Pet Wiki

Foldex

Also called Exotic Fold

The Foldex is a bright, happy, confident cat that enjoys attention and a cuddle but also keeps a bit of independence.

SizeMedium
Weight2.3 to 6.4 kg (5 to 14 lb)1
Height20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in)1
Lifespan12 to 15 years1
CoatShort or long, dense and soft
OriginQuebec, Canada; developed from Exotic Shorthair x Scottish Fold crosses in the 1990s (PetlifeCA gives 1992; Wikipedia notes first exhibition in 1995 by Betty-Ann Yaxley).23
Provisionally recognisedShort profile
cheerful and sweet-natured
curious and intelligent
good with children
21

Personality what they are like

The Foldex is a bright, happy, confident cat that enjoys attention and a cuddle but also keeps a bit of independence. It is not usually shy with visitors and settles well into family life.21

Coat and looks how to spot one

short or long, dense and soft

A medium, rounded cat with a short neck and legs, a sweet round face and small ears that fold forward with smooth tips. The dense, plush coat comes in short and long versions, giving the whole cat a teddy-bear look. Only some kittens in a litter develop folded ears; the others keep straight ears.231

Coloursall colours, patterns and combinations23

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Foldex. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Nail trimevery 3 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • Litter scoopevery day
  • Litter changeevery week
  • PlayDaily playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate. Short bursts of lively play a few times a day, followed by long rests.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush at least weekly to spread skin oils and remove loose hair; longhaired cats need a few sessions a week. Bathe occasionally and keep teeth, eyes and the folded ears clean.21

Home where they are happiest

Adapts to most homes, including flats, when given toys and cosy resting spots.1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete, high-protein cat food in measured portions to keep it trim; a shallow or raised bowl can suit its flatter face.1

Company who they like around

Friendly with families, children and other pets when socialised, and enjoys being with its people.12

The story where it all began

Breeders in Quebec started crossing Exotic Shorthairs with Scottish Folds in the early 1990s to create a cuddly, teddy-bear-like cat with folded ears. The Canadian Cat Association granted the Foldex full Championship status in 2010, and it remains a mostly Canadian breed.23

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Only around half of the kittens in a Foldex litter end up with folded ears.2

  2. 2

    Kittens are born with straight ears; any fold shows up at a few weeks old.1

  3. 3

    The breed was deliberately designed to look like a teddy bear.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Foldex' is a portmanteau of 'Fold' (from Scottish Fold) and 'Exotic' (from Exotic Shorthair), reflecting its crossbreed origin.4

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

MaplePoutineTobogganCuddlebugSmoochFoldieMooseButterscotchWhiskerFrostyLumberjackMitten

A day in the life told by a Foldex

I wake up and stretch my folded ears, then hop onto the bed to nudge my human’s nose. He grumbles and I purr louder. After breakfast, I bat a feather toy across the living room, then collapse in a sunbeam for a long nap. When visitors arrive, I trot over and rub their legs, then sit politely for chin scratches. Later, I help my human fold laundry by swatting at socks. At dusk, I curl on the window seat and watch snow fall. A perfect, happy day.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

CCA (Canadian Cat Association)
Full Championship status in 2010; not recognised by the major international registries2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Cat-Friendly Pancakes

A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
  • 1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)

How

  1. Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
  2. Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
  4. Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
  5. Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
  6. Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.

How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Tuna Biscuits for Cats

These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
  • Extra water as needed

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
  4. Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
  5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
  8. Allow to cool completely before storing.

How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Foldex, and at what times?

Feed your Foldex a complete, high-protein cat food in measured portions to keep it trim. A shallow or raised bowl can suit its flatter face. For exact amounts and timing, check the food label and ask your vet.1

What should a Foldex eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A complete, high-protein cat food is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. For a full list, check the ASPCA toxic foods guide and ask your vet.16

Does a Foldex need baths?

Bathe your Foldex only occasionally, such as when it is very dirty or sticky. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing weekly and keeping the ears clean instead. Always use a cat-safe shampoo and ask your vet for advice.217 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Foldex need brushing?

Brush your Foldex at least weekly to spread skin oils and remove loose hair. Longhaired Foldex cats need a few sessions a week. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days.21 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Foldex's claws, and how often?

Trim your Foldex's claws every 21 days as a starting plan, or every ten days to two weeks per general guidance. Go slowly, trimming no more than two claws per session at first. Ask your vet or a groomer to show you the safe technique.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does a Foldex need?

Your Foldex needs moderate activity: short bursts of lively play a few times a day, followed by long rests. Pet Wiki's starting plan includes daily play. Provide toys and cosy resting spots to keep it happy.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Foldex's teeth and ears?

Keep your Foldex's teeth clean by brushing daily if possible, and at least every two days per Pet Wiki's plan. Clean the folded ears gently to prevent issues. Ask your vet for the best dental and ear care routine.21 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Foldex live?

A Foldex typically lives between 12 and 15 years. With good care, regular vet check-ups, and a healthy diet, your cat can enjoy a long, happy life. Senior years usually start around age 11.1 Pet Wiki plan

Is a Foldex good with children and other pets?

Yes, the Foldex is friendly with families, children, and other pets when properly socialised. It is a bright, confident cat that enjoys attention and settles well into family life. Always supervise early interactions.21

Can a Foldex be left alone?

The Foldex enjoys being with its people and keeps a bit of independence, so it can handle some time alone. Provide toys and cosy spots to keep it comfortable. For how long it can be left, ask your vet or a good breeder.21

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

Scottish FoldExotic ShorthairBritish Shorthair

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Hepper: Foldex Cat articles.hepper.comused for weight, height, lifespan, activity, grooming, diet, social needs
  2. PetlifeCA: Cat breeds that come from Canada, part 3: the Foldex petlifeca.caused for origin, recognition, coat, colours, temperament, care, history, fun facts
  3. Wikipedia: Foldex (experimental cat breeds) en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, exhibition date, colours
  4. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
  5. cca-afc.com cca-afc.com
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.