Scottish Fold
Adored for their signature folded ears and sweet, expressive eyes, this breed is gentle, affectionate, and thrives as a loving household companion. Scottish Folds are playful yet easygoing with families.
Breed Characteristics

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
20–25 cm (male)
18–23 cm (female)
WEIGHT
3.5–6 kg (male)
2.7–4.5 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–15 years
Scottish 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 Scottish 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 Scottish Fold's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
Scottish Folds are gentle, affectionate cats known for their calm and friendly demeanor. They generally bond well with families and adapt easily to different living environments.
Key Personality Traits
Enjoys human company and gentle interactions
Learns routines and new environments easily
Moderate activity, prefers calm surroundings
Likes toys and simple interactive games
Adjusts well to changes and new homes

Strengths
- Affectionate with family members
- Quiet and gentle demeanor
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Good with children and other pets
- Enjoys interactive play sessions
Challenges
- Prone to congenital joint issues
- Requires regular ear cleaning
- Sensitive to changes in routine
- Can develop obesity without activity
- May be reserved with strangers

Protect your Scottish Fold
Scottish Fold can develop osteochondrodysplasia and cardiomyopathy. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Scottish Folds are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
This breed is moderately intelligent and can learn simple commands and tricks with positive reinforcement. Scottish Folds respond well to interactive play but may require patience during training.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
15–20 minutes daily play
recommended per day
Scottish Folds have moderate energy levels and benefit from daily play sessions and toys that stimulate both mind and body. They do not require intense exercise but enjoy regular activity.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Scottish 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 Scottish Fold would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Calm and gentle nature makes them manageable for new owners
Apartment Living
Quiet and adaptable, they adjust well to apartment living
Active Lifestyle
Enjoy companionship but may not keep up with high activity levels
Kids
Tolerant and affectionate, usually patient with gentle children
Multiple Pets
Generally sociable but introductions with other pets should be gradual
Being Left Alone
Can become lonely or stressed if left alone for extended periods
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Scottish Folds compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Scottish Fold
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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