Grooming your Scottish Fold

Shorthair Folds have a short, dense, plush coat much like a British Shorthair's

Shorthair Folds have a short, dense, plush coat much like a British Shorthair's — springy, low-maintenance, and shed-prone in spring. Longhair Folds (sometimes called Highland Folds) have a medium-long, silky coat with a full ruff and britches — closer to a Ragdoll in maintenance, needing 2–3 brush-outs a week and attention to friction zones. Neither variety mats aggressively, but the longhair version can tangle under the arms and on the belly if neglected. Know your cat's coat length — it's the single biggest factor in the routine.

Shorthair Fold: once a week, 5–10 minutes with a rubber mitt or soft slicker

Shorthair Fold: once a week, 5–10 minutes with a rubber mitt or soft slicker — brush against the coat first to lift the dense undercoat, then smooth down. Bump to twice weekly in spring shedding season. Longhair Fold: 2–3 full sessions per week with a stainless steel comb followed by a slicker, working the ruff, sides, and britches separately. Folds of both types are famously easygoing — most accept grooming with owl-eyed patience — so sessions stay calm. Check friction zones (armpits, belly, behind ears) during every session on longhairs.

This is the Scottish Fold's special grooming need.

This is the Scottish Fold's special grooming need. The folded ear traps wax, moisture, and debris more than an upright ear, so check both ears weekly — lift the fold gently and look inside. Wipe the visible outer ear and the fold crease with a damp cotton round or a vet-approved ear wipe; never push into the canal. Watch for odor, dark discharge, redness, or head-shaking — folded ears are more prone to buildup that can become problematic, so if anything looks off, ask your vet rather than digging deeper yourself.

Shorthair Folds need baths only a few times a year, when the coat feels greasy or looks dull.

Shorthair Folds need baths only a few times a year, when the coat feels greasy or looks dull. Longhair Folds benefit from a bath every 2–3 months to keep the silky coat from going limp. Either way: thorough pre-bath brushing (critical for longhairs — water tightens tangles), warm water, cat-safe shampoo, complete rinse, and full drying. The dense shorthair coat resists wetting, so work water down to the skin patiently. Folds are typically calm bathers, which makes the whole process easier than with more dramatic breeds.

Trim nails every 3–4 weeks

Trim nails every 3–4 weeks; Folds' round paws and sturdy claws need regular maintenance and a good scratching post. Brush teeth several times a week with enzymatic cat toothpaste. One Fold-specific note: during grooming, run your hands along the tail — the breed can develop tail stiffness, and a gentle tail check during brushing sessions helps you notice changes early. If the tail ever seems painful or inflexible, mention it to your vet at the next visit.

Book during spring shedding for a deshedding treatment (both coat types), for longhair mat checks and sanitary trims, and for the bath-and-dry if you'd rather skip it at home. A professional ear detail during the groom keeps the folded ears in top shape. At All About Pawz in Memphis, Bath Only starts at $45 and Bath & Haircut from $75.