Amazing facts about Scottish Folds

Scottish folds are a very popular breed of cat well know for their folded ears and their overall owl-like appearance. These folds are caused by a genetic mutation that causes in some of the cats severe osteochondrodysplasia(OCD). This is why many organizations do not recognize them as a breed.

Studies have showed that this mutation can be vanished from the genetic pool with the help of selective breeding. But since people like these cats for their unique look this mutation gives them, breeders continue to make folded cats.

At least they have minimized the impact this mutation has on the cats and nowadays a folded Scottish fold can live healthy for many years. But in general straight eared folds tend to be healthier.

Apart from their appearance though they have some unique traits that make them lovable and amazing human companions.

Lovely PersonalityThe personality of scottish fold is amazing and mostly responsible for the Scottish fold love craziness the last years. Scottish folds are extremely adaptable and do well wherever you put them. From social gatherings at home, to cat shows, to lonely people living lighthouses. They thrive everywhere as long as they have their owner close to them.

Amazing facts about Scottish Folds

Scottish folds also do well with other pets and children, they are very patient and affectionate. Over time they will build a strong relationship with anyone in the house.

Scottish folds are also known for their intelligence, curiosity and playfulness. Fetch is one the favourites. Happy hours and play time never end with a Scottish fold in the house.

Lazy?Folds are not famous for their high activity levels. They are mostly known as a lazy kind of breed. Nevertheless, they do like to be and play outdoors and to move around. It is just that they need their time for relaxation too. I believe that when it comes to movement and exercise they are a balanced breed that keeps the good of both worlds.

Amazing facts about Scottish Folds

HistoryAll Scottish folds are descendants of a cat named "Susie". Susie lived, you guessed it, in Scotland. One day a local farmer and cat lover named William Ross noticed that his neighbour had a cat with strange folded ears. When Susie gave birth he requested and got one of her kittens with folded ears. Then with the help of the gene expert Pat Turner, they breaded Susie’s offspring and went on to create a new breed that today is know as Scottish Folds.

Amazing facts about Scottish Folds

BreedingUnfortunately, the folds in the ears are caused by a genetic mutation that also causes several diseases in this breed. For this many cat organizations deleted folds from their catalogs and those who did kept them, set strict regulations for the breeding process. Nowdays breeding of two folded cats is considered unethical breeding, because it always produces some kittens that will develop severe OCD later in their life.

Actually no organization (i know) pushed towards the right direction, which is to recognise only thestraights Scottish folds. Straights don’t have folded ears but they do have the amazing personality all Scottish folds share together. With careful breeding the very mutation that brought this breed intoexistence can be bred out. After that we will have a breed no very distinct physically from all the others, but with a very unique and special character.

Last WordsIf you do have a Scottish fold with folded ears, don’t worry. It doesn’t mean that it will definitely suffer from OCD late in life, though it is highly possible. What you should do, is have a vet check atleast every 6 months to be sure everything is ok. Another thing you can to do is keep your fold fit, regulate his nutrition and make sure it gets enough exercise and movement.

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