How Much Does a Scottish Fold Weight?
What is the average weight and height of a Scottish Fold and how to keep it healthy!?
The first thing you notice in a Scottish Fold is the unique look with small and tightly folded ears, hence the name. That, and of course, the Scottish heritage.
Wondering about the weight and height of this playful and attention-seeking cat? We will discuss its’ features in detail, but first, let’s have a look at the overall build of this unmistakable breed.
Whether you are looking to get yourself a cat companion or you already own one of these lovely creatures, here’s what you need to know about their size:
How much should a Scottish fold weight?
Judging by the round quality of this sweet cat, you might think of a fat, short-haired pet that needs feeding 24/7. Not to worry, with a solid compact build, the Scottish fold is a medium-sized cat as long as you do not overfeed them.
A normal, average Scottish Fold weighs on average between 9 and 13 pounds or between 4 and 6 kg;
If your cat is not in these weight limits please check our How to feed your Scottish Fold article where we talk about how much and what food your Scottish cat needs.
Females vs. Males Scottish fold weights
Naturally, females are on the lighter end of the scale compared to the male cat that is heavier.
The average weight of an adult female Scottish Fold is anywhere between 6-9 pounds (or 2.7 and 4 kg) with the male typically ranging from 9 to 13 pounds or (4 to 6 kg).
If you want to keep your pet healthy, control the diet in order to maintain a balanced weight close to these values.
Tip: Keep a calendar or a tailored table of your cat’s measurements together with food intake and other significant observations. It will help you compare the evolution of its size at various stages and will give you a clue on how to adapt your care practices.
Truth be told, the Scottish fold is prone to being overweight or even obese if you go off the grid with the feeding schedule and the amount of food given.
A round and chubby cat is all the more lovable – we can all agree on that. However, being selfish and wishing for a warm and cuddly ball of fur can be extremely unhealthy for your Scottish Fold.
Scottish Fold Weight Chart
What is the normal height of a Scottish Fold?
As a medium-sized cat, the Scottish Fold fully grown ranges in length from 10-12 inches (or 25-30 cm) to 25-30 inches (or 65-70 cm) measured from head to tail.
When standing on all fours, the endearing little fellow is no taller than the normal, average cat with short to medium-length legs.
Differences between males and females are not noticeable and the round body will trick you into thinking you have a rather small cat.
How important is the diet of a Scottish Fold?
Putting aside how charmingly cute this cat is, you need to keep in mind the fact that the Scottish Fold has common ancestry with some of the big, wild cats like lions and panthers. That means your round one can get pretty big. A proper diet is important!
How many calories?
Your Scottish friend needs approximately 70 – 80 kcal of food per kg of body weight every single day.
Word of advice: be careful how much food you give this cat to prevent its’ roundness from getting oversized.
Diet basics
This means you need to regularly weigh your cat and adjust the food servings accordingly. If you have a female Scottish Fold, its’ food portions will clearly be smaller than a male’s.
- Meat – it is not a whim, your Scottish Fold needs meat. It is a source of fat and protein and a major part of their diet. A meal without meat might be bluntly refused, but you shouldn’t take it personally.
- Carbohydrates – not so much for your darling cat. Their digestive system can’t quite handle carbohydrates and it can actually be detrimental to their weight. You want your Scottish Fold chubby, fair enough, but not overweight and with diabetes.
- Cereals – good and nutritional, although at first, they might reject them. Play around and cook the rice, buckwheat, or oatmeal with a bit of meat or boil it into some fish broth.
- Vegetables – cauliflower, green beans, or carrots are just as important for the growth of the Scottish Fold as they are for us humans. They provide the right nutrients for health and strength.
- Water – needless to say, just like all living beings, your kitty cat needs water, so make sure you constantly refill the water bowl.
- Vitamins – you can always ask your vet for advice on what supplements your cat should get. Besides healthy food, minerals and vitamins play an important role in having a healthy cat.
How to keep the weight under control
The weight of your cat depends on its’ diet. Now that you know what to feed the Scottish Fold, remember to not overfeed them. Your buddy with folded ears does not have the self-discipline to keep fit.
Small portions throughout the day, at different times, should keep them healthy and normal-sized.
Once your cat starts gaining weight, the weight loss journey will not be a fun adventure.
Diet is essential in getting and keeping your Scottish Fold’s proportions in the healthy, normal spectrum. Read more about Scottish Fold’s diet here.
