Standards of Scottish Fold Cats

For those curious as to which attributes are valued most highly in cat shows and by breeders, this section gives you the breakdown. Judges at cat shows look at the shape of the head, the ears and the neck, chin and profile first. The maximum points possible for this area of the feline is 55, so this area is of considerable importance to breeders.

Judges are looking for a firm jaw-line and the nose (muzzle) should have whisker pads (the place were whiskers grow from) which are nicely rounded. Other characteristics sought after in this breed are a short neck, pronounced cheekbones and a slightly heavy 'jowly' or double-chinned look in the males.

Eyes must be wide open, sparkly and very sweet in expression, as well as being very well rounded, with a flat wide nose in between. Judges like the eye colour to be appropriate for the colour of the coat, although some variation is permitted in all white and bi-coloured cats.

The nose of a show winning Scottish Fold should be short, with a gentle curve. For the ears, smaller tightly folded ears and judged to be more the standard of the breed than a loose fold and larger ears. The very tips at the end of the ears should also be rounded and both ears should be set on the head to give the appearance of a cap or hat.

When judging the body of a show cat in this breed, judges look for a well-padded body and stand firm overall. Toes need to be well rounded and the general impression judges are looking for is that of a well-rounded and medium size cat.

The tail is considered important in this breed, and from the judge in a cat shows point of view, it should be in proportion to the body, either medium or long and obviously flexible with a tapered end finishing in a round tip.

As regards coat, there are two types of Scottish Fold for competition purposes, the shorthair and the longhair. The longhair should have the very desirable attributes of 'britches' (a type of short trousers), tufts of hair between the toes, and a spectacular plume of a tail.