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Scottish Fold
Instantly known by its folded-down ears and round "owl" face — sweet, quiet and affectionate.
How to spot it
A medium, rounded cat 3–6 kg whose signature is ears that fold forward and down, giving an owlish head and big round eyes. Kittens are born with straight ears that begin to fold at about three weeks; some keep straight ears. Coats are short or long, in many colours.
Personality
Sweet, calm and affectionate — it enjoys company, tolerates children and other pets, and often sits in odd, relaxed "Buddha" poses. A gentle, adaptable companion.
Grooming & coat care
A shorthaired Fold needs only a weekly brush; longhaired ones need combing two or three times a week. Because the ears fold, check and clean them regularly.
Health & lifespan
Usually 11–15 years. Crucially, the same gene that folds the ears affects cartilage throughout the body and can cause a painful joint disease (osteochondrodysplasia) — an ethical concern that has led some registries and vets to advise against the breed.
Living with one in India
Short-coated Folds cope reasonably with heat in a ventilated indoor home. Be aware, though, that the cartilage problem is a genuine welfare issue — if you take one on, buy only from a breeder who is open about it, and never breed two folded-ear cats together.
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