Another way to make your Scottish Fold lose some weight is by playing with it. You can check our toy suggestions here. Playing with these toys, your Scottish Fold will become more active and burn more calories. Exercise is very important, especially for an indoor cat.
Scottish Fold Ideal Weight
Many pet owners look for the ideal weight. There is no such thing as the ideal weight for a cat. We, humans, have a range we should ideally fit in. Trying to achieve the ideal weight for your Scottish Fold by diet may not be the best thing to do.
As long as they are in that range of 4-6 Kg the Scottish Folds are just fine. If they get too fat you will notice and you can take action. Stay within reasonable limits and avoid the extremities. It’s easy to see the differences between a fat Scottish Fold, a skinny one, and an average weight one, look at the photo.
Does the Scottish Fold need exercise?
The Scottish Fold is widely adaptable. You can introduce them to any kind of setting or room space from indoor apartment living to open, outdoor space that will have them roaming and hunting.
This makes them a great pet for any type of household. Not to mention that your entire family will be well-received by the loyal and affectionate creature.
Active personality!? You bet.
Playful in nature, the Scottish Fold loves the attention and can become quite timid and sad if you deprive them of their time spent together.
This breed enjoys the active time, puzzle, and teaser toys and any activity that involves human interaction and tests its’ agility.
Exercise
The need for exercise is pretty much a must, as it is a way of keeping your cat healthy and fit. Without physical stimulation, the Scottish Fold can spiral into obesity.
There goes your average weight cat!
Diet
To keep your furry pet healthy and well-rounded, be sure to play with them on a regular basis and maintain a balanced, proper diet. If you know your crowded agenda keeps you away from home for long periods of time, consider bringing your sweet social fellow another cat or animal for company.
Sociability
The Scottish Fold is very friendly and accepting of other pets. There’s no need to worry about spending time reconciling them or doing some extended pet therapy sessions. Even with a play buddy, your cat will still expect you to play with them when you get home. Are you tired and lack energy after a full-on busy day!? That doesn’t impress them much.
Life expectancy
With a life expectancy of around 15 years, you and your Scottish Fold can build a long-lasting intimate relationship provided you take good care of their needs. A healthy cat requires pretty much the same standard lifestyle of a human: good eating habits, fresh, healthy food, some physical activity, joyful play-time, and interaction with others. Oh, and a generous dose of love and attention.
Compared to other breeds
Compared to other breeds the Scottish Fold is an average weight cat. I found some data on the Pet Health Care website which I will share here. I added the weights in pounds as well and added the Scottish Fold to this table, as it wasn’t there.
| Breed | Typical Weight Kgs | Weight Range Kgs | Typical Weight Pounds | Weight Range Pounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abyssinian | 3 | 2 - 4 | 6.61 | 4.4 - 8.8 |
| Bengal | 4 | 3 - 5.5 | 8.81 | 6.61 - 12.1 |
| Birman | 4.5 | 4 - 5 | 10 | 8.81 - 11 |
| British Shorthair | 4.5 | 3.5 - 6 | 10 | 7.71 - 13.2 |
| Burmese | 4 | 3.5 - 4.5 | 8.81 | 7.71 - 10 |
| Domestic Longhair | 4.5 | 3 - 6 | 10 | 6.61 - 13.2 |
| Domestic Shorthair | 4.5 | 3 - 6 | 10 | 6.61 - 13.2 |
| Maine Coon | 6 | 5 - 7 | 13.2 | 11 - 15.4 |
| Norwegian Forest | 8 | 6 - 11 | 17.6 | 13.2 - 24.25 |
| Oriental | 4 | 3.5 - 5 | 8.81 | 7.71 - 11 |
| Persian | 5 | 4.5 - 5.5 | 11 | 10 - 12.1 |
| Ragdoll | 4 | 3.5 - 4.5 | 8.81 | 7.71 - 10 |
| Rex (Cornish & Devon) | 4 | 3 - 5 | 8.81 | 6.61 - 11 |
| Russian Blue | 3.5 | 3 - 4.5 | 7.71 | 6.61 - 10 |
| Savannah | 4 | 3.5 - 5 | 8.81 | 7.71 - 11 |
| Scottish Fold | 4.5 | 4-6 | 10 | 8.81 - 13.2 |
| Siamese | 4 | 3.5 - 5 | 8.81 | 7.71 - 11 |
| Tonkinese | 4 | 3.5 - 5 | 8.81 | 7.71 - 11 |
Conclusion
Now, do you feel more confident about taking care of your little attention-begging Scottish Fold!? Check out our Scottish Fold recommendations here.