The Scottish fold-eared cat is, on the surface, one of the cutest cats out there! With their distinctive forward-folding ears that give them owl-like characteristics, these cats are undeniably adorable. You will no doubt recognize this adorable breed as it has become popular in recent years. Celebrities like Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran frequently share photos of their beloved creases with their millions of followers on social media.
But did you know that the unique features of the Scottish Fold come at a cost? Next, we’ll take a look at how the breed came to be and the truth behind its famous characteristics.
how did the scottish fold come about?
As the name suggests, the first known Scottish ear fold was discovered in Perthshire, Scotland. Susie, a white barn cat, had a naturally occurring genetic mutation that meant the cartilage in her ears wasn’t strong enough to hold them upright like other normal cats. this anomaly led to the forward bent ear that we have come to recognize as the distinctive feature of the breed.
when susie had kittens, they also showed these same characteristics. Susie’s owner subsequently saw an opportunity to recreate this “pretty” look on a much larger scale. therefore susie was bred with british shorthairs and other local farm cats and soon the scottish fold became one of the most sought after breeds in the uk and usa.
what’s the problem with a little bad cartilage?
Although the folded ears of the Scottish Fold do not cause noticeable problems in cats, the genetic mutation that causes defective ear cartilage is not unique to the ears. The hereditary cartilage defect causes other, more problematic deformities throughout the body, resulting in a condition called osteochondrodysplasia. this is an incurable disease that causes joint pain and swollen scotch folds from 7 weeks of age and for the rest of their often short lives.
Common features of the Scottish fold include malformations of the forelimbs, hindlimbs, spine, and tail. this ultimately leads to painful, stiff, or even fused joints. And we are not just talking about a small unfortunate selection of these cats. all fool folds will develop these lifelong incurable problems at some point in their life.
The wellness implications of this inherited cartilage defect are numerous. joint pain will affect the cat’s mobility, often leading to lameness and an abnormal gait, but will also affect the cat’s ability to display natural behaviors such as walking, running, jumping, and grooming.
should beauty come before comfort?
Anyone who has met one of these charming cats will know that the positive characteristics of the Scottish fold, cosmetics aside, are plentiful. they usually have a lovely gentle temperament and quirky features. But many veterinary professionals, including International Cat Care and the British Veterinary Association, agree that it really is not acceptable to breed a cat that will knowingly suffer from health problems. especially when the only reason to do so is human gratification!
So while it’s tempting to choose your pets based on the cuteness factor, don’t forget to also consider what will make them healthier and therefore happier in the long run.
here are some tips that are always worth considering when looking for your next feline friend:
- always avoid breeds with “designer” or extreme characteristics. choose a healthier breed or non-pedigreed cat instead.
- talk to your vet about any breeds you might be considering, as they will know a lot about breed health considerations and any specific things you need to be aware of
- If you have a cat with hereditary health problems, be sure to take your cat to the vet regularly for a full checkup and to be aware of any existing or potential problems.
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further reading:
scottish fold – osteochondrodysplasia – ufaw
