The Scottish Fold is an instantly recognizable breed due to the breed’s classic folded-over ears and thick, short fur. The British Shorthair looks remarkably like a Persian—because that’s essentially what they are, only they have a short coat!
When you combine these two delightfully wide-eyed breeds, what do you get? An adorable, squishy-faced, bended-ear cutie with a personality to match their sweet expressions. Learn more about this combination—and whether you want to pay the piper to have one.
Scottish Fold British Shorthair Cat Mix – Before You Get One
3 Little-Known Facts About Scottish Fold British Shorthair Mixes
1. Scottish Folds and British Shorthairs look very similar
Sure, you will notice some instant differences in the Scottish Fold and British Shorthair—like those classically adorable, folded ears. But they look a lot alike, too! They both have similar coats, coat textures, and patterns. Also, they have large, wide, circular eyes that captivate the heart!
2. Both parent breeds share European origins
As you can gather from the names, both parent breeds come from European countries. In fact, they are each top favorite purebreds in the UK!
3. Not all kittens in this pairing will have folded ears
It is genetically possible to have a litter of kittens who have folded ears. But it’s much more likely that some in the litter will have the regular ears of the British Shorthair.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Scottish Fold British Shorthair Cat Mix
Before we describe what to expect from your Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix, it’s essential to know what made up this lovely feline—and what you can potentially expect.
The British Shorthair is a modest, quiet cat who loves time off to itself. While they thrive on connections with humans, they are also entirely independent and less social than their Scottish cousins. They tend to enjoy back scratches instead of full-body cuddles.
On the other hand, the Scottish Fold is much more social, thriving on human companionship more than the British Shorthair. They are definitely a cat you can tote around in your arms—or that cat carrier hoodie you bought on Amazon!
Folks that are familiar with each cat might come to the table with specific characteristics marking each breed. But in combination, you get all the good traits, it seems—such as an agreeable, adaptable, and affectionate cat with adorable actions and mild manners.
Even though they might not utilize a lot of their intelligence unless you persuade them, the Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix makes for a very, very brilliant kitty. These cats quickly pick up concepts that might be otherwise difficult or uninteresting to some.
Easy training like where to go potty seems to be a cinch to most domestic cats—and this mix is no different. They are attentive and curious, requiring lots of attention and stimulation, but not aggressively so. They generally work well with others if you want to train in a more advanced fashion.
These cats make excellent additions to most lifestyles and should always have another furry partner in crime, as they tend to enjoy like-species interactions.
Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪
This breed has all the personality traits that make them ideal for multi- or single-person households. They blend well with just about every lifestyle. While they enjoy company, going to work won’t be too terrible for your kitty—they might actually enjoy a few hours sunbathing in the window while you’re away.
But don’t worry, they will happily greet you when you come home, eager to hear about your day. Equally, they wouldn’t mind if you were with them for most of the time either. So, these kitties are easy to please.
Since this is a hybrid breed mix, both qualities even out. That means that while your cat loves your company and companionship, it will be fine while you’re at work. Some cats can be a little more demanding than others, but overall, this breed is very middle ground.
Because they are relaxed, they work very well for small kids who know how to respect animals. And because they aren’t very vocal, they make awesome companion additions to homes with seniors or disabled individuals.
The Scottish fold British shorthair mix will get along very well with other pets. These calm, cool, and collected kitties will make best friends with a family dog and cuddle up next to their fellow cats. These cats are typically not aggressive or dominating over other animals.
As with all domestic cats, you shouldn’t trust them with smaller pets. These cats might have a little lower prey drive than more active breeds, but instincts are instincts. It’s best to keep your cat totally separate from tiny pets. It isn’t safe for rodents, reptiles, or birds—no matter how many cute TikTok videos you’ve seen.
Things to Know When Owning a Scottish Fold British Shorthair Cat Mix
Food & Diet Requirements 🐡
The Scottish fold British shorthair mix doesn’t require any special diet, but they should have a quality one. Many pet owners are switching to fresh, raw, and organic food alternatives and steering clear of heavily processed foods.
However, here are some acceptable cat foods on the market.
Dry Kibble
Dry kibble has a long shelf life and wide availability, but be careful of preservatives, allergy triggers, dyes, and other ingredients that can disagree with your cat’s system.
Wet Canned Food
Wet canned food has lots of flavor and moisture—which is sure to tickle the fancy of every feline’s taste buds. However, many brand recipes have a few preservatives and high-calorie content.
Raw Food
Raw food is typically offered homemade with the supervision of a veterinarian. While this is a very natural and healthy diet for your cat, it also risks contamination with bacteria like salmonella and e. Coli if not stored properly.
