Long-haired breeds
Scottish Fold: personality, life span and weight
The Scottish Fold is known for its forward-folded ears and round, owl-like face. The gene that folds the ears also affects bone and cartilage, so joint health needs watching for life.
- Gentle
- Quiet
- Likes to be near people
Scottish Fold at a glance
- Adult weight
- 3–6 kg
- Life span
- 11–15 years
- Shedding
- moderate
- Activity
- calm
- Origin
- Scotland (1961)
- Coat
- Comes in both short and long coats, with forward-folded ears and a round face
Scottish Fold personality
Gentle and quiet, and happy to stay near its keeper. It often sits upright like a person or lies on its back. It prefers gentle play to rough games.
Coat care and daily care
The inside of a folded ear gets less air, so check and clean it regularly. Day to day, watch whether the tail is stiff or painful to the touch and whether the cat avoids jumping or walks differently.
Health problems Scottish Fold keepers should know
- OsteochondrodysplasiaAn inherited bone and cartilage disease that affects every fold-eared Scottish Fold to some degree. Pain management may be needed, so regular check-ups are essential.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and polycystic kidney disease (PKD)Worth checking as well.
These are problems reported relatively often in the breed. It does not mean every cat will have them. If a symptom worries you, see a vet.
Real Scottish Fold photos from cat keepers
Photo tip A front-on photo with the folded ears and round eyes together is the favourite. A slightly high angle looking down also works.
There are no public records yet. Your cat could be the first.
Add my cat and start a diaryScottish Fold questions and answers
- How long do Scottish Fold cats live?
- An indoor Scottish Fold typically lives about 11–15 years. Weight control, regular check-ups and indoor living all make a difference.
- How much does an adult Scottish Fold weigh?
- A fully grown Scottish Fold usually weighs 3–6 kg. Males tend to be larger than females, and a body shape where the ribs can be felt lightly matters more than the number.
- Do Scottish Fold cats shed a lot?
- Shedding is moderate. Comes in both short and long coats, with forward-folded ears and a round face. The inside of a folded ear gets less air, so check and clean it regularly. Day to day, watch whether the tail is stiff or painful to the touch and whether the cat avoids jumping or walks differently.
- What is the Scottish Fold personality like?
- Gentle and quiet, and happy to stay near its keeper. It often sits upright like a person or lies on its back. It prefers gentle play to rough games.