Folded Eras: Taylor Swift’s beloved Scottish Fold cats make the purrr-fect companions

The Scottish Fold, a breed cherished by celebrities like Taylor Swift, who owns a duo named Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson, and Ed Sheeran, who has one named Calippo, has been crowned the UK’s most beloved cat breed. According to a study by Burns Pet Nutrition, these charming felines have won the hearts of the nation, with 75 percent of participants acknowledging their intelligence and 67 percent praising their affectionate nature.

An impressive 92 percent of cat owners agree that Scottish Folds are the simplest to train among breeds. Their sales soared to 110,000 in the UK in 2021, a trend partly attributed to their association with social media influencers. Ragdoll cats, adored for their cuddliness, ranked second in popularity.

The survey, which gathered opinions from 2,041 cat owners, also shed light on how the color of a cat can influence its trainability and affection levels. For instance, Calico cats topped the list as the most trainable, with 80 percent of their owners finding them responsive to commands, while Tabby cats were noted for their cuddliness by 25 percent of their owners and their ease of training by 85 percent.

Laura Crotch Harvey, Nutrition Manager at Burns Pet Nutrition, remarked, ‘All cat breeds are often unfairly lumped in together as one.’ She emphasized the distinct personalities and needs of each breed, advising prospective pet owners to thoroughly research to find the ideal match for their lifestyle.

Despite the Scottish Fold’s popularity, Cats Protection has voiced concerns over their health, advocating for a ban on their breeding since 2022. The charity also criticizes celebrities for fueling the demand for these pets.