Foldex

The history of the Foldex begins in 1992 in Quebec, Canada when they first started popping up on the scene. The breed was a big draw when they began appearing in cat shows due to their super cute looks. A lot of the subsequent development of the Foldex is credited to a breeder named Jeanne Barrette.

The Foldex was officially granted full championship status by the Canadian Cat Association in 2010. These days, you can find Foldexes in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. So make sure to consider adoption if you decide that this is the breed for you!

The Foldex is a medium-sized cat. As is always the case, exact size standards might vary.

Most Foldexes weigh in at five to 14 pounds. That said, many can be larger or smaller than average.

When it comes to the Foldex’s personality, you’ll struggle to come across a more loving and people-friendly cat breed. These are felines who absolutely love cuddle and snuggle sessions with the humans in their life. At times, you might become convinced you’re actually hanging out with a teddy bear as you lounge together on the couch or the bed! It follows that the Foldex is a cat who adores being petted, which also means they bring a soothing presence to the household.

Along with being adorable, the Foldex has a strong inquisitive streak, so make sure to provide smart interactive toys to keep the breed mentally stimulated, along with suitable cat furniture so they can explore and play at their own pace. These sweet felines are also exceptionally approachable, making them a great fit for big families or homes where there’s a large amount of people always coming and going.

Foldexes are generally considered to be healthy cats; although, they can be predisposed to the same conditions that the Scottish Fold and Exotic Shorthair breeds face. As always, it’s important to schedule regular wellness visits with your cat’s vet. Some of the more common health problems Foldexes suffer from include:

• Skeletal Defects: Osteochondrodysplasia is a genetic disorder that affects the development of cartilage and bone in animals, including cats. In the context of feline health, it’s often associated with breeds that exhibit distinctive physical characteristics, such as short legs or folded ears. The condition results from a mutation that affects the normal growth and formation of bones and cartilage.
• Feline Obesity: Obesity in cats is a common and significant health concern that can have adverse effects on their overall well-being. This condition occurs when a cat consumes more calories than it expends, leading to an excess accumulation of body fat.
• Polycystic Kidney Disease: Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder that affects the kidneys in cats. It is an inherited condition characterized by the development of fluid-filled cysts within the kidneys. PKD is most commonly associated with certain cat breeds, notably the Persian and related breeds, although it can occur in mixed-breed cats as well.

As with all cats, it’s important to keep up your Foldex’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your cat healthy.

Beyond scheduling yearly wellness visits with your vet, you’ll want to add a scratching post to your Foldex’s living environment. This can help promote healthy scratching and keep the cat’s nails in good condition.

The Foldex’s ears should also be examined regularly for signs of dirt building up or possible infection. It’s advisable to talk with your vet about starting a regular teeth brushing regimen that will suit your Foldex. Your vet can advise you about specific brands and techniques. While the Foldex has a sweet and laid back personality, it’s also important to make sure that there is enough space for the breed to play and exercise, so consider adding a cat tree to your home.

The Foldex is a breed of cat that you’ll see in almost every cat color available, and in patterns that include tabby and calico. When it comes to grooming, this will totally depend on whether your Foldex is a long or short haired kitty.

If you have a short haired Foldex, brushing their coat once a week should suffice. But a long haired Foldex will require more frequent brushing to help lessen the chances of hairballs and mats forming. Aim for every other day–although the breed will happily take to daily brushing sessions.

In terms of climate, the Foldex is generally an adaptable breed of cat. Although you should always make sure that there’s enough shade and fresh water available during the hotter months.

The Foldex is a friendly feline who does very well with young children. Just be sure that early socialization takes place and boundaries are properly set on both sides, and supervise early interactions between kids and cats. When it comes to other household pets, the Foldex fares well with many domestic animals, including dogs. Always supervise early interactions between the new cat and existing pets. Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this breed. Make sure to reward your Foldex for good behavior when you bring them home to your family!

It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Foldexes because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try shelters and rescues that cater to all types of cats, including Foldexes, as well as your local shelter. Here are some nonprofit rescues you can try:

• Hope For Paws
• Best Friends Animal Society