Scottish Fold
Sweet, calm, adaptable
Also known as: fold, highland fold
- Adult weight
- 3–6 kg
- Life expectancy
- 11–14 years
- Size
- Medium
- Exercise
- Low
- Origin
- UK (Scotland)
- Group
- Shorthair / Longhair
Reference update: · Not veterinary-reviewedCompare weight & lifespan with the Cat Fanciers' Association breed profile ↗
What the evidence means for Scottish Fold
Folded ears are associated with a cartilage disorder that can affect joints. Severity varies; stiffness, lameness or reluctance to jump should not be dismissed as personality.
UFAW – Breed-specific welfare evidence ↗
Health topics to discuss with your vet
- ●Osteochondrodysplasia — painful joint disease in ALL folded-ear catsBreed association source: UFAW – Breed-specific welfare evidence ↗
- ●Arthritis from a young ageBreed association source: UFAW – Breed-specific welfare evidence ↗
- ●Hypertrophic cardiomyopathyBreed-specific association not yet verified.
- ●Polycystic kidney diseaseBreed-specific association not yet verified.
Not a diagnosis or a complete risk list. A general condition reference explains a disease but does not establish increased risk in this breed or group. Unsourced associations still need verification.
Care tips
- ✓Watch for stiffness or reluctance to jump
- ✓Veterinary bodies advise against breeding folded cats
Calculators for your Scottish Fold
Sources & review
Reference update 25 October 2026; not an independent veterinary review. Direct breed evidence is identified above. General directories below do not verify every listed health association.
- Official breed profile – Scottish Fold ↗
- UFAW – Breed-specific welfare evidence ↗
- International Cat Care – Cat breeds ↗
- Cat Fanciers' Association – Breeds ↗
- UFAW – Genetic welfare problems of companion animals ↗
Weight and lifespan are typical ranges for healthy adults from breed standards and veterinary references; individuals vary. Not veterinary advice.