Highland folds, like all Folds trace their heritage back to a Scottish barn cat named Susie. In 1961 Susie was born with uniquely folded ears, as a result of a dominant mutated gene. Susie passed this gene to her next liter where another female kitten was born with unusually folded ears. This female then produced a male with folded ears. It is believed that longhaired kittens have been a part of Scottish Fold litters since early on. British Shorthairs, used to stabilize the breed, often carry a longhaired gene that could have been passed on in. Some have speculated that Persians were used in breeding a longhaired version of the Scottish Fold. Highland Folds gained provisional status from the CFA in 1977, and have continued to win the hearts of many.

The best way to keep your Highland Fold happy is to just be around it. These cats love the company of people and tend to be very unhappy alone. Another cat could be a surrogate person for a Fold, but they seem to know the difference and would prefer a human to give their affection. These cats don't focus their attention on just one person; many an owner has been struck with jealousy as their Highland Fold works the room being friendly to strangers and kids and even other cats. They are easygoing and very gentle creatures that enjoy the affection their owners throw at them. They have mastered the art of rubbing against your leg when they are in need of a gentle caress and have even been known to send loving calls when an emergency petting session is in order. On top of their warm personalities, Highland Folds are also very intelligent. Some folds have even been trained to wear a harness to enjoy a walk with their owner. This docile cat can sometimes be thought of more as a friend than a pet.

The first thing to draw your attention to these unique looking cats is their forward folded ears and large round eyes, which give them the appearance of the old wise owl. Kittens are born with straight ears. The ears slowly begin to fold forward and by three months they have the distinctive permanent fold. The Highland Fold is very close in appearance to it's relative the Scottish fold. The long hair, which distinguishes this breed, can come in varying lengths. They can have from medium to long hair with the longest hair on the trailing side of the back legs. Highland Fold's are a medium size cat with bulbous features, including rounded heads and large eyes set far apart. Their well-developed chin and hardy jaw line set a sturdy foundation for the full cheeks and broad short nose. It's stout head sits on a wide, short base of a neck. Broad shoulders and rump once again give an appearance of roundness. A thick rigid tail anchors it all. These cats can come in many different colors with varied markings. Only chocolate, lilac and Himalayan patterns are not considered to be acceptable. Highland Fold's generally have solid shaded or tabby markings on their soft thickset coat. The Highland's appearance accurately represents the calm, loving cats in which they are.

Because of their long thick coats Highland Folds need extra attention given to their grooming. To prevent matting a Longhaired Fold must be brushed two to three times a week. A condition to watch for in kittens born of two fold eared parents is called congenital osteodystrophy. This is a skeletal abnormality that can cause stiff and fused joints over time. Eventually even walking will become painful.

There is currently no special breeding information in our databases for this animal. To submit breeding / propagation information that is specific to this animal please click here.