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Black Scottish Fold Cat: Info, Pictures, Facts & History

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on January 16, 2025 by Catster Editorial Team

The Black Scottish Fold is a gentle, curious, short-haired cat breed known for its distinctive looks, including big eyes and dainty folded ears. This combination of features makes it look almost startled or very inquisitive and, therefore, has popularized the breed on social media and as a unique type of pet. So, where did this breed originate? And how has it become so popular?

Read on to learn more about this breed!

Black Scottish Fold Characteristics

Energy
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A high-energy cat needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep healthy and happy, while a low-energy cat needs minimal physical activity, but still needs mental stimulation. When choosing a cat, It’s important to ensure their energy levels match your lifestyle.
Trainability
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Cats that are easy-to-train are more willing and skilled at quickly learning prompts and actions with minimal training. Harder-to-train cats are usually more stubborn or aloof and require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
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Certain cat breeds are more prone to various genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every cat in those breeds will have these issues, but they do have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Lifespan
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Due to their size or potential genetic health issues of a specific breed, some cats have shorter lifespans than others. Proper nutrition, exercise, mental stimulation, and hygiene also play an important role in your cat’s lifespan and quality of life.
Sociability
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Some cat breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other cats and animals. Cats that are more social have a tendency to rub up on strangers for scratches or jump on laps for cuddles, while cats that are less social shy away, hide, are more cautious, and even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed or gender, it’s important to socialize your cat and expose them to many different situations.

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The Earliest Records of Black Scottish Folds in History

While it may seem an ancient and exotic breed, the Scottish Fold is actually a relatively recent phenomenon1. The lineage that breeders draw upon today comes from a Scottish farm in the 1960s.  Susie was a barn cat in rural Perthshire, Scotland who was discovered by a shepherd as having been born with these delicate folded ears. He immediately recognized her inherent potential and saw that she had passed the gene onto some of the kittens in her litter.

It is still unclear if this genetic variation is much older as people have speculated, or if it was a mutation that arose with Susie the barn cat. As far as the Scottish Fold breed of today goes, it is a relatively short history that traces back to this chance encounter.

black yellow eyed scottish fold cat
Image by: AnnaGorbenko, Shutterstock

How the Black Scottish Fold Cat Gained Popularity

There are many famous Scottish Folds on social media and known as celebrity cats today. Perhaps the most famous was Maru, the Japanese cat, who received the most views of any animal of all time on YouTube. Maru has become a household name for his big, soft, and plush body and his tendency to want to squeeze himself into increasingly smaller and smaller cardboard boxes. He has gotten a Guinness Book of World Records for his over three hundred and twenty-five million views on YouTube.

Another pair of famous Scottish Folds have been popularized by the singer Taylor Swift as her pets and featured on her social media postings2. Swift along with singer Ed Sheeran who also has a Scottish Fold, have popularized the breed, and made them more visible. Since they have been featuring the breed on their personal posts, demand for Scottish Folds has rapidly increased and many more have been produced. Because of this, these celebrities have faced some backlash from animal rights groups asking them instead to please bring awareness to the plight of these animals who are often born with crippling arthritis and other diseases3.

Formal Recognition of Black Scottish Folds

After consulting with a geneticist, the shepherd William Ross then worked to solidify the breed to capture this characteristic. All the rest of the cats today carry on from this lineage of accidental discovery. After consistent breeding, he then registered the breed with the UK Governing Council of Cat Fancy in 1966.

Scottish Fold black cat sitting on the grass
Image by: Oporty786, Shutterstock

Potential Health Risks of Black Scottish Folds

The gene mutation that causes the folded ears is an incomplete autosomal dominant gene which essentially means that the characteristic may or may not be expressed depending upon the combination of gene traits. In this case, it also means that the genetic variation affects not only the cat’s ears but also how cartilage and bone develop in the cat’s body as a whole.

The first health risk associated with the lack of cartilage in the cat’s ears that allows it to fold over is that the cat can have hearing problems because of this. The second and major health risk is that these cats can have extremely painful and debilitating musculoskeletal problems and arthritis. Breeding for this folded ear trait carries a high risk any cat with the gene will have some degree of illness and pain.

For this reason, many people are ethically opposed to the breeding and propagation of the Scottish Fold. Breeders have tried to lessen the likelihood that the cat will have the disease by crossbreeding them with other types of cats and not breeding them with each other. Nonetheless, the risk is still present, and many animal welfare groups have lobbied against this breed. It is especially necessary as this breed has become quite famous online and in the media.

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Top 3 Unique Facts About the Black Scottish Fold Cat

1. Scottish Folds Can Have 3 Different Ear Shapes

Their distinctive folded ears come in three categories, one-fold, two-fold, or three-fold. One-fold is just the tips of the ears bent over, two-fold means that the ear then folds in the middle, and three-fold ears lie flat against the cat’s head. This can give the cat multiple types of appearances and is what gives this breed its fame for producing extremely cute cats.


2. They All Descended from a Barn Cat Called Susie

The lineage of Scottish Folds all come from a cat called Susie. If Susie had not been found by that shepherd in the 1960s, there might not be any Scottish Folds to date. However, should a kitten be born with those folded ears and be discovered by someone, then the lineage would have a different origin.

Black Scottish Fold kitten with blue eyes
Image Credit: ZalinaSirik, Shutterstock

3. Scottish Folds Are Never Bred Together

Their risk of a genetic disease is so high due to their breeding profile that many feel it is not fair to the cats to keep breeding them.

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Do Black Scottish Folds Make Good Pets?

Yes, Black Scottish Folds make good pets. They are loyal and loving, and their affectionate nature makes them excellent companions. They are intelligent, playful, and have low-maintenance grooming needs. As with any breed, they need regular exercise, training, and socialization to ensure they are well-rounded and happy.

Young man in white t shirt holding a black Scottish fold cat
Image Credit: Vershinin89, Shutterstock

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Conclusion

The Black Scottish Fold is a breed of domestic cat that originated in Scotland in the late 1960s. They are known for their distinctive folded ears and short, dense coats. They are incredibly loyal, loving, and affectionate cats that make wonderful companions.

With the potential to create cats who carry a painful illness, the ethics of breeding the Scottish Fold is fraught and being debated. Therefore, they’re still being bred and often show up as celebrity pets online. If you are curious about getting a Black Scottish Fold, always do your research before buying one.

See Also: 


Featured Image Credit: Esin Deniz, Shutterstock

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Comments

2 thoughts on “Black Scottish Fold Cat: Info, Pictures, Facts & History”

  1. I just purchased two scottish fold black brothers born 7-1-24. I pray they'll remain healthy. I've raised many Persians who lived to over 15 years. Hoping to have the same good luck with these two boys. They will be neutered. TY for your input.

    1. Catster_Favicon
      Catster Editorial Team

      Hi Johanna,

      Thank you for sharing about your new Scottish Fold brothers! It’s wonderful to hear that you’ve had such a long and loving journey with your Persians, and we’re sure your two new boys will bring just as much joy. With your experience and care, they’re certainly off to a great start.

      Neutering is an excellent decision for their long-term health, and it’s clear they’re in good hands with someone as attentive as you. If you ever have any questions about their care, health, or anything else, feel free to reach out—we’re here to support you every step of the way to ensure your boys stay healthy and happy for many years to come.

      Wishing you and your new furry family members all the best, and may they enjoy long, healthy lives like your Persians!

      Warm regards

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