Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Scottish Fold breed originated in Scotland in the 1960s. The first known representative was a cat named Susie, distinguished by her unusual forward-folded ears — the result of a natural genetic mutation. Susie’s kittens inherited this trait, prompting breeders to begin selective breeding to preserve the unique ear shape while maintaining a balanced body and gentle temperament. The breed later gained international recognition for its soft appearance, affectionate personality, and charming “plush” expression. Today, the Scottish Fold is one of the most recognizable cat breeds in the world.
General Appearance
The Scottish Fold is a medium-sized cat with rounded contours, soft lines, and characteristic forward-folded ears. The body is solid and muscular, with a firm bone structure and smooth proportions. The head is round with a short muzzle, large expressive eyes, and a gentle expression. The small ears are tightly folded forward, giving the breed its distinctive look. The neck is short and strong; the body is compact and proportional. The coat is dense, soft, and elastic, either short or semi-long. Overall, the Scottish Fold combines harmony, calmness, and charm, presenting an impression of balance and tenderness.
Important Proportions
The proportions of the Scottish Fold should be rounded and balanced, without signs of heaviness or delicacy. The head is large and round, harmonizing with a short, sturdy neck. The body is medium in length, muscular, with a level back and broad chest. Limbs are of medium length, proportional to the body, with rounded, neat paws. The tail is of medium length, flexible, and tapers gradually to a rounded tip — never thick or short. All parts of the body should appear harmonious, maintaining compactness and soft curves. Special attention is given to correct ear structure that preserves head balance.
Behavior and Temperament
Scottish Folds are calm, affectionate, and friendly. They are gentle and well-balanced cats that quickly adapt to people and their surroundings. Loyal to their owners, they enjoy attention but are not overly demanding. Intelligent and easily trained, they have soft voices and stable temperaments. They coexist peacefully with children and other pets and are not prone to aggression. Their demeanor reflects composure, calmness, and affection. Scottish Folds are highly attuned to human emotions and make devoted, gentle companions while maintaining natural grace and equilibrium.
Head
The head is large and round with smooth contours, proportional to the body. The forehead is broad and slightly convex, with a gentle transition to the nose. The muzzle is short with well-developed whisker pads and rounded cheeks, especially in mature males. The chin is firm, not protruding or receding. The cheeks are full, giving a kind, friendly expression. The overall impression of the head is one of softness and balance, enhancing the breed’s tranquil and gentle nature.
Facial Part
The face is rounded, with a short, broad muzzle and pronounced whisker pads. The cheeks are full, merging smoothly into the chin. The nose is short and straight, with a slight curve at the bridge but no stop. The chin is strong and balanced, reinforcing the soft oval shape of the muzzle. The nose leather and lips match the main coat color. The overall expression is open, calm, and friendly, creating the breed’s characteristic “plush” look.
Eyes
The eyes are large, round, and widely set, giving the cat a soft, friendly, and slightly curious expression. The color is deep and vivid, harmonizing with the coat — ranging from bright copper and gold to green or blue in colorpoints. The gaze is calm, warm, and intelligent. The eyes should be symmetrical, with no signs of squinting or bulging. The overall impression is one of expressiveness and serenity, reflecting the breed’s gentle temperament.
Ears
The ears are the hallmark of the breed. They are small, folded forward and downward, fitting closely to the head and creating a rounded “owl-like” shape. The tips are gently rounded, and the spacing between them is moderate, emphasizing the round head shape. The base of the ears is broad, and the fold should be distinct yet smooth, without stiffness or breaks. Straight-eared Scottish cats (Scottish Straights) have upright ears with a slight forward tilt. Oversized, upright, or loosely folded ears are faults. The shape and placement of the ears should maintain harmony and the breed’s characteristic softness.
Neck
The neck is short, strong, and muscular, smoothly connecting the head and body. It is proportional to the overall structure, emphasizing the rounded silhouette. Males have a thicker, more powerful neck, while females have a more slender yet firm one. The transition from head to shoulders is soft and seamless. The neck should enhance the impression of balance and stability, maintaining the breed’s rounded and gentle outline.
