Understanding the health implications before welcoming these gentle companions. Connect with ethical breeders who prioritize welfare.
ALL Scottish Fold cats with folded ears suffer from osteochondrodysplasia - a painful genetic disorder affecting cartilage throughout their body.
Consider Scottish Straights: They have the same wonderful temperament without the painful genetic disorder. Many ethical breeders now focus exclusively on Scottish Straights.
Sweet temperament with serious health considerations
Size: Medium
Males: 9-13 lbs, Females: 6-9 lbs
Body Type
Round, well-padded, medium build
Lifespan
11-15 years with proper care
Temperament
Sweet, calm, adaptable, quiet
Exceptionally sweet and calm nature. Form strong bonds with families.
Distinctive folded ears and owl-like expression (but remember the health cost).
Good with children, other pets, and apartment living. Very tolerant breed.
Not overly vocal. Prefer calm environments and gentle interactions.
Consider long-term medical costs alongside purchase price
Kittens with ideal breed standards suitable for showing and ethical breeding programs
Price Factors:
Healthy cats for responsible breeders who understand the breed's special needs
Price Factors:
Loving Scottish Folds perfect for families seeking a devoted, calm companion
Price Factors:
Scottish cats with normal ears, avoiding the health issues associated with folded ears
Price Factors:
Scottish Folds typically have 2-3x higher lifetime medical costs than healthy cat breeds. Budget for pain management, joint supplements, regular X-rays, and potential surgeries. Pet insurance is essential but may exclude pre-existing genetic conditions. Consider if you're prepared for both the emotional and financial commitment of caring for a cat with chronic health issues.
Browse Scottish Fold and Scottish Straight cats from verified sellers
Scottish Fold mix
Scottish Fold
Scottish Fold
Scottish Fold
Scottish Fold
Scottish Fold
Scottish Fold
Scottish Fold
Health issues may become apparent as kittens grow
Essential steps to ensure ethical breeding and proper care
Prepare for significantly higher medical expenses
Scottish Folds often require lifetime pain management and specialized care. Medical costs can easily exceed $15,000-$25,000 over their lifetime. Many owners report spending $200-500 monthly on pain medication, supplements, and veterinary care. Consider if you're financially prepared for this commitment.
Non-negotiable health tests for Scottish Folds
X-rays to assess severity of cartilage disease. ALL folded-ear cats are affected.
Screen for Polycystic Kidney Disease common in the breed.
Echocardiogram to check for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
Full skeletal X-rays to evaluate all joints, not just ears.
Regular assessment for signs of chronic pain or discomfort.
Monitor jumping ability, gait changes, and activity levels.
Track progression of joint degeneration and arthritis.
Regular evaluation to ensure humane care standards.
Real stories from cat owners who found perfect homes on Petmeetly
We found a loving home for Valentino, but I’d like to keep the ad active so people can see what our kittens look like.
Jacqueline Wolf
Texas, US
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Washington, US
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Texas, US
Support only breeders who prioritize health over appearance
NEVER breeds fold to fold
Only breeds folds with straights to reduce severity
Transparent about health risks
Openly discusses osteochondrodysplasia
Provides lifetime support
Helps with pain management guidance
Offers Scottish Straights
Promotes healthier straight-ear option
Breeds fold to fold
Creates kittens with severe health issues
Downplays health concerns
Claims their lines are "healthier"
No health testing provided
Refuses to show X-rays or genetic tests
Focuses only on appearance
Prioritizes tight folds over health
Many ethical breeders are transitioning away from breeding folded-ear cats entirely, focusing instead on Scottish Straights. These cats have the same wonderful temperament without the painful genetic disorder. By choosing a Scottish Straight, you're supporting ethical breeding practices and avoiding the heartbreak of watching your beloved pet suffer from preventable genetic disease.
Get answers to common questions about adopting Scottish Folds responsibly
ALL Scottish Fold cats with folded ears have osteochondrodysplasia, a genetic disorder causing painful cartilage and bone abnormalities. This leads to arthritis, mobility issues, and chronic pain. They may also develop PKD (kidney disease) and HCM (heart disease). The fold gene affects ALL cartilage, not just ears - causing tail stiffness, limb deformities, and spinal issues. Some countries have banned breeding due to these welfare concerns.
Scottish Fold kittens range from $600-$3,500. Scottish Straights (straight ears): $600-$1,200 are the healthier option. Pet quality folds: $800-$1,500. Show quality: $1,500-$3,000. Ethical breeding quality: $2,000-$3,500. Remember to budget for increased medical costs - Scottish Folds require more veterinary care than typical cats due to their genetic health issues.
Consider carefully: Scottish Folds have serious genetic health issues causing lifelong pain. Many veterinarians and animal welfare organizations discourage breeding them. If you love the Scottish Fold temperament, consider a Scottish Straight instead - same personality without the health problems. If you do choose a fold, ONLY buy from ethical breeders who never breed fold-to-fold, provide health testing, and are transparent about risks.
The controversy stems from the genetic mutation causing folded ears also causing painful skeletal abnormalities in ALL affected cats. Many veterinarians consider breeding them unethical. Several countries have banned or restricted breeding. The British Veterinary Association has called for breeding to stop. The cute folded ears that people love are actually a sign of a serious genetic disorder causing lifelong suffering.
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Connect with ethical breeders who prioritize health and transparency about Scottish Fold welfare
