — but the same gene that folds the ears causes osteochondrodysplasia, a painful lifelong skeletal disease in all folded-ear Folds. Major welfare bodies including the BVA recommend ending the breed.
Temperament
Calm, gentle, sociable, tolerant. Scottish Folds form close bonds and are generally good with children and other pets.
Exercise needs
Moderate play needs.
Grooming
Short or long coat varieties. Short: weekly brushing. Long: 2–3× weekly. Ear-cleaning tricky due to the fold.
Common health issues
Osteochondrodysplasia — affects every folded-ear Fold to some degree. Causes joint pain, lameness, fused tail. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Polycystic kidney disease. Anyone considering this breed should research the welfare ethics carefully.
👍 Best for
Owners who have weighed the welfare concerns and have funds for lifetime joint care.
👎 Not best for
Most prospective owners — many breeders and welfare bodies recommend choosing a healthy alternative.
Products for Scottish Fold owners
