Highland Fold
The Highland Fold is simply the longhaired version of the Scottish Fold — sharing the same folded-ear mutation, the same round owl-like appearance, and all the same health concerns.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United Kingdom
Lifespan
11–15 years
Weight
3–6 kg (6.5–13 lbs)
Height
20–25 cm (8–10 in)
Diet
Obligate carnivore — high-quality wet and dry food. Monitor weight.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
The Story
The Highland Fold is simply the longhaired version of the Scottish Fold — sharing the same folded-ear mutation, the same round owl-like appearance, and all the same health concerns. The longhaired gene was always present in Scottish Fold genetics (as Scottish Folds were crossed with British Longhairs and Persian/Himalayans in early breeding), and longhaired Fold kittens are produced in some litters. The Highland Fold carries all the same welfare concerns as the Scottish Fold — the osteochondrodysplasia caused by the fold gene affects all cartilage, and Fold-to-Fold breeding must never occur.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
Identical to the Scottish Fold in head shape and ear fold, but with a semi-long, dense, plush coat. The rounded head, large round eyes, and characteristic folded ears framed by the fuller coat give the Highland Fold a particularly distinctive and charming appearance.
Grooming
High
Shedding
High
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Same as Scottish Fold — calm, gentle, adaptable. The "Buddha sit" upright position is characteristic.
Living Profile
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Same as Scottish Fold with additional grooming — brushing 2–3 times weekly. NEVER breed fold-to-fold. Regular joint and tail assessment by a vet throughout life.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Health Overview
Same as Scottish Fold — osteochondrodysplasia is the primary welfare concern. All Highland Folds should have regular joint health assessment. The fold gene causes cartilage abnormalities throughout the body. HCM.
Common Conditions
Fun Facts
The Highland Fold is also known as the "Coupari" — named after the town of Coupar Angus in Scotland, near where the founding Scottish Fold (Susie) was discovered.
All Highland Fold kittens, like Scottish Fold kittens, are born with straight ears — the ears begin folding (or not, in Straight kittens) within the first 3–4 weeks of life.