Fresh Food
Fresh food is an ever-growing popular diet option for cats. Many pet parents choose subscription services, having perfectly tailored fresh meals sent right to their door on a routine schedule. Some also prefer to make the meals at home—but always ensure you’re adding all the correct ingredients.
No matter what diet option, you should watch for any allergies for the first few years of life. Sometimes, cats don’t start showing sensitivities until adulthood. Also, you might notice you have a cat that is sensitive to certain proteins or harsh ingredients.
So, while you might be able to try different foods for flavor, you might have to switch it up eventually due to health or market trends. Also, please remember that if you prepare homemade meals, you should always add the appropriate vitamin and mineral additives dosage.
Work with your vet to determine the best dietary option and get recommendations before deciding.
Exercise 🐈
You may notice that even as a kitten, this mixed breed tends to be less active than some others. They prefer relaxation over exertion, even though they will be playful occasionally. A good recommendation is to make sure that your cat gets 10-to-15-minute intervals of exercise per day.
As your Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix ages, they might be a little more prone to packing on the extra pounds. These cats are heavy-bodied, and they tend to love treats and food. So, you’ll need to monitor weight and overall longevity to ensure your cat is getting the correct amount of food and exercise.
You can get a variety of self-play and interactive toys so they can keep themselves occupied. Remember that they need to stimulate their minds as well as their bodies. Getting your cat puzzle toys to motivate their strategic prey drive can be a great outlet.
Some Scottish Fold British Shorthair mixes might be a little lackadaisical. But don’t let this deter you. These highly affectionate cats would prefer snuggling up and watching Netflix with you rather than performing tricks.
They are brilliant and quite capable of learning facts and concepts. Litter training should be easy. After one time of showing your Scottish Fold British Shorthair kitten the litter box, they should catch right on with no problem.
Every kitten is different, of course, so it can sometimes take a few weeks. Just remember to offer guidance and have patience as your little one navigates through this part of life.
Grooming ✂️
The Scottish Fold and British Shorthair look very similar in structure and facial appearance. So, the combination of the two doesn’t change the outcome too much. This cat benefits from routine brushing just to get rid of any loose fur that could wind up on your sofa.
Cats are master groomers, able to keep up with their own hygiene. But they might need a little help from time to time. It would help if you bathe your cat no more than every 4 to 6 weeks.
Health and Conditions 🏥
Health care is just as important for our pets as for ourselves. Your Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix will need routine vet care—which usually includes several first-year visits and one annual visit thereafter.
During the first year, they will receive parasite treatment, core vaccinations, microchipping, and spay or neuter surgery.
It is always best to spay or neuter your Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix to prevent some complicated issues. These cats generally sexually mature by six months of age, so you will need to make sure you schedule the surgery before that.
Once your animals start spraying to mark their territory or try to meet, the behavior might never stop. This can be tricky to deal with and leave permanent impacts on your fabrics and carpets.
With the Scottish Fold British Shorthair mix being a hybrid, kittens can take on genetic conditions from both parents. Luckily, each parent breed is pretty healthy. But certain issues can crop up. Remember, proper routine vetting is key for prevention or early detection.
Another thing to mention—if your kitten has folded ears, it’s imperative to keep them clean and free of moisture. These kitties are very prone to ear infections and need a little human help to keep things operating smoothly.
Minor Conditions
Degenerative Joint Disease
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Joint disorders
Osteochondrodysplasia
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hemophilia B
Serious Conditions
Ear Infections
Male vs. Female
Male Scottish Fold British Shorthair mixes are generally larger than females with larger heads and broader bodies. Since both parent breeds are similar in size, there isn’t a drastic difference in overall weight.
As for personality, that is up to every individual cat. Females are slightly more reserved and more likely to gravitate toward one person. However, males tend to be a little more affectionate and social than their female counterparts.
Final Thoughts
So, the Scottish Fold British Shorthair checks all the boxes for what makes a feline fantastic. They are super easygoing, highly loyal to their families, and adorable to boot. What’s not to love?
Does a Scottish Fold British Shorthair have your heart? If so, you can find a breeder with quality, healthy kittens around your area. If you can’t find much of anything around your area, remember there might be travel involved.
Featured Image Credit: Left: British Shorthair Cat, lowpower225, Shutterstock | Right: Scottish Fold Cat: Diachenko, Shutterstock
Ashley Bates is a freelance dog writer and pet enthusiast who is currently studying the art of animal therapy. A mother to four human children— and 23 furry and feathery kids, too – Ashley volunteers at local shelters, advocates for animal well-being, and rescues every creature she finds. Her mission is to create awareness, education, and entertainment about pets to prevent homelessness. Her specialties are cats and dogs.
