Foldex

Breed Characteristics:

Affectionate with Family

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Some cat breeds are typically independent and aloof, even if they've been raised by the same person since kittenhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn't the only factor that goes into affection levels; cats who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.See Cats Less Affectionate with Family

Amount of Shedding

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If you're going to share your home with a cat, you'll need to deal with some level of cat hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary among the breeds. If you're a neatnik, you'll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. This furniture cover can make it easier to clean up cat hair and keep it off your sofa!

• See Cats with Low Amount of Shedding

General Health

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Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems. This doesn't mean that every cat of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they're at an increased risk. If you're looking only for purebred cats or kittens, it's a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you're interested in.See Cats Prone to Health Problems

Potential for Playfulness

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Some cats are perpetual kittens—full of energy and mischief—while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful kitten sounds endearing, consider how many games of chase the mouse-toy you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other animals who can stand in as playmates. A classic wand cat toy like this one is perfect for playful felines!

• See Cats with Low Potential for Playfulness

Tendency to Vocalize

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Some breeds sound off more often than others with meows, yowls, and chattering. When choosing a breed, think about how the cat vocalizes and how often. If constant "conversation" drives you crazy, consider a kitty less likely to chat.See Cats with Lower Tendency to Vocalize

Kid-Friendly

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Being tolerant of children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a nonchalant attitude toward running, screaming youngsters are all traits that make a kid-friendly cat. Our ratings are generalizations, and they're not a guarantee of how any breed or individual cat will behave; cats from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences and personality.See Least Kid Friendly Cats

Friendly Toward Strangers

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Stranger-friendly cats will greet guests with a curious glance or a playful approach; others are shy or indifferent, perhaps even hiding under furniture or skedaddling to another room. However, no matter what the breed, a cat who was exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a kitten will respond better to strangers as an adult.

• See Cats Shy Toward Strangers

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Easy to Groom

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Some breeds require very little in the way of grooming; others require regular brushing to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a cat who needs daily brushing. You should definitely pick up this awesome de-shedding tool for cats of any hair length!

• See Cats That Need to Groom

Intelligence

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Some cat breeds are reputed to be smarter than others. But all cats, if deprived the mental stimulation they need, will make their own busy work. Interactive cat toys are a good way to give a cat a brain workout and keep them out of mischief. This scratcher cat toy can keep your smart kitty busy even when you're not home!

• See Cats with Less Intelligence

Pet Friendly

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Friendliness toward other household animals and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some cats are more likely than others to be accepting of other pets in the home.

• See Least Pet Friendly Cats

More About This Breed

• History

  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!

• Size

  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.

• Personality

  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.

• Health

  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
  • Feline obesity

• Care

  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.

• Coat Color And Grooming

  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.

• Children And Other Pets

  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!

• Rescue Groups

  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

  You can also try CatTime's adoption page that lets you search for adoptable cats by breed and zip code!