Foldex Cat

Last Updated 29th September 2021

The Foldex Cat was developed by crossing between the Scottish Fold cat and both the Exotic Longhair and the Shorthair cats. They are famous for their characteristic folded ears with rounded tips. They also have an evident nose break in between their eyes. This selective crossing was purposely motivated for producing a cat with a teddy-bear look. This cat has a face of a cute little owl. They have a round face and of a medium stature. The legs are short, with a stout build. They can have both long and short coats. These family cats can charm with their intelligence and calm composure.

Quick Description

Physical Appearance & Size

Weight:

5-8 pounds

Colors & Patterns

Coat Type:	Dense, soft, long, short
Coat Colors:	All colors

Other Characteristics

Life Expectancy (Lifespan):	General
Personality Traits:	Loyal, affectionate, intelligent, playful
Shedding:	Moderate
Hypoallergenic:	No
Good with Children:	Yes
Vocalization:	Moderate
Country of Origin:	Canada
Competitive Registration/Qualification Information:	CCA, Alliance Féline

History and Development

Back in 1992, the Foldex cats appeared for the first time in Canada’s Quebec. Since its appearance, there has been a continuous controversy related to the skeletal defects of this breed. This is a genetic defect that is directly related to the Scottish Fold breeds, which the Foldexes inherited from them. The foldex cats were produced as an experimental breed by crossing these Scottish cats with both the Exotic Longhair cats and the Exotic Shorthair cats.

In the following year, this breed was introduced for the first time in a show hosted by Betty Ann Yaxley. The breed was a hit, and it instantly caught the attention of many breeders who planned to work for the promotion and development of the breed. Gradually, they started to appear in many other shows, gaining popularity and admirers, one of whom was Jeanne Barrette.

Barrette, who was a breeder, liked this strange new cat so much that she started working dedicatedly for this breed. In November 1998, it was because of her efforts and relentless perseverance that this cat managed to get accepted as an ‘Experimental Breed’. In August, 2008, this cat was recognized as a ‘New Breed’ for championship status, after which, it proceeded to clinch its championship status in March, 2010.

Though the process of development of this breed took time, but at present, this breed has been recognized only by the CCA (Canadian Cat Association) as an ‘Experimental’ breed. Because of this, the cat is primarily bred in Canada, despite the fact that, they are also available in the UK and the USA.

Allowable Crosses for Foldex

There are 4 breed combinations by which the foldex cats are produced:

Foldex x Foldex
Foldex x Exotic Shorthair
Scottish Fold x Exotic Shorthair
Foldex x Scottish Fold (One parent would be straight-eared)

Temperament and Personality

These felines have a very sweet and affectionate temperament, and are normally quiet, with a little activity period of their own. They are cheerful and very approachable. They are curious and would roam around with you just because they love to be patted, caressed, and cuddled. However, unlike many other cat breeds, they do not demand attention.

It is playful and easy-going and can get along well with children. They are also comfortable with other pets in the family, and are good for both indoor and apartment living.

Care

Grooming

Health Problems

Grooming your foldex cat depends on the length of its coat. While only a weekly brushing would be enough for the short coats, the longer variety would require brushing twice a week. This is necessary in order to remove the dead hair, and preventing tangles. Use a cat toothpaste, approved by your vet, to brush its teeth at least thrice a week. Also remember, all folded-ear pets need special attention for their ears, so does your foldex. Keep an eye for any odor or redness, or any kind of infection. Use a damp cloth to clean its ears, when needed. Trim the nails once in 7-10 days.

When you adopt, you might not know that your kitten has bone deformities, if you are unaware if your little kit was developed crossing between two folded ear cats. So be sure to ask the breeders to get you a kitten that has developed by mating one straight ear cat and one folded ear cat. Almost half of the kittens from a single litter will have folded ears. However, they the fold will only show up when they are 3-4 weeks old.

Training and Exercise

The foldex cats are slightly laid back, but have a sense of independence, and a little bit of outdoor space would be ideal for them to explore, as also spend time with a lot many games to keep away boredom. But make sure the space is escape-proof and safe. You can also make its own zone for some indoor adventure, and provide your pet with cat gym sets, cat trees or cat toys, thus encouraging them to exercise and stay active.