Body
The body is medium-sized, compact, and muscular, with a rounded outline and solid bone structure. The back is level, the chest broad and deep, and shoulders and hips of equal width, creating a well-balanced appearance. The body is compact but not short, with smooth proportions and a slightly tucked abdomen. The overall outline is round and soft, without angularity or bulkiness. The breed should appear strong yet elegant, conveying stability and calm.
Tail
The tail is of medium length, flexible, and proportional to the body. It is moderately thick at the base and tapers smoothly to a rounded tip. It must be soft and pliable, without thickening, stiffness, or vertebral fusion. During movement, the tail should move freely and naturally. In semi-longhaired individuals, it is fluffy and evenly covered with hair. A short, thick, stiff, or deformed tail is a serious fault. The tail should remain flexible and harmonize with the rounded body type.
Forelimbs
The forelimbs are straight, medium in length, with a strong bone structure and smooth connection to the shoulders. The shoulder blades are well developed, ensuring a stable, confident stance. Musculature is moderate, providing light and graceful movement. The paws are round and compact with thick pads and neat toes. Legs should be parallel and straight, contributing to balance and elegance.
Hind Limbs
The hind limbs are slightly longer than the forelimbs, creating a gentle rise from shoulders to rump. They are strong, muscular, and proportional to the body, with smooth lines and flexible joints. The paws are round, compact, and firm. The legs should be straight and parallel, supporting stability and poise. Weak joints, curvature, or unsteady gait are considered faults.
Gait and Movement
The gait is soft, smooth, and confident, with excellent coordination. The cat moves lightly and quietly, maintaining a level back and graceful rhythm. Movements are elastic, harmonious, and unrestricted. The limbs move fluidly, and the tail balances naturally. The gait should reflect composure and the breed’s balanced structure. Any stiffness, limited tail mobility, or coordination issues are considered severe faults.
Coat
The coat is dense, soft, and resilient, covering the body evenly. It can be short or semi-long (in Highland Folds). In shorthaired cats, the coat is plush and springy with a light sheen; in semi-longhaired cats, it is silky with a pronounced ruff and fluffy tail. The undercoat is moderately developed, giving volume and softness. The fur should lie evenly and highlight the breed’s rounded lines.
Permitted Colors
All colors recognized by major feline organizations are allowed. Solid colors include black, white, blue, cream, red, lilac, and chocolate. Tabby patterns (classic, mackerel, spotted), colorpoint, bicolor, van, harlequin, smoke, and silver varieties are accepted. Eye color must harmonize with the coat, ranging from deep gold and copper to green and blue in colorpoints. Uneven pigmentation, unstandardized markings, or mismatched eye color are faults.
Size
The Scottish Fold is a medium-sized cat with a compact, sturdy body. Adult males typically weigh 4–6 kg; females 3–4.5 kg. The body is muscular and well-proportioned, with rounded contours. The chest is broad, and limbs are proportional. The overall impression is one of strength, balance, and grace — without heaviness or fragility.
Faults
Faults include an overly large or elongated body, narrow chest, weak musculature, fragile bone structure, oversized or upright ears, narrow muzzle, long or coarse nose, or dull coat texture. Behavioral faults such as timidity, aggression, or nervousness are also undesirable. Minor deviations are acceptable if they do not distort the breed’s overall harmony.
Disqualifications
Disqualifying defects include cartilage or bone deformities such as a stiff or shortened tail, restricted joint movement, limb or spinal curvature. Folds registered with straight ears, malocclusion, strabismus, cranial asymmetry, or serious coat or color faults are disqualified. Behavioral issues (aggression, fear, instability) and health problems also lead to disqualification.
Important Notes
Only healthy Scottish Folds with full tail mobility and no skeletal or cartilage abnormalities are allowed for breeding. Breeding must prioritize joint and cartilage health to avoid genetic disorders associated with the “fold” gene. Outcrossing with Scottish Straights is required to maintain healthy lines. Key breeding goals include body balance, flexibility, correct ear structure, sound health, and stable temperament.
Conclusion
The Scottish Fold is a harmonious and balanced breed combining a soft, rounded appearance with a calm and affectionate nature. These cats adapt well to family life, form strong bonds with their owners, and exhibit intelligence and tranquility. Their signature folded ears, plush fur, and gentle expression make them one of the world’s most beloved and recognizable breeds. When responsibly bred and properly cared for, the Scottish Fold embodies the ideal of feline grace, gentleness, and harmony.
