Foldex cat facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Foldex Cat
Foldex kitten with a blue spotted tabby coat
Common nicknames	Exotic Fold
Origin	Canada
Foundation bloodstock	Exotic Shorthair, Scottish Fold
Domestic cat (Felis catus)

The Foldex cat, also known as the Exotic Fold, is a special and rare type of cat. It was first developed in Quebec, a province in Canada. This unique breed is currently recognized by only one group, the Canadian Cat Association.

Foldex cats are medium-sized. They have a cute rounded face, short legs, and their most famous feature: folded ears! Their eyes are round and wide open. Foldexes are known for being sweet, charming, active, and cheerful. They really love to be petted. The Canadian Cat Association first recognized them as a "New Breed" in 2006. Later, in 2010, they were given "Championship status."

How the Foldex Cat Started

The Foldex cat breed began in Quebec, Canada, in 1993. A person named Betty-Ann Yaxley first showed these cats at a cat show. People loved the new breed, and some even wanted to help develop it further.

Jeanne Barrette was a big fan of the Foldex. She became a breeder and worked hard with the Foldex cats. Because of her efforts, the Canadian Cat Association recognized the Foldex as an "Experimental breed" in November 1998. It was officially accepted as a "New Breed" in August 2006. The Foldex was created by mixing a Scottish Fold cat with an Exotic Shorthair. This mix resulted in a cat with slightly folded ears.

What Foldex Cats Look Like

Foldex cats are famous for their unique, tiny folded ears with round tips. But not all Foldex kittens will have these folded ears. Only about half of them get the "folded ear" gene. These are called "Folded" cats.

Kittens with folded ears usually start to show the fold when they are about 21 to 28 days old. Cats that don't inherit the folded ear gene are called "Straights." Their ears grow straight, just like most other cat breeds.

Body and Coat

Foldex cats have a medium-sized body with strong muscles. They also have short legs and a short neck. Their ears might look like a Scottish Fold's ears. However, Foldex ears only have one crease that folds forward and down. Scottish Folds have multiple creases, making their ears lie very flat.

Their fur can be either long or short. It is naturally thick and soft. Foldex cats come in many different colors and patterns.

Face Features

Foldex cats have a round face with wide-open eyes. They also have a noticeable nose break between their eyes. Their nose is a bit longer than an Exotic Shorthair's nose. But it is shorter than a Scottish Fold's nose.

Foldex Cat Personality

Foldex cats are very loving but not overly demanding. This makes them wonderful companions. They are very loyal to their owners and enjoy being petted and cuddled. These charming cats are known for being great lap cats. Giving them lots of physical affection will keep them happy.

Foldexes are also very curious and love to explore their home. They are not shy at all and will confidently approach strangers. Their easy-going nature makes them a great choice for families. They usually get along well with children and other pets.

If you live in an apartment, a Foldex can be a good pet because they are not very vocal. Besides being sweet and quiet, Foldexes are also smart. They enjoy playing with toys and puzzle games.

Keeping Your Foldex Healthy

Overall, Foldex cats are a healthy breed. However, like some other breeds, they can have a risk of a kidney problem called polycystic kidney disease (PKD). This means they might develop small sacs of fluid, called cysts, on their kidneys when they get older. It's important for older Foldex cats to be checked for PKD.

Foldexes don't usually inherit many serious genetic diseases. But they can sometimes be more likely to have certain health issues that are also seen in Scottish Folds. These include bone problems and breathing challenges. Regular visits to the vet for check-ups will help keep your Foldex healthy. Foldex cats typically live for about 12 to 15 years.

Caring for a Foldex Cat

Just like any other cat, Foldexes need regular claw trimming and teeth cleaning. For Foldex cats with short fur, it's a good idea to brush them once a week. This helps spread their skin oils and remove loose fur. An occasional bath is also recommended.

Long-haired Foldex cats need more frequent grooming. Their fur can get tangled easily and is more likely to form mats and hairballs.

Diet and Exercise

Foldex cats need a strict eating schedule. They are more likely to become obese (overweight) than average cat breeds. It's recommended to feed them two portions of dry food and one portion of wet food per day. This total amount should be divided into two meals: one in the morning and one in the evening.

It's important to give your Foldex plenty of space to explore around the house. This helps them get their daily exercise. If possible, providing them with some safe outdoor space is also ideal. Foldex cats are very smart and need mental exercise too. Cat puzzles and toys are great ways to keep their minds active and engaged.