Foldex cat breed: facts, temperament and care
A Canadian breed that crosses the Scottish Fold with the Exotic Shorthair, giving a round-faced cat of which only about half have folded ears.
Also known as Foldex cat, Exotic Fold, Foldex Exotic, Canadian Fold
Quick facts
| Origin | Quebec, Canada |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 kg) |
| Coat length | Short |
| Coat | Plush, dense coat; the standard permits any length |
| Colours and patterns | Any colour, pattern and coat length is allowed by the standard |
Recognition
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Not recognised by the CFA |
|---|---|
| How common | Very rare |
Temperament and care (1 low, 5 high)
| Affection | 4 |
|---|---|
| Energy | 2 |
| Playfulness | 3 |
| Talkativeness | 1 |
| Grooming needed | 3 |
| Shedding | 3 |
| Good with children | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 |
| Happy alone | 3 |
| Trainability | 3 |
| Suits a small home | 5 |
Allergies and health
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The dense coat sheds, and people who react to cats are likely to react to this one. |
|---|
Best suited to
| Suits | Someone who knows the breed's welfare debate, wants a calm round-faced cat and can rely on breeder health testing. |
|---|---|
| Less suited to | Anyone in a place that restricts fold-eared breeding, or who wants a breed with established, independent health records. |
Registries that recognise it
- CCA
Health conditions to watch
- Osteochondrodysplasia
- Polycystic kidney disease
About the Foldex
The Foldex was created in Quebec, Canada, by crossing a Scottish Fold with an Exotic Shorthair. The first cat was shown in 1995 by breeder Betty-Ann Yaxley. The Canadian Cat Association accepted the breed into its experimental category in 1998, moved it to new breed in 2006 and gave it championship status in 2010. Few international registries recognise it, and the CFA does not.
The build is stout and medium-sized, with a round face, wide round eyes, a short neck and short legs. Only about half of Foldex kittens carry the folded ears of their Scottish Fold ancestry. The rest have straight ears. Coat length, colour and pattern can all vary.
The fold gene causes a cartilage disorder that affects the whole skeleton, not only the ears. Several European countries and some regions elsewhere restrict or ban the breeding of fold-eared cats, so check local law before you buy. Experts disagree on whether straight-eared Foldex can carry the gene.
Temperament and living with one
Foldex cats are described as calm, affectionate and sociable, like their parent breeds. They like to sit with their people, play at a gentle pace and adapt well to flat living. Most get on with children, other cats and dogs. Because the breed is rare, owners report a range of temperaments, and few formal descriptions exist.
Care: coat, food and play
Comb the coat once or twice a week and more often if it is long. Wipe the face if there is eye staining, and check the folded ears for wax and debris, since they trap dirt. Keep nails trimmed, as the paw joints can be tender.
Feed a complete diet in measured meals, because low activity leads to weight gain, and extra weight is hard on joints. Provide low steps and a gentle play routine.
Health
The Foldex can inherit two main problems. The fold gene is linked to osteochondrodysplasia, a cartilage and bone disorder that can cause painful joints and stiff tails, and affected cats can show signs early. Polycystic kidney disease comes from the Exotic side, and DNA tests exist for it. Tests are also available for the fold gene. Ask your vet about regular checks and about pain if your cat limps or resists handling. A breeder should show you test results for both parents.
Is it right for you?
The Foldex suits a well-informed owner who accepts the welfare debate and wants a calm indoor companion. Many people find a straight-eared cat a safer choice. If you like the round face, consider the British Shorthair or the Exotic Shorthair without the fold gene.
Profile last reviewed November 7, 2026