February 24, 2026 Back Home

Small Ears, Big Personality: The Scottish Fold

The tiny folded ears. The perfectly round face. The always surprised, owl-like expression. It’s easy to see why the Scottish fold has become one of the most talked-about cat breeds in the world.

From a humble barn cat in Scotland to a member of Taylor Swift’s entourage, here’s everything you need to know about their history, appearance, and personality.

@taylorswift No thoughts, just vibes #catsoftiktok #swifttok ♬ original sound – Taylor Swift

From Simple Farm Cats to Global Recognition

The story of the Scottish fold began in Perthshire, Scotland in 1961, when local shepherd William Ross found a white barn cat (Susie) with forward-folded ears. She had passed on the trait to half of her kittens.

Ross had never seen cats with such interesting ears. Captivated by their appearance, he started breeding one of Susie’s kittens with a male tabby, and the Scottish fold breed was born. Scottish folds soon made their way to the U.S. in the early 1970s, and The Cat Fanciers’ Association officially recognized the breed in 1978.

Because of the health risks Scottish folds face, their official recognition across the world has been controversial. The breed is not accepted by several cat registries, including the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy. And the breeding and sale of Scottish folds is illegal in many countries, including the Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, and parts of Australia.

Why Do They Have Folded Ears?

Susie’s unique folded ears were the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation. Only 50% of the kittens in her litter had folded ears. All Scottish fold kittens are born with straight ears, but you’ll notice them fold after a few weeks.

Unfortunately, the same gene that gives these cats their signature folded ears can cause cartilage abnormalities throughout the body and an incurable skeletal condition called osteochondrodysplasia.

There are responsible breeders in the U.S. who have worked hard to weed out this gene and carefully pair mates to reduce health concerns. If you’re looking for a Scottish fold cat, make sure to research the breeder to ensure they follow ethical practices.

Round, Plush, and Owl-Like

The Scottish fold has a very distinct look, mostly in part to their forward-folded ears. But did you know that the folds can range from a single, double, or triple fold?

The single fold is loose and typically only includes the tips of the ears.
A double fold has a deeper bend and half the ear bends downward.
Triple folded ears lie flat against the head, which makes these kitties’ heads look rounder and owl-like.

They have big round and expressive eyes, a short nose, and a round head that gives them a sweet angel-like appearance. Their bodies are sturdy and plush, making them a solid medium-sized cat.

As for their coats, Scottish folds can be short-haired or long-haired and can be found in nearly every color and pattern.

Sweet, Easygoing Cats

Their sweet, angel-like looks aren’t a trap. Scottish folds are known to be gentle and affectionate, but not too demanding. They bond closely with their humans and are always nearby supervising or claiming your lap for nap time.

Scottish folds are easygoing and adaptable. They make great quiet companions because they aren’t as vocal as other cats. They can be playful but aren’t hyperactive or aggressive, which makes them great around kids and other pets.

If a Scottish fold is in your future, make sure to stock up on the right toys. This breed is curious and intelligent, and thrives off mental stimulation. They love exploring new things and playing with puzzle toys.

Is a Scottish Fold Right for You?

If you’re looking for a calm, affectionate companion with a sweet temperament, the Scottish fold may be a perfect fit.

Finding a Scottish fold in a rescue shelter can be like finding a needle in a stack of catnip. There are Scottish fold breeders throughout the U.S., but be prepared to pay. A kitten can cost anywhere between $500 and $3,000.

Vital Stats About Scottish Folds

Trait	Details
Average Weight	6-9 lbs for females 9-13 lbs for males
Height	8-10 in
Length	30 in
Lifespan	11-15 years
Origin	Scotland
Temperament	Affectionate, easygoing
Energy Level	Medium

Fun Facts About Scottish Folds

Likely the most famous (and richest) Scottish Folds are Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson, aka Taylor Swift’s cats!
Scottish folds are born with straight ears! If they have the gene, the folds in their ears won’t develop until the kittens are between 18 and 24 days old.
On average, only half of a litter of kittens with one Scottish fold parent will have folded ears.
Despite their folded ears, Scottish folds have normal hearing abilities.