Essentially a longhair Scottish fold, the Highland fold is a loving cat with a luxurious coat and a sweet temperament. Resembling an owl or a Teddy bear, the Highland fold is a charming and delightful companion that thrives on the company of its family members. Highland folds and Scottish folds all owe their existence to Susie, the white barn cat with folded ears that was sited by a shepherd in Pertshire, Scotland in 1961. Intrigued by her unusual ears, this shepherd, William Ross, initiated a breeding program. Susie and one of her kittens, Snooks, were bred to British and domestic shorthaired cats to develop the Scottish fold. Highland folds resulted when Persian cats were introduced into the breeding program. Unsubstantiated controversy surrounding the ear health of these cats put a halt to the breeding and showing of all cats with folded ears in the United Kingdom. The cats were brought into the United States during the early 1970s, where they soon became popular. Highland folds were recognized by The Cat Fanciers' Association during the mid-1980s.
The Scottish Fold can come in a longhaired or shorthaired version. They are medium-sized, round cats with big round eyes. They are popular for their most distinctive feature: ears that fold forward. Some Scottish folds do not have folding ears. The two distinguishable characteristics of the Highland fold include a luxurious, long coat and ears that are folded forward. The folded ears give the cat a rounded appearance, and the Highland fold's whisker pads and expressive eyes are also round. This combination makes the cat resemble an owl. The coat is soft and comes in a variety of solid colors, tabby patterns and tortoiseshell patterns. Chocolate, lavender and pointed coats, such as those seen in Himalayan cats, are not accepted in the show ring. The Highland fold has a plumed tail, tufts on the paws and a ruff around the shoulders. The color of the eyes may be green, gold or blue. The females weigh 6 to 9 pounds, and the males weigh 9 to 13 pounds.
Personality
The Scottish Fold is a sweet-natured cat breed that is gentle and sensitive. It is smart and dexterous and uses this ability to satisfy its curiosity. And it's a talkative cat that makes soft noises to communicate. This cat is good with kids as well as dogs. Highland folds are sweet, gentle, loving and sociable. They get along well with children and other pets, and they are adaptable to new situations. Highland folds are inquisitive, clever and playful, and they like to investigate cupboards, drawers, water bowls, food plates and treat dispenser puzzles with their dexterous paws. They strike humorous poses and engage in entertaining mischief to delight their families. They are not as active or vocal as some other cat breeds, and they are happy to mellow out on a couch or observation perch.
Breed Characteristics
| Origin: | Scotland, 1950s |
| Life Span: | 12-15 years |
| Nicknames: | Highland Fold |
Scottish Fold Build Information
The Scottish Fold can come in a longhaired or shorthaired version. They are medium-sized, round cats with big round eyes. They are popular for their most distinctive feature: ears that fold forward. Some Scottish folds do not have folding ears. The two distinguishable characteristics of the Highland fold include a luxurious, long coat and ears that are folded forward. The folded ears give the cat a rounded appearance, and the Highland fold's whisker pads and expressive eyes are also round. This combination makes the cat resemble an owl. The coat is soft and comes in a variety of solid colors, tabby patterns and tortoiseshell patterns. Chocolate, lavender and pointed coats, such as those seen in Himalayan cats, are not accepted in the show ring. The Highland fold has a plumed tail, tufts on the paws and a ruff around the shoulders. The color of the eyes may be green, gold or blue. The females weigh 6 to 9 pounds, and the males weigh 9 to 13 pounds.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
The Scottish Fold is a sweet-natured cat breed that is gentle and sensitive. It is smart and dexterous and uses this ability to satisfy its curiosity. And it's a talkative cat that makes soft noises to communicate. This cat is good with kids as well as dogs. Highland folds are sweet, gentle, loving and sociable. They get along well with children and other pets, and they are adaptable to new situations. Highland folds are inquisitive, clever and playful, and they like to investigate cupboards, drawers, water bowls, food plates and treat dispenser puzzles with their dexterous paws. They strike humorous poses and engage in entertaining mischief to delight their families. They are not as active or vocal as some other cat breeds, and they are happy to mellow out on a couch or observation perch.
| Activity Level: | Moderate |
| Affection Level: | High |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
Highland folds should be brushed out every other day to prevent matting and tangling. This will also remove dead hairs that would otherwise be ingested by the cat when it grooms itself. Ingested hair can accumulate and result in hairballs. Inspect the inside of each ear weekly, and clean the ears if waxy debris is seen. Start training your cat when it is a kitten to accept having its teeth brushed. Making home dental care a part of the grooming routine will prevent periodontal disease and maintain optimal overall health.
| Grooming: | Minimal (Regular brushing, nail trimming, ear and tooth cleaning). The long-haired version might need more brishing. |
Scottish Fold Common Health Conditions
Highland folds live an average lifespan of 12 years. One genetic health condition to watch for in this breed is called osteochondystrophy, a skeletal condition in which the bones deform and enlarge. Polycystic renal disease has also been noted. Since the ears are folded, they are prone to ear infections.
Scottish Fold Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Highland folds originated in Pertshire, Scotland. Highland folds are also known as a longhair Scottish fold. The Highland fold is a sweet, easygoing and affectionate cat that enjoys the company of her human family. This cat is playful and loves to participate in most of her family's household activities. Highland folds weigh and average of 6 to 13 pounds. Highland folds require frequent grooming. The average lifespan for a Highland fold is 12 years.