Highland Fold
Distinctive folded ears and a plush coat make this affectionate breed a standout companion. Sweet-natured and calm, Highland Folds thrive in loving homes and cherish attention.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
25–30 cm (male)
23–28 cm (female)
WEIGHT
3.5–6 kg (male)
2.5–4.5 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–15 years
Highland Fold: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
Species
Felis catus
Diet
Carnivore
"A Highland Fold isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Highland Fold's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Highland Fold is known for its gentle, affectionate temperament and calm demeanor, often forming strong bonds with family members and tolerating children and other pets well.
Key Personality Traits
Affectionate with family members and familiar people
Learns routines and new tricks fairly quickly
Moderate activity, enjoys play but not hyperactive
Enjoys interactive games and gentle play sessions
Adjusts well to new environments and changes
Strengths
- Affectionate with family members
- Gentle and tolerant with children
- Adapts well to indoor living
- Generally quiet and soft-voiced
- Social with other pets
Challenges
- Prone to genetic ear disorders
- Requires regular ear cleaning
- Can be sensitive to rough handling
- Needs frequent grooming for long coat
- May develop joint or cartilage issues
Protect your Highland Fold
Highland Fold can develop osteochondrodysplasia and degenerative joint disease. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Highland Folds are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
This breed displays moderate intelligence and can learn basic commands and routines with consistent, gentle training, responding well to positive reinforcement but not typically excelling at complex tricks.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
20–30 minutes interactive play
recommended per day
Highland Folds have moderate energy levels, requiring regular play and interactive toys to keep them mentally and physically stimulated, but they are generally content with indoor activity and occasional bursts of play.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Highland Folds are versatile cats that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Highland Fold would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Gentle temperament and moderate needs make them manageable for most beginners
Apartment Living
Quiet and adaptable, they thrive in smaller, indoor living environments
Active Lifestyle
Enjoy play but may tire quickly, preferring calmer activities overall
Kids
Generally patient but should be supervised with very young, active children
Multiple Pets
Usually gets along with other pets if introduced gradually and respectfully
Being Left Alone
Dislike being left alone for long periods and may develop stress-related issues
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Highland Folds compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Highland Fold
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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