Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Are Scottish Fold Cats Affectionate? Facts & FAQ

bicolor scottish fold cat sitting on the mirror

There are few things in this world that are better than having a pet to love, except maybe when that pet reciprocates your love and affection. Cats are one of the top pets when it comes to loving behaviors, especially with people they are comfortable and familiar with.

For people who want an affectionate cat, it’s important to choose the right cat breed. While all cats are different, some breeds are known for being highly independent, while others are known for their affectionate nature. Where does the adorable and charming Scottish Fold fall? Well, Scottish Folds tend to be very affectionate in general.

divider 3 paws

Are Scottish Folds Affectionate?

If you’re hoping for an outwardly loving cat, the Scottish Fold may be just right for you. Scottish Folds are known for their extremely affectionate nature. They’re a great pick for households with multiple people because they tend to bond with all members of the household. While they do bond extremely strongly with one or two people, nobody will feel left out with a Scottish Fold around.

Although affectionate, the Scottish Fold is not known for being a “Velcro cat,” or one that constantly wants to stick by your side. They are also not known for attention seeking in ways that many consider obnoxious, like loudly meowing or aggressively interrupting activities.

red Scottish fold cat
Image Credit: Alexander Sobol, Shutterstock

Special Considerations with a Scottish Fold

Even though this breed tends to be loving and affectionate with all members of the household, there are some big considerations before bringing one home. The first consideration is that these cats usually bond closely with one or two people, so a household with two people or more should be prepared for potentially not being the first choice for pets and snuggles.

This breed also needs care taken when handling its tail and ears. Some Scottish Folds are known to develop chronic or acute pain or stiffness of the tail with rough handling, so it’s important for children to understand how to fully respect the cat and its boundaries. They may also be prone to developing ear infections or ear damage, especially with improper handling and cleaning.

Scottish Folds are medium-boned cats that can have a bit of heft to them, so maintaining a healthy body weight is necessary for long-term health and wellness. This not only involves feeding a high-quality diet and portioning food appropriately but also maintaining regular exercise and play for your Scottish Fold.

Scottish Fold
Image by: Sophkins, Pixabay

Popularity and Breeding

The Scottish Fold may be a British breed, but it’s a popular cat in the US, to a greater degree than it is in its own home country. One thing that does hold this breed back somewhat, though, is the difficulty associated with breeding these cats. It’s important for breeders to select their breeding cats carefully to produce healthy offspring.

Not all Scottish Folds have folded ears, and if a folded ear cat is bred to another, then the offspring can experience significant medical issues and physical deformities. With appropriate breeding, the Scottish Fold typically has small litters that may or may not have the desirable folded ears. Not all Scottish Folds have folded ears, and if a folded ear cat is bred to another, then the offspring can experience significant medical issues and physical deformities. With appropriate breeding, the Scottish Fold typically has small litters that may or may not have the desirable folded ears.

divider 3 paws

Conclusion

The Scottish Fold is a loving cat that often bonds closely to one or two people but shares its affectionate nature with almost everyone. It is a charming breed that is ridiculously cute with its little folded ears.

There are some safe handling and ownership considerations that should be taken before bringing one of these cats home. Ideally, you should only get a Scottish Fold from a breeder who understands the safe and responsible breeding practices of these cats.

See Also: 

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Pxhere

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

How Long Will a Cat With Diabetes Live Without Treatment? Vet-Verified Risks & FAQ

Diabetes is a common and serious disease that affects the health of cats. When left untreated, diabetes can cause life-threatening complications such as...

Royal Canin Cat Food Review in 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Introduction Royal Canin aims to make cat foods that prioritize what pets need, rather than what their owners think they’d prefer...

Blue Buffalo Cat Food Review in 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Many pet owners might be surprised to learn that Blue Buffalo was only founded in 2003. Despite being a relatively young...

Can Cats Get High? Vet-Reviewed Facts on Effect and Safety

Marijuana may be legalized for recreational use throughout Canada, 23 U.S. states, and the Australian Capital Territory, but that doesn’t mean it’s something...

More related

7 Best Outdoor Heating Pads for Cats in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

When colder temperatures roll around in the winter, it can be hard on our outdoor pets. This is particularly true of cats, who...

The Difference Between an Albino Cat & a White Cat

Finding a totally white cat can be rare, but finding an albino cat is even rarer than that. Being white isn’t what makes...

Do Female Cats Have Periods? Heat Cycle Explained (Vet Answer)

If you own a female feline, you may find yourself asking “Do cats have periods?” The short answer to this question is no,...

Siamese Ragdoll Cat Mix: Info, Pictures, Temperament & More

Siamese-Ragdoll cat mixes are gorgeous hybrid animals featuring the best qualities of each of these popular breeds. Also known as Ragamese, these cats...

Keep reading

16 Vet-Reviewed Tips on How to Cat-Proof Your Apartment

Cats tend to get into a lot of trouble when left to their own devices. You turn your back, and half your home is in ruins, or worse, your cat has injured themselves or ingested something harmful! Cat-proofing your apartment...

Striped cat in modern home

Natural Balance Cat Food Review in 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary The pet food industry is big business in the United States, with an estimated $30 million worth of pet food sold annually. For a long time, the largest portion of the industry was in dog food. While that...

Natural Balance Cat Food Review

Can Cats Drink Syrup? Vet-Reviewed Health Precautions & Risks

Cats tend to explore the world around them with their mouths. No cat parent is free from the looming threat of their cat eating something they aren’t supposed to. Still, plenty of the things we eat in our daily lives...

Can Cats Drink Syrup

8 Best Cat Foods in Australia of 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

One of the most important things that you can do to help ensure that your cat lives a long and healthy life is to feed them a high-quality diet. As the old saying goes, “You are what you eat,” which...

persian cat eating dry food from bowl

Why Does My Cat Lick Windows & Window Screens? Behaviour Explained

Cats exhibit all sorts of strange and wacky behavior. For instance, you may find some cats licking windows or window screens. Sometimes, cats simply take a small lick and then ignore the window. Other times, you may notice that your...

bengal cat licks window

Why Is My Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box? 7 Possible Vet-Approved Reasons

Cat pee is not a pleasant odor, even when it’s safely contained in a litter box. However, when a cat starts urinating in inappropriate locations, the situation escalates. Inappropriate urination is a common reason that cats are surrendered to animal...

orange cat beside litter box

Can Cats Eat Garlic? Vet-Reviewed Risks & FAQ

Few foods are as popular and as potent as garlic. We use garlic to imbue its delicious, savory flavor into our foods, and millions love the bulbous, flowering plant. However, if you’re a cat owner, you might wonder if your...

Can Cats Eat Garlic

What Do Feral Cats Eat in The Wild? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Feral cats aren’t domesticated, prefer living outdoors, and often avoid human contact. They are normally considered mesopredators in their ecosystems and are most active after dusk. In addition, since they reproduce rapidly and are skilled hunters, conservationists find them devastating...

cat hunting a rat