Language
Country/Area
No result found
Why is the Scottish Fold cat known as the "owl" of the cat world? How does this peculiar ear fold form?
Scottish Fold cats are widely loved for their unique appearance and personality. The cats have distinctive ears because of a genetic mutation that causes their ears to fold forward and droop downward, reminiscent of an owl. The formation of this type of ears is closely related to a genetic disease called osteochondrodysplasia, which makes the health and breeding of this breed challenging.
This unique ear shape and sweet appearance make the Scottish Fold an eye-catching presence in the cat world.
Historical background
Origin
The earliest examples of Scottish Fold cats date back to 1961, when a white kitten named Susie was found on a farm in Coupar Angus, Scotland. Susie's ears have special folds that make her look like an owl. When Susie was bred and two kittens were born, the mutation was confirmed as a dominant genetic trait. Farm owners William Ross and his wife Molly began a breeding program and registered the breed in 1966.
In the first few years of Scottish Fold cats, 42 out of 76 kittens had folded ears, while 34 had normal ears, showing dominant inheritance of this feature.
Variety recognition
In 1971, the British Cat Association stopped registering Scottish Fold cats due to health concerns. Even after it was introduced to the United States and bred with other cat breeds, the breed's health risks remained. However, this has not diminished its popularity among cat lovers.
Features
Ears
Scottish Fold cats have folded ears due to a genetic defect, which causes their ears to tilt forward from their heads. Ears vary in fold and shape, but generally smaller, tighter ears are preferred. Even though their ears are folded, these cats can still use their ears for expression and communication, and their ears can move flexibly to capture sounds.
Body
The body structure of this cat ranges from medium to large, and can be any color, including particolor. Their tails and limbs are equally rounded in shape as their body shape, which makes their overall appearance quite cute.
Genetics
The ear folding of Scottish Fold cats is controlled by an incompletely dominant gene. This gene causes ear deformations, and the same mutation can also affect bone development, causing further health problems. According to research, although cats with folded ears may look cute, their health risks cannot be ignored. Gene mutations cause the vast majority of Scottish Fold cats to suffer from skeletal complications.
Research indicates that every Scottish Fold cat is affected by osteochondrodysplasia, which means they will suffer from joint disease in adulthood.
Health issues
These cats are obsessed with their cute appearance, yet their health issues are often overlooked. Many studies have shown that these cats are susceptible to conditions such as polycystic kidney disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Osteochondroplasia, in particular, can cause early mobility difficulties in cats, including possible severe joint disease.
Legal and Accreditation Issues
Due to health concerns, some countries and states have banned breeding of Scottish Fold cats to protect the welfare of the animals. The enforcement of these laws reflects a deep concern for the health of this cat breed. Some major cat associations such as GCCF and FIFe still do not recognize this breed, which brings challenges to breeding and exhibition activities.
Popular culture
Despite health issues, the Scottish Fold cat's unique appearance and friendly personality make it an adorable pet for many people, and even favored by many celebrities. American singer Taylor Swift owns two cats of this breed, making more people know and love them.
Scottish Fold cats must be loved by countless cat lovers, but their health problems are still worth pondering. What are your opinions on caring for this charming cat